Traumatic physical injuries and their link to mental health issues

In personal injury lawsuits, when an injured person has sustained significant and debilitating physical injuries, the focus is often placed on ensuring they have the necessary rehabilitation treatments in place to assist in their physical recovery.



And while recovery from physical injuries and compensation related to those physical injuries is important, there is often a less obvious but no less real psychological component that impacts the injured person as well.

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that in fact psychological illness and injury is often directly linked to traumatic physical injury.



The results showed that people who sustain traumatic physical injuries are more likely to be hospitalized in the months and years following their traumatic injuries, for mental-health related issues, like depression and anxiety. They are also at an increased risk of suicide.

This study helps us understand the link between physical injury and mental health and underscores the importance of ensuring that individuals who sustain traumatic physical injuries receive both physical and psychological treatment, in order to ensure their complete recovery.



In the context of a personal injury claim, the results provide guidance to lawyers in making decisions about the types of medical experts to consult with and in understanding the potential impacts of injury on work and personal pursuits.

Greg Pratch is a lawyer and partner with Pushor Mitchell LLP. He practices in civil litigation with a particular focus of personal injury matters and employment law. In his personal injury practice, he has helped individuals injured in both BC and Alberta recover compensation for all types of injuries including whiplash, soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, broken bones, spinal injuries and brain injuries. In his employment law practice, Greg advises both employers and employees on all matters relating to employment, including wrongful dismissal, human rights issues and employment standards legislation. Greg also advises clients on general commercial disputes and tax disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency. Be sure to connect with Greg Pratch on Twitter @OkanaganLawyer.