Richard J. Dehncke
Attorney at Law

Richard Dehncke has the distinct honor of being recognized as one of Colorado’s Super Lawyers. Injury Attorney Richard Dehncke has proudly represented seriously injured persons and their families confidently, competently, and compassionately for 30 years. His legal practice emphasizes traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, RSD, and wrongful death. A graduate of the University of Michigan and University of Denver College of Law, Mr. Dehncke has attended the prestigious Harvard Law School Center for Legal Negotiation. He is an instructor with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Memberships include the Brain Injury Association of Colorado, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, and Colorado Bar Association. He has been awarded the highest national AV rating for legal ability and ethical standards.

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In any given year, 5.2 million Americans will experience post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Post traumatic stress disorder can occur after any traumatic event and can lead to a lifetime of stress, anxiety and decreased quality of life. For some individuals, post traumatic stress disorder begins immediately after the frightening event, but for others, the disorder can begin months and even years later.

PTSD is not new. Experts believe that it has been around for centuries under a variety of names, but in 1980 it was officially recognized as a psychiatric condition. Since then, we have developed a better understanding of this terrifying disorder. Being the victim of or witnessing any traumatic event can cause post traumatic stress disorder including:

1. War time activities
2. Automobile accidents
3. Rape, molestation or abuse
4. Physical assault
5. Witnessing a homicide

In general, there are 3 types of post traumatic stress categories:

1. Acute: Symptoms last for less than 3 months
2. Chronic: Symptoms last for 3-6 months
3. Delayed: Symptoms last for more than 6 months

Victims that experience post traumatic stress disorder have a variety of symptoms that make it difficult to maintain relationships, work, enjoy activities, get adequate sleep and even leave the house.  Symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder vary from individual but may include any of the following:

1. Flashbacks
2. Panic attacks
3. Night terrors or nightmares
4. Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
5. Overly emotional or easily startled

If you have experienced a traumatic event and believe that you may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, it is imperative that you contact a qualified psychiatrist immediately to begin recovery. If left untreated, post traumatic stress disorder can lead to depression, addiction to drugs or alcohol and even suicide. Your psychiatrist may prescribe medications to control the anxiety and/or depression and may begin “talk therapy”.

Once you have begun your recovery, you should contact a qualified personal injury attorney specializing in post traumatic stress disorder to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. If your post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has occurred due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim to help pay for psychiatric medications and years of therapy to deal with the terrifying emotional event.

Post traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone at any age. Children and the elderly are also susceptible to this frightening disorder but because of their ages, it may go undiagnosed. If you believe that you or someone you love is living with post traumatic stress disorder, contact a psychiatrist and a personal injury attorney immediately to get them on the road to recovery.