Today, we’re joined by Jeremy Diamond, Senior Lawyer and Founding Partner at Diamond & Diamond, a firm recognized across Canada for its bold approach to personal injury law. From headline-making lawsuits involving corporate accountability to expanding legal services across provinces and the US, Jeremy has helped shape one of the most visible legal brands in the country.
But beyond courtrooms and case files, personal injury law often touches on something deeper: trauma, stress, and the psychological impact of serious accidents. In this interview, Jeremy shares his unique perspective on how mental health intersects with personal injury claims—and why legal support should include emotional support too.
Q: In your experience, how often do clients come to you dealing with emotional or psychological distress, not just physical injuries?
Jeremy Diamond: Almost every serious injury has a mental health component. Whether it’s anxiety, PTSD, depression, or even just the overwhelming stress of navigating life after an accident. Clients don’t just show up with broken bones. They come in carrying emotional trauma too. Unfortunately, mental health doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in the legal process, but we make it a point to address that with every client.
Q: Legal proceedings can be long, complex, and draining. How do you support your clients emotionally during the process?
Jeremy Diamond: One of our biggest responsibilities is to shoulder the burden for the client. We want them focused on recovery, not paperwork. That’s why we’re transparent, communicative, and proactive. We also encourage clients to seek counseling or therapy if they are struggling. It’s not about just winning a case, it’s about helping someone get their life back. That includes emotional recovery too.
Q: From a legal standpoint, can emotional trauma be claimed as part of a personal injury case?
Jeremy Diamond: Absolutely. In many cases, emotional and psychological injuries are part of what’s called general damages—that includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life. If a client has a diagnosed mental health condition following an accident, like PTSD or depression, that can significantly impact the compensation they’re entitled to. But it needs to be documented properly, which is why we often work with therapists and medical professionals as part of the case.
Q: Are courts and insurance companies becoming more receptive to mental health claims in personal injury cases?
Jeremy Diamond: It’s better than it used to be, but we still have a long way to go. The challenge is that psychological injuries aren’t always visible. So while we’ve seen progress in the legal system’s understanding of mental health, there’s still skepticism from some insurers. That’s why strong documentation and expert reports are essential. We have to build just as strong a case for emotional trauma as we do for physical injury.
Q: What kind of evidence is needed to support claims of emotional suffering?
Jeremy Diamond: Typically, we rely on medical records, psychiatric evaluations, therapist notes, and in some cases, testimony from family or employers to show how the person’s life has changed. A good personal injury lawyer knows how to present that narrative in a way that’s compelling and credible.
Q: For clients struggling with anxiety or fear around taking legal action, what would you say to reassure them?
Jeremy Diamond: You’re not alone and it’s okay to ask for help. People sometimes feel guilt or shame for pursuing legal action, especially if they think they’re being “difficult” or “dramatic.” But you’re not. You’re protecting your future. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way, without pressure or judgment.
Q: What role do you see lawyers playing in breaking the stigma around mental health, especially in injury law?
Jeremy Diamond: Lawyers need to recognize that their clients are human beings first. We’re not just case handlers, we’re advocates. That means advocating for the whole person, not just the physical injury. By acknowledging emotional suffering as legitimate and important, we help normalize conversations around trauma and mental health.
Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to someone dealing with both physical and emotional trauma after an accident?
Jeremy Diamond: Don’t wait. Talk to someone, whether it’s a lawyer, a therapist, or both. The earlier you address your mental and emotional well-being, the better your recovery will be. Legal cases can wait; your health shouldn’t. And when you’re ready, find a law firm that treats you with compassion and respect. That can make all the difference.
Health Spot Staff Note: Mental health matters—especially after a traumatic injury. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope after an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal and emotional support. Firms like Diamond & Diamond are leading the way in treating personal injury not just as a legal issue, but a human one.