Psychological injuries can be just as serious as physical injuries after an accident. In British Columbia, a person injured in a dog attack, slip and fall, assault, or other traumatic incident may be left dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic symptoms, sleep disruption, cognitive difficulties, and major changes in mood, relationships, and work capacity. These claims are real, but they are often denied or minimized because the injuries are less visible than fractures, scans, or surgical findings.
That does not mean British Columbia law treats psychological harm as less important. The Supreme Court of Canada has confirmed that mental injury is compensable in negligence cases. A plaintiff does not have to prove a formally diagnosed “recognized psychiatric illness” as a strict legal precondition to recovery. What the law requires is proof of a serious and prolonged mental disturbance that rises above the ordinary anxieties, annoyances, and emotional upset … Continue reading
