When patients visit a healthcare provider, they trust that they will receive reasonable care and that any problems will be resolved. Unfortunately, medical malpractice has become too common in recent years, leading to a significant emotional toll on personal injury victims. The harm caused by this misconduct may not be visible, but it can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
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The Shock Of Discovery
Learning what happened and the realization that something went wrong can be overwhelming. People who experience medical malpractice can experience shock, anger, confusion, and disbelief. It is natural to question the accuracy of your medical diagnostic reports and what the next step for your healthcare is. Victims may also question their expectations for quality healthcare, and it can take time to accept and come to terms with what happened.
Emotional Vulnerability
Victims of medical malpractice can be emotionally vulnerable, and the sense of betrayal can be significant. Beyond feeling vulnerable, patients may begin to think of their situation as a nightmare. As you grapple with these emotions, it is important to find support from family, friends, and mental health professionals. Support systems can help you process emotions, work through fears, and various anxieties.
Changes in Relationships
Medical malpractice can have a ripple effect on personal relationships. Family and friends can also feel helpless, unable to do something to ease the pain and suffering of someone they love. When you also consider the care team, insurance representatives, lawyers, and judges who could be involved, there is a potential for strong, long-term emotional reactions that harm relationships that may never be the same. The litigation process can be stressful, and families often become deeply involved in it, which can be overwhelming and even devastating.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression can develop after experiencing medical malpractice. Largely because of trauma, survivors may avoid future medical procedures because their trust has been broken, which can have disastrous consequences. Reopening past trauma can be challenging, and finding ways to approach medical care with newfound trepidation can take years to resolve. Therapy is a helpful way to cope with anxiety and depression, and finding a qualified therapist who has experience with medical malpractice cases is an excellent decision.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Victims of medical malpractice can also experience PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks and nightmares. They may experience symptoms similar to those found in physically traumatized individuals after surviving or witnessing some type of traumatic event. In some cases, even after therapy, individuals may still experience flashbacks and nightmares. PTSD can take time and patience to overcome, but progress is possible with the right support.
Conclusion
The pain and suffering that come with medical malpractice can extend far beyond physical harm to emotional injury. The trauma of medical malpractice can manifest in several ways, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and even feelings of betrayal. While legal action can provide some level of compensation, a lawsuit won’t necessarily help a person to process their emotional trauma. Instead, seeking out emotional support, therapy or even peer support groups can help to aid in coping with trauma. Identifying the most critical support resources and establishing a routine may be the best way to begin to build around your life after medical malpractice.