Detroit PTSD Injury Lawyer: Psychological Harm After Trauma
PTSD—post-traumatic stress disorder—can strike after the most violent, terrifying moments of your life. A car crash that won’t stop replaying in your mind. An assault that shattered your sense of safety. A workplace so toxic, it left scars on your soul. Or worse—a betrayal by someone in power, like a police officer, caregiver, or trusted employer.
These are not “emotional overreactions.” They are legitimate, diagnosable, legally recognized injuries. And they deserve justice.
At Marko Law, we know what it takes to win cases involving psychological trauma. We’ve represented survivors of devastating car accidents, civil rights violations, sexual assaults, police brutality, and workplace harassment—all of whom were left battling PTSD in silence. Not anymore.
When insurers deny mental health claims or try to lowball your pain, we push back—with hard evidence, expert testimony, and powerful advocacy. We don’t let anyone diminish what you’ve endured.
If your trauma was caused by negligence or intentional harm, you may be entitled to compensation under Michigan law—and we’re here to help you get it.
What Is PTSD and How Does It Happen?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It’s not just about “feeling shaken up”—it’s about living in a constant state of fear, anxiety, and emotional pain that interrupts your ability to function.
PTSD causes:
- Recurring nightmares and flashbacks
- Panic attacks or hypervigilance
- Avoidance of places, people, or situations that trigger memories
- Emotional numbness or uncontrollable anger
- Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or maintaining relationships
These aren’t just symptoms. They’re disabling consequences of trauma—and they’re just as real as any broken bone or surgical scar.
Common Triggers That Lead to PTSD in Injury Cases
PTSD often develops in the aftermath of high-stress, high-impact experiences such as:
- Car crashes or motorcycle accidents—especially those involving serious injury or death
- Violent assaults or robberies—where personal safety was directly threatened
- Police misconduct or brutality—especially when excessive force is used against civilians
- Workplace trauma—including repeated harassment, discrimination, or whistleblower retaliation
- Explosions, fires, and building collapses—common in construction or industrial accidents
These are the kinds of events that change lives instantly—and the psychological fallout can linger for months, years, or a lifetime.
PTSD Isn’t Always Immediate—And That’s Okay
One of the most misunderstood aspects of PTSD is that it doesn’t always show up right away. Symptoms can take weeks or even months to fully develop. Some people “hold it together” in survival mode—until their mind and body finally crash under the weight of the trauma.
This delay doesn’t mean your pain isn’t real. It means your brain was protecting you—and now it’s time to heal.
Michigan Law on Psychological Injury Claims
PTSD Is Legally Recognized as Harm
Michigan courts allow personal injury and civil rights plaintiffs to recover for psychological injuries, including:
- PTSD
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Emotional distress
However, you must have a formal medical diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist). This isn’t just about claiming pain—it’s about proving a real, diagnosable condition backed by clinical evidence.
What Causes Actionable PTSD Under Michigan Law?
PTSD claims can arise in various legal contexts, including:
- Negligence – such as traumatic car crashes, workplace accidents, or landlord negligence
- Intentional Torts – like assaults, sexual violence, or harassment
- Civil Rights Violations – excessive force by police, discrimination based on race, gender identity, or sexual orientation
If your psychological trauma was caused by another party’s illegal or reckless conduct, they may be held financially accountable.
Special Note: PTSD in Michigan Auto Accident Cases
In car crash claims, PTSD may be compensable under Michigan’s auto no-fault law—but to sue for pain and suffering, your condition must meet the “serious impairment of body function” threshold under MCL 500.3135.
This means showing that your PTSD:
- Significantly affects your ability to live normally
- Interferes with work, school, or daily activities
- Has lasted long enough to be more than temporary distress
At Marko Law, we work with treating psychologists, medical experts, and vocational specialists to prove your claim meets this standard—and that you deserve real compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Psychological Harm?
Negligent Drivers
If you developed PTSD after a serious car, truck, or motorcycle crash, the at-fault driver can be sued for the emotional trauma, especially if:
- The crash involved fatalities
- You were trapped, severely injured, or witnessed something traumatic
- PTSD is preventing you from driving or functioning normally
We also pursue claims when your PTSD flares after a delayed onset—even if you walked away physically fine.
Employers
Toxic, abusive workplaces can do lasting psychological damage. PTSD claims may arise from:
- Workplace harassment or bullying
- Sexual harassment or assault on the job
- Retaliation for whistleblowing or reporting misconduct
- Exposure to violence or unsafe working conditions
Employers are liable under civil rights law and tort law when they fail to protect employees or enable abusive behavior.
Landlords or Property Owners
If you were assaulted, robbed, or traumatized on someone else’s property due to negligent security, you may have a claim against:
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels
- Parking garages
- Nightclubs or venues
- Commercial buildings
Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable violence. When they don’t—and trauma results—we take action.
Police and Government Entities
If you suffered PTSD due to excessive force, false arrest, or police misconduct, you may have a claim under:
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (federal civil rights law)
- Michigan Constitution for state-level abuse of power
- Common law torts like assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress
These are hard-fought cases—but at Marko Law, we do not back down from government agencies or dirty departments.
Institutions and Schools
PTSD can also result from traumatic experiences in schools or institutions—especially when staff ignored warnings, enabled abuse, or tried to cover it up.
Liable entities may include:
- Public school districts
- Private boarding schools
- Youth programs or camps
- Religious institutions
- Group homes or detention centers
If your trauma was preventable and they failed you, we’ll fight to expose the truth and get justice.
Evidence That Supports a PTSD Claim
Medical Records and Psychological Evaluations
A formal diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional is the foundation of any PTSD claim. We collect:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Diagnostic test results (like DSM-5 assessments)
- Notes from doctors, psychologists, and licensed therapists
- Treatment plans and prescribed medications
These records are essential to proving your condition is medically recognized and tied directly to the trauma.
Therapy Notes and PTSD Diagnosis
Ongoing therapy documentation shows how the condition impacts your daily life. These notes may include:
- Frequency and severity of flashbacks or panic attacks
- Inability to function in work or social settings
- Emotional volatility, insomnia, or suicidal thoughts
- Progress (or lack thereof) in healing from the trauma
Insurance companies may try to cherry-pick statements—we make sure the full picture is seen.
Witness Testimony
People close to you can often explain what’s changed. Testimony from:
- Spouses or partners
- Family members
- Close friends
- Coworkers or supervisors
…can illustrate the emotional shift: fear, detachment, outbursts, inability to cope. This humanizes your experience and confirms the trauma’s real-world impact.
Personal Journals, Texts, and Voice Memos
Your own words—captured in journals, text messages, or even voice recordings—can be powerful evidence. These show:
- Your emotional state day-to-day
- Your attempts to understand or cope with the trauma
- The exact moments when PTSD symptoms flared
We help clients preserve these safely and use them strategically in negotiations or trial.
Proof of Life Disruption
PTSD doesn’t just hurt emotionally—it derails lives. We gather evidence of:
- Lost jobs or inability to return to work
- Strained or broken relationships
- Missed milestones (graduation, family events, child care)
- Psychiatric hospitalizations or suicide attempts
This kind of documentation shows the depth and scope of your suffering—and strengthens your demand for full compensation.
You Deserve to Be Heard—and Helped
Maybe it was a violent crash. A hostile workplace. A betrayal by someone who was supposed to protect you. Whatever the cause, the psychological scars are real—and they deserve real justice.
At Marko Law, we stand with survivors. We understand the depth of what PTSD can steal: your peace, your relationships, your ability to live without fear. That’s why we fight like hell to make sure you’re not just believed, but backed—with powerful legal action, compassionate advocacy, and an unrelenting pursuit of truth.
Insurance companies may dismiss your pain. Employers may deny responsibility. Institutions may try to bury what happened. We won’t let them.
Whether you're seeking answers, support, or accountability, our team is ready to help you reclaim your life—and your power. We know the law. We know trauma. And we know how to win.
Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation
📞 Phone:+1-313-777-7777
📍 Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com
Marko Law Will Give You A Voice
At Marko Law, we don’t just take cases — we take a stand. Whether you're facing an injury, injustice, or outright negligence, our team fights like it’s personal — because to you, it is.
- Over $500 Million recovered for our clients
- Proven track record in civil rights, personal injury & workplace justice
- Free, confidential consultations — you don’t pay unless we win
- Based in Detroit, trusted across Michigan
Ready to make your voice heard?
We’re not here to play games. We’re here to win.