The Invisible Trauma of the ICU: What Attorneys Should Know About Damages in Personal Injury Cases
Amber Gates, PMHNP, FNP, AGACNP
When we think of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), most picture ventilators, monitors, and life-saving interventions. But what often goes unrecognized—especially in litigation—is the deep, lasting psychological impact of the ICU experience. As a Legal Nurse Consultant with a background in both critical care and psychiatric nursing, I urge attorneys to give serious consideration to the emotional and cognitive toll ICU stays take on their clients.
ICU Survivors: Physically Alive, Psychologically Changed
Studies show that up to 60% of ICU survivors experience symptoms of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)—a cluster of physical, psychological, and cognitive problems that persist well after discharge. These may include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression
Delirium or ICU psychosis
Cognitive impairments (e.g., memory loss, difficulty concentrating)
Many patients describe vivid hallucinations, a sense of helplessness, and the fear of dying alone. Others report nightmares, flashbacks, or an altered perception of reality. These are not fleeting feelings—they can last for months or years, impacting one’s ability to return to work, maintain relationships, or live independently.
The ICU as a Traumatic Environment
The ICU is an inherently disorienting and dehumanizing space:
Continuous alarms and invasive procedures
Mechanical ventilation and physical restraints
Sleep deprivation and sensory overload
Loss of control and personal dignity
These factors combine to create the perfect storm for psychological trauma, particularly for patients who are sedated, intubated, or chemically restrained. Patients that are intubated or sedated often still have a level consciousness and are able to recall conversations that occurred around them or procedures performed. My father in law experienced this during an open heart operation. The surgeon didn’t believe him until he was able relay what the surgical team talked about during his prolonged surgery.
Legal Relevance: ICU Trauma as a Compensable Injury
Too often, damages in personal injury cases focus only on visible injuries—broken bones, surgical scars, or loss of income. But for those who have endured prolonged ICU admissions, the invisible injuries may be just as profound.
When preparing a personal injury or medical malpractice case, attorneys should:
Request psychiatric and psychological follow-up records, not just hospital records
Include ICU-related trauma in expert reports or narrative summaries
Document post-discharge therapy, counseling, or medication needs
Use the testimony of a qualified medical consultant to explain the nature