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PTSD & Emotional Distress Claims

Michigan PTSD and emotional distress attorneys representing accident survivors suffering from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma.

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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.

Use our free case calculator for a preliminary estimate of your claim value.

PTSD & Emotional Distress Claims

Invisible Injuries Deserve Full Compensation

Insurance companies try to ignore or minimize psychological injuries because they aren't visible on an X-ray. Koussan Law refuses to let that happen. We present expert testimony and comprehensive documentation that compels insurers and juries to recognize and compensate the full psychological toll of traumatic accidents.

Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Call (313) 800-0000.

Aggressive Representation for PTSD & Emotional Distress Claimants

If you or a loved one has suffered due to someone else's negligence, Koussan Law is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Free consultation. No fees unless we win. Call (313) 800-0000 today.

Can I recover damages for PTSD after an accident in Michigan?

Yes. PTSD and emotional distress are recognized compensable injuries in Michigan. Under MCL 500.3135, if your physical injuries meet the serious impairment threshold, you can recover for accompanying PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress as part of your pain and suffering damages. Michigan courts also recognize standalone intentional infliction of emotional distress claims.

What evidence is needed to prove PTSD in a Michigan claim?

Medical documentation is essential: a formal PTSD diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist using DSM-5 criteria, treatment records showing ongoing therapy and medication management, testimony from treating mental health providers, documentation of symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance), and testimony from family members about behavioral changes.

Can I recover for emotional distress without physical injury in Michigan?

Michigan generally requires physical injury for negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) claims. However, exceptions exist for bystander NIED (witnessing a close family member's injury), zone of danger cases, and intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED), which requires extreme and outrageous conduct. Michigan courts are increasingly recognizing standalone PTSD claims in severe cases.

What is the statute of limitations for emotional distress claims?

Under MCL 600.5805(2), the standard three-year statute applies. For PTSD triggered by the accident, the claim typically runs from the date of the underlying accident, not from the PTSD diagnosis date. However, the discovery rule may apply in cases where the psychological injury manifests later. Document mental health treatment from the start.

How does Koussan Law handle PTSD and emotional distress claims?

Koussan Law works with psychiatrists and psychologists to document PTSD and emotional distress comprehensively. We ensure that the psychological component of your injury is valued separately and added to your total claim. Attorney Ali Koussan fights for the full recognition of mental health injuries. Call (313) 800-0000.

Our Practice Areas

At Koussan Law, no case is too complex. Whether it’s a trucking accident, lead poisoning, or a child’s rights violation, our experienced attorneys are committed to achieving justice for you and your loved ones.

Texting While Driving Accidents

Texting While Driving Accidents

Michigan texting while driving accident attorneys representing victims injured by drivers distracted by their phones and mobile devices.

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Speeding Accidents

Speeding Accidents

Michigan speeding accident attorneys representing victims of high-speed crashes where excessive speed caused catastrophic injuries and death.

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Drowsy Driving Accidents

Drowsy Driving Accidents

Michigan drowsy driving accident attorneys representing victims injured by fatigued and sleep-deprived drivers on Michigan roads and highways.

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Neck Injuries

Neck Injuries

Michigan neck injury attorneys representing victims of cervical disc herniations, cervical fractures, and neck trauma caused by car accidents, falls, and other incidents.

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Scarring & Disfigurement

Scarring & Disfigurement

Michigan scarring and disfigurement attorneys representing victims whose accidents left permanent visible scars, facial injuries, and disfiguring wounds.

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Knee & Leg Injuries

Knee & Leg Injuries

Michigan knee and leg injury attorneys representing victims of ACL tears, meniscus injuries, tibial fractures, and other lower extremity injuries from accidents.

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With Koussan Law, you’re never alone in your fight for justice.

Get in touch today to learn how we can help you.

CALL US (313)800-0000Free Consultation

Get The Koussan Law Advantage Today

We believe legal representation should be attainable for anyone. This means you don’t pay until we win.

If you or a loved one has been injured
call us at (313)800-0000 to contact us today!

821 West Milwaukee | Detroit, Michigan 48202

425 S 3rd St | Marquette, MI 49855

contact@k-law.com

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© 2026 Koussan Law is a law firm located in Detroit, Michigan. For the addresses of all the firms Koussan Law works with, please see the disclaimers page. Any client experiences described are for illustrative purposes only. Although representative of the types of cases we've handled and our clients' experiences, some of the specifics may be fictional. We're happy to provide more specific experiences upon request. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results afford no guarantee of future results. Every case must be judged on its own merits. Information on this website is not legal advice. Reviewing the information on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the law firm. No fee or cost if no recovery. Any result the endorsed law firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients. In some instances, a legal matter may be referred to other attorneys only with the client's informed consent. Lawyer Advertisement.