POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
PTSD Disability Lawyer for Alberta and Saskatchewan
Post-traumatic stress disorder is often misunderstood by insurance agents and legal professionals who do not know how the condition and its causes can prevent you from working.
We all know that some people — such as soldiers who have been in combat or people who have been seriously physically assaulted — can suffer from PTSD. At Ludwar Law Firm we also know that ordinary people who have suffered an "ordinary" trauma, such as a car accident, losing a loved one, or seeing someone else die or be assaulted can also have the same symptoms and suffer the same kind of disability.
PTSD can be caused by an assault or other trauma at a workplace, such as a bank robbery or an out-of-control patient at a hospital. This makes it not only difficult for you to go on with your life, but also especially difficult for you to go back to your particular workplace.
PTSD Effects on Your Life
After an accident, assault or other traumatic experience, it's normal to experience nightmares, anxiety, and other negative effects. Usually they go away as the experience fades into your past. However, for some people, they stay and become more and more difficult to deal with. PTSD can cause:
- Nightmares
- Panic attacks
- Detached emotions or numbness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty controlling emotions like anger or fear
- Wanting to avoid anything that reminds you of the traumatic event
- Difficulty with memory and concentration
- Guilt, shame
- Substance abuse
- Depression
- Physical aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts and feelings
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Lawyer
Many of the symptoms of PTSD are vague and are things that most people experience after any trauma. Therefore, even if you have been through a traumatic event, insurance companies, and legal professionals may feel that you're not really disabled.
Our Calgary PTSD disability lawyer can explain what your symptoms mean and how they affect you. Many insurance companies will claim that PTSD is a valid reason to not be able to work, but insist that there is not enough objective medical evidence that you are suffering from PTSD. We will help you provide the medical evidence necessary under Alberta and Saskatchewan law, and help you get the compensation you need.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and disability claims:
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What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD can vary but commonly include:
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Flashbacks and reliving traumatic events
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Nightmares and distressing dreams related to the trauma
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Avoidance, including steering clear of triggers of the trauma
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Hypervigilance and feeling constantly on edge or easily startled
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Negative mood, such as persistent feelings of guilt, shame or anger
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Intrusive thoughts and unwanted memories or distressing images
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Difficulty concentrating and focusing on tasks
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Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
PTSD symptoms typically begin within three months of the traumatic event, but they can also appear later. For many, PTSD can have long-standing and life-altering implications.
2. Can I get short-term disability for PTSD?
In short, yes. Individuals with PTSD are eligible for short-term disability benefits. However, receiving benefits depends on whether you meet specific criteria outlined by insurance providers and government agencies.
To qualify, you must provide a written diagnosis from a healthcare professional detailing how PTSD impairs your ability to work. Additionally, documentation of your medical treatments may be required. A disability claims lawyer can help you gather all the necessary documentation to increase the chances of a successful claim.
3. Can car accident victims have PTSD?
Car accident victims can indeed have PTSD due to the traumatic nature of the event. Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to PTSD. In fact, almost 40 per cent of motor vehicle accident survivors may develop PTSD.
Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares and avoidance of riding in or driving a car. Seeking support from mental health professionals can help you cope and manage your symptoms. It can also provide essential documentation needed for a successful disability benefits claim.
4. Can I get compensation for PTSD?
Compensation for PTSD can be pursued through various avenues. Short-term disability (STD) benefits may cover temporary incapacity, while long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide support for extended periods. Additionally, tort damages from lawsuits related to negligence could offer compensation. Consulting a disability claims lawyer can help determine your eligibility and navigate the complex claims process.
5. What do I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
Insurance companies often deny PTSD claims because it’s an invisible illness that can be difficult to prove. Reasons insurance companies deny claims include:
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Insufficient documentation or medical evidence to support the claim
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Little or no treatment has been received
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There are alternate occupations available
If your claim is rejected, you can file an internal appeal. If the appeal is unsuccessful, you may need to negotiate independently with your insurance company or file a lawsuit. A disability claims lawyer from Ludwar Law Firm can help you navigate the appeals process, negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your rights in court.
For more answers to your questions about making a PTSD claim, contact us today and speak to a PTSD disability lawyer in Calgary, Alberta, Regina, Saskatchewan and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Contact Ludwar Law Firm
If PTSD has affected your ability to work, contact Ludwar Law Firm today.