A South Bend Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help with the Emotional Distress of an Accident

July 29, 2025

Slip and fall accidents lead to over one million emergency department visits annually, but the damages they inflict are not always physical. Beyond broken bones and other injuries, a slip and fall in South Bend, IN or the surrounding areas might force you to endure significant mental or emotional trauma, which should never be overlooked when putting together a personal injury claim. Join the team at Hensley Legal Group as we discuss how a South Bend slip and fall lawyer can help with the emotional distress of an accident.

What Constitutes Emotional Distress in a Slip and Fall Case?

In a slip and fall case, emotional distress refers to the psychological impact of the accidental fall, which might include major mental issues like depression or anxiety that could interfere with a person’s ability to function.

This type of impairment could arise immediately out of the shock of the fall, or it may develop more gradually in response to ongoing pain or the disruption of normal life. Yet regardless of when fall-related emotional distress emerges, seeking medical attention should be your top priority, as healthcare providers can diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatment, such as a prolonged course of counseling.

Unfortunately, the cost of this sort of care often exceeds what many families can afford on their own, so it may also be wise to consult with a South Bend slip and fall attorney who has successfully handled emotional distress claims before.

What Evidence Can Prove Emotional Distress After a Slip and Fall?

But simply explaining that you “feel” anguished probably won’t be enough for a viable case. Proving emotional distress typically requires a considerable amount of evidence showing that the fall directly caused your psychological suffering. Some common examples of evidence that could strengthen a claim of emotional distress include:

Medical Records – Notes from your therapist or similar records from caregivers can establish the connection between the fall and your emotional discomfort.
Personal Journals – A log of your daily thoughts and sentiments can document the lingering aftereffects of the event.
Witness Accounts – Testimony from close observers could independently verify your subjective experience. Even a statement that you’ve “been withdrawn since the incident” could resonate deeply when it comes from a friend or family member.
Photos and Videos – A visual record of the scene where the slip and fall occurred can be critical in conveying how harrowing the accident must have been. Be sure to capture any hazard that may be relevant, such as a spill or loose flooring.
Financial Documents – Your documented expenses can be a concrete reflection of your struggles. When therapy invoices and prescriptions begin to pile up, each receipt will only reinforce your hardship.

Proving an injury that others can’t see can definitely be challenging, but contacting a South Bend slip and fall lawyer is one of the best ways to meet that challenge and get the compensation that you deserve.

How a South Bend Slip and Fall Attorney Can Make a Difference

A South Bend slip and fall attorney can make a difference by:

Explaining Your Legal Options in Depth – A legal practitioner will explain all of your legal options in depth, including the possibility of recovering damages for emotional suffering if it was the consequence of someone else’s negligence. Furthermore, a lawyer can be a source of compassion and support during this difficult period.

Establishing Valid Claims – An attorney will ensure that valid claims are established against each of the defendants who harmed you, and a lawsuit may be filed as well if the circumstances warrant it.

Building Your Case – A lawyer will gather the evidentiary materials necessary to build a case that thoroughly conveys both your losses and the defendants’ wrongdoing.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies – An attorney will advocate for your interests during negotiations with insurance companies so that a fair settlement can be obtained.

Representing You in Court – If your case can’t be resolved prior to trial, a lawyer will endeavor to secure a worthy verdict by representing you in court.

A catastrophic fall can turn your world upside down – physically, financially, and emotionally – but a skilled South Bend slip and fall attorney will have what it takes to set things right again.

Get in Touch with Our South Bend Slip and Fall Lawyers Today

Insurance carriers are notorious for devaluing emotional trauma claims, but Hensley Legal Group will make them see the value of your case and award you what you need to back on track. If you are overwhelmed by emotional distress in the wake of a fall, get in touch with our South Bend slip and fall lawyers today to learn what they can do for you.

To schedule a free case review with a dedicated South Bend slip and fall attorney, please call us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form now.