Personal Injury and Emotional Trauma Lawyers: QTMG

In the context of personal injury law, emotional distress refers to significant psychological suffering caused by an accident, injury, or other traumatic event. It can manifest as diagnosed mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, panic disorders, or adjustment disorders. Emotional distress may also include ongoing feelings of fear, helplessness, or humiliation that affect your relationships, work performance, or daily activities. To qualify for compensation, your lawyer will typically need to show that these symptoms are directly linked to the accident and have caused measurable harm in your life.

Yes, it is possible. Canadian courts recognize pure psychological injury claims where the harm is emotional or mental rather than physical. However, these claims can be more complex because the injury is invisible. You will need credible evidence such as a formal diagnosis, treatment records, and testimony from qualified mental health professionals. The legal test generally requires proving that your emotional injury is serious, lasting, and caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.

For a strong PTSD compensation claim, you should gather both medical and personal evidence. Medical evidence includes a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist, therapy or counselling records, and medication history if applicable. Personal evidence can involve journals documenting your symptoms, witness statements from family or colleagues about changes in your behaviour, and proof of missed work or reduced performance. In some cases, your lawyer may also bring in expert witnesses to explain how PTSD affects your ability to work, enjoy life, or maintain relationships.

The general limitation period for personal injury claims, including those for emotional trauma, is two years from the date of the accident or from the date you became aware (or should have reasonably become aware) of the injury. This “discoverability” rule is important in psychological injury cases, as symptoms like PTSD or depression may take weeks or months to develop. Keep in mind that certain insurance claims and accident benefit applications may have much shorter deadlines sometimes just a few days so contacting a lawyer promptly is essential.

At QTMG, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees. You only pay us if we successfully secure compensation for you through a settlement or court award. During your free initial consultation, we will review your case, outline your legal options, and explain our fee structure in detail. This allows you to proceed with full clarity and without financial risk while you focus on recovery.