Psychological / PTSD Settlements: 7 Cases Analyzed

One driver was stopped at a traffic light when the other driver, who was behind them, switched lanes and then swerved back, hitting the first vehicle. The collision occurred at the driver's door and front fender.

In January 2015, a man was killed in a car accident. His body was sent for burial services. Before the services, the family discovered the wrong body was in the casket. They filed a lawsuit for emotional distress caused by the mix-up. A jury found the funeral home responsible for the family's mental harm and awarded damages.

A supervisor alleged sexual harassment by a subordinate and subsequent retaliation when she reported the conduct. The supervisor claimed the harassment was severe and pervasive, and that she was fired for complaining. The jury found against the supervisor on both claims, resulting in a defense judgment.

One driver brought an action against another motorist after a collision. The driver then filed a claim for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the collision caused depression and that their damages exceeded the other driver's limits. The insurance company refused to pay, and the driver alleged breach of contract and bad faith for failure to conduct an adequate investigation. The defense argued that the depression was not related to the accident or was exaggerated.

One driver alleged injuries after a cement mixer truck's chute detached and struck her. She claimed physical, emotional, and psychological harm, including mental anguish. Experts were involved in assessing her condition and treatment needs.

A driver was rear-ended by a truck, forcing his vehicle off the road into a rock wall. The impact caused significant damage to the plaintiff's car. The plaintiff claimed to suffer from PTSD as a result of the accident. The defense argued the plaintiff's own actions caused the damages. The jury found the defendant driver mostly at fault.

One driver was stopped at a red light when another vehicle ran a red light and collided with a large truck. The truck then rolled onto the first driver's vehicle. The first driver sustained a sprained ankle and concussion, and claimed to have developed post-traumatic stress disorder and that the stress aggravated her pre-existing diabetes.