Car accidents, workplace injuries, or violent incidents don’t only cause physical harm — they can also leave deep psychological scars. Many people experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and emotional trauma after an accident, yet these invisible injuries often go unnoticed or uncompensated.
At SG Injury Law, a leading personal injury law firm in Kingston, we believe emotional suffering deserves the same recognition and compensation as physical injuries. In this guide, we’ll explain how PTSD and emotional trauma claims work under Ontario’s personal injury law — and how a Kingston personal injury lawyer can help you pursue justice.
1. What Is PTSD and Emotional Trauma After an Accident?
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a distressing event — such as a car crash, workplace accident, assault, or medical error.
Common symptoms include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares about the incident
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or depression
- Avoidance of places or activities that trigger memories
- Emotional numbness or irritability
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
These symptoms can interfere with your daily life, relationships, and ability to work — making it essential to seek both medical help and legal support.
2. Can You Claim Compensation for PTSD and Emotional Trauma?
Yes. Under Ontario personal injury law, psychological injuries like PTSD are recognized as valid grounds for compensation.
If your trauma was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Pain and suffering (non-pecuniary damages)
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Cost of therapy, medication, and rehabilitation
- Impact on relationships and quality of life
However, proving emotional trauma can be more complex than physical injuries — which is why working with an experienced Kingston personal injury lawyer is essential.
3. How to Prove a PTSD or Emotional Trauma Claim
To build a strong case, your personal injury lawyer will gather evidence showing how the traumatic event directly affected your mental health. Key forms of evidence may include:
- Medical reports from psychiatrists, psychologists, or family doctors
- Treatment records and therapy notes
- Expert testimony from mental health professionals
- Witness statements from family, friends, or colleagues describing changes in your behavior
- Personal journal entries or documentation of symptoms
The goal is to connect your emotional suffering directly to the incident and demonstrate the impact on your daily life.
4. The Role of a Personal Injury Law Firm in Kingston
At SG Injury Law, we know that emotional trauma is real — and that recovery takes time. Our experienced Kingston personal injury lawyers provide compassionate, results-driven representation for clients suffering from PTSD and related mental health injuries.
We help you by:
- Gathering the right medical evidence to support your claim
- Dealing with insurance companies that may undervalue emotional damages
- Negotiating fair compensation for therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Representing you in court if necessary
Our legal team ensures your story is heard — and your suffering is recognized.
5. Why PTSD Claims Are Often Undervalued
Unfortunately, many insurance companies still treat emotional trauma as a “minor” or subjective injury. They may question your symptoms or offer low settlements because psychological pain isn’t as visible as physical damage.
That’s where a skilled personal injury lawyer in Kingston makes a difference. SG Injury Law knows how to present medical evidence, expert testimony, and personal impact statements to prove the legitimacy of your PTSD claim — and push for the full compensation you deserve.
6. Time Limits for Filing a PTSD Claim in Ontario
Ontario’s Limitations Act generally gives you two years from the date of the accident (or the date you discovered your injury) to file a claim.
Because PTSD symptoms can develop gradually, the “discovery date” may differ from the accident date. It’s best to consult a Kingston personal injury lawyer as soon as you notice ongoing emotional distress, so you don’t miss your window to claim compensation.
7. Steps to Take if You’re Experiencing PTSD After an Accident
If you suspect you’re suffering from PTSD or trauma following an accident, here’s what to do:
- Seek medical attention immediately — early diagnosis strengthens both your recovery and your legal claim.
- Follow your treatment plan — therapy and medication records serve as crucial evidence.
- Document your symptoms — keep a daily journal of your emotional state, sleep, and triggers.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer — SG Injury Law can evaluate your claim and guide you through the process.
Remember: emotional injuries are just as real as physical ones — and they deserve recognition in the eyes of the law.
8. Why Choose SG Injury Law
At SG Injury Law, we combine compassion with proven results. Our firm has a strong record of representing clients across Kingston and Ontario who have suffered both physical and emotional trauma.
Here’s why clients trust us:
- We specialize exclusively in personal injury law
- We offer free consultations and work on a no-win, no-fee basis
- We handle every case with empathy and discretion
- We have a track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD after an accident, our team is here to help you rebuild your life.
Final Thoughts
Emotional trauma can be just as devastating as any physical injury — and it deserves fair compensation. With the help of a dedicated personal injury law firm in Kingston, you can take the first step toward healing and justice.
SG Injury Law is committed to standing by your side, ensuring your voice is heard, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.