Am I at Risk for PTSD If I Was Injured in an Oilfield Accident?

Oilfield accidents can be stressful, scary, and emotionally taxing. If you were the victim of an oilfield accident, you may be at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the accident. 

Know the risk factors and warning signs of PTSD. Then, consult an oilfield accident attorney about how to seek compensation for PTSD and other expenses resulting from an oilfield accident. 

Risk Factors for Developing PTSD

Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD, and even those who do may not exhibit symptoms in the same way. The following are risk factors that make certain people more likely to develop this mental condition than others:

• Having already experienced trauma in childhood
• Experiencing horror or extreme fear during the oilfield accident
• Seeing another person hurt or killed in the oil and gas extraction industry
• Having a history of mental illness
• Having no social support after the event
• Dealing with extra stress in addition to the event, such as the loss of a beloved coworker from a fatal injury

Even if none of these risk factors apply to you, you could develop PTSD after your accident. 

Signs of PTSD To Watch Out For

Knowing the signs and symptoms of PTSD can help you identify whether you have developed this condition. Then, you can seek help from a mental health professional to minimize your symptoms. 

Even experiencing one of these symptoms could indicate that you have PTSD, but the more you experience, the stronger the likelihood of having it:

• Having a hard time falling or staying asleep
• Experiencing flashbacks to the oilfield accident
• Feeling extreme anxiety
• Engaging in risky or destructive behavior
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Feeling angry or irritable
• Isolating yourself from others
• Feeling emotional detachment or a loss of interest in activities

What To Do If You’re Experiencing Symptoms of PTSD 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD after an oilfield accident, visit a mental health professional to seek a diagnosis. They may recommend Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help you better cope with the traumatic images and memories you’re experiencing. They may also recommend medication to ease the physical symptoms of your condition. 

The sooner you seek help, the faster you can begin feeling relief and moving forward from your accident. 

Seek Legal Support From Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. Today

While traumatic brain injuries and broken bones are common visible signs of injury after an oilfield accident, many other injuries lie under the surface. If you’re experiencing PTSD after an oilfield accident, first know that you are not alone and that experiencing these symptoms does not mean you are weak or “less than.”

After seeking mental health support, contact our oilfield accident attorneys to learn how you can seek compensation for PTSD. If applicable, we’ll gather evidence to show that your employer or another third party was directly liable for the accident. We’ll also help you explore other avenues for seeking compensation. 

We’ll help you gather evidence to support your case. Contact Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. today by filling out our contact form or give us a call at (800) 433-2408.