(Please note: the names and locations of all parties have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the participants in this wrongful death/personal injury case and its proceedings.)
Dr. Everstine has opined that this treatment is reasonable, necessary and causally related to the subject incident. Dr. Everstine opines that, “each of the three men exhibit symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of chronic PTSD. Each will require, “ongoing therapy and medical management through the use of appropriate medications.” This condition is secondary to the contest, during which, “each [man] experienced a severe emotional reaction as a result of participating in an event which caused the death of one person and which could have resulted in the death or serious injury to these other individuals.” In addition to PTSD, Dr. Everstine opines that each Plaintiff is also suffering from various stages of depression secondary to the event, along with general anxiety disorder consistent with significant emotional trauma.
In terms of symptoms, Dr. Everstine noted the following:
1. Paul Smith’s symptoms include severe survivor guilt; severe emotional alienation; water phobia (fear of drinking water) to the point that he is unable to drink water without gagging; flashbacks of Sherrie Johnson; sleep problems; intrusive thoughts; obsessive behavior; avoidant behavior and thought patterns; mood swings; depression; personality change; generalized anxiety with panic attacks; social alienation and social anxiety; damaged self-esteem and loss of self-confidence and reoccurring fears something similar will happen to his family.
2. Steven Davis’ symptoms include nightmares; chronic sleep problems; weight gain; flashbacks, particularly in response to certain triggers; mood swings; avoidant behavior; social alienation and anxiety; loss of social skills; personality change; severe survivor guilt; intrusive, recurring thoughts about the incident; and fear that something similar will happen to his family.
3. Mike Jones’ symptoms include shock; depression; emotional numbness; constant flashbacks of Sherrie Johnson being in the room with his; intrusive thoughts; survivor guilt and self-blame; mood swings; obsessive counter-phobic water drinking; repression and denial to avoid experiencing symptoms; personality change; constant, chronic anxiety; damaged self-esteem and loss of self-confidence; recurring fears that something similar will happen to his family. (See Part 4 of 6.)
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.