PTSD & Emotional Distress Claims

Michigan PTSD & Emotional Distress Claims

The physical injuries from a serious accident are only part of the picture. Many accident survivors develop debilitating psychological conditions — post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and sleep disorders — that can be just as disabling as their physical injuries. Under Michigan law, psychological injuries caused by an accident are fully compensable, and Koussan Law ensures these damages are included in every claim we pursue.

Common Psychological Injuries After Accidents

PTSD following car accidents, assaults, and other traumatic events can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance of driving or certain locations, panic attacks, emotional numbness, and difficulty maintaining relationships and employment. Accident-related depression can be severe and persistent. Driving phobias can prevent a person from commuting to work. Sleep disorders and chronic anxiety affect every aspect of daily life. These conditions are real, documented medical diagnoses — not signs of weakness.

Michigan Law and Emotional Distress

In auto accident cases, emotional distress and PTSD are compensable as part of a third-party pain and suffering claim under MCL § 500.3135 when they result from a serious impairment of body function or serious disfigurement. Michigan also recognizes standalone claims for negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) when a person witnesses a traumatic event involving a close family member, and intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) when outrageous conduct causes severe emotional harm.

Documenting Psychological Injuries

The key to recovering fair compensation for psychological injuries is thorough documentation. We connect our clients with psychologists and psychiatrists who properly diagnose and treat conditions like PTSD and depression, creating a medical record that establishes causation, severity, and treatment needs. Expert psychological testimony at trial can demonstrate the profound impact of these invisible injuries on our clients' lives.

Call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000 if you're suffering psychologically after an accident.