A study of 907 trauma patients showed that those with weak or nonexistent social support were more likely to have functional limitations, chronic pain, and higher rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety 6 to 12 months after injury compared with those with strong social support.
The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary represents car accident victims throughout their recovery, documenting not only their injuries but also the caregiving responsibilities assumed by family members to help pursue the full compensation available under personal injury law. This includes the full scope of recoverable damages arising from the accident and its impact on the victim's and the family's daily life.
Family Support Improves Physical Recovery and Reduces Pain
A large transport accident study of 1,649 people with musculoskeletal injury found that family and friend support was associated with better physical health outcomes after a transport incident. Married or committed people have higher physical health scores, and those backed by family, friends, or neighbors suffer less persistent pain. Certain groups were also more likely to return to work after receiving support from friends and family.
In older adults presenting to emergency departments after motor vehicle collisions, those with higher perceived social support reported significantly lower pain severity six weeks after the crash compared with those with low perceived support. As a result, these outcomes have an impact on compensation claims since the length and severity of the injury, as well as the ability to return to work, directly influence economic and non-economic damages.
The Impact on Mental Health and PTSD Symptoms
Despite the psychological effects of an accident, friends and family can help minimize them. Studies have shown that the greater the level of support from family and friends, the lower the level of PTSD symptoms following motor vehicle accidents, at both the 6-month and 12-month intervals. Conversely, a trauma patient with poor social support has a higher rate of anxiety, depression, and PTSD one year after the injury.
Without adequate support systems in place, PTSD and depression often stick around longer and can drive up non-economic damages tied to emotional distress and quality of life. Expert testimony tying limited family support to prolonged psychological symptoms can be important backing for a compensation claim.
How Family Caregiving Impacts Personal Injury Compensation Claims
Studies of injury survivors have found that family and friends provide both emotional support and practical help, from transportation to appointments to assistance around the house. That support is a real asset to recovery, but it also places significant burdens on the family members who rearrange their lives and take on caregiving roles to provide it.
Family members often take on substantial caregiving and administrative responsibilities after a serious accident, from assisting with daily activities to coordinating medical care and insurance matters. These added burdens can create significant stress and disruption to family life. Depending on the circumstances, the effects of this caregiving burden may be considered when pursuing damages for loss of household services, loss of consortium, and other accident-related losses.
Pursuing Full Compensation with The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary
If your injuries prevent you from doing things you normally did (cleaning, cooking, childcare, errands), Florida law allows you to seek compensation for the value of those lost household services.
If you were injured in an auto accident, we can help you get the money you deserve for your injuries.
Call The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.