PTSD Claims
If you have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after a workplace incident, you may have a personal injury claim.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition most commonly associated with war veterans and service people, but it’s not just confined to military professions.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop if you are involved in, or witness, traumatic events. Sometimes it happens immediately, but it can also take months or years to emerge.
It can result from:
- Direct experience of a traumatic event
- Witnessing, in person, a traumatic event
- Finding out someone close to you has experienced, or been threatened by, a traumatic event
- Being repeatedly exposed to graphic details of traumatic events
What are the causes of PTSD
PTSD can develop for many reasons, including:
- serious car accidents
- violent assaults
- witnessing a fatal accident
- hit-and-run accidents
- military combat
- terrorist attacks
A diagnosis of complex PTSD may be made where there has been repeated or prolonged exposure.
Professions where workplace PTSD may occur include:
- Emergency services – police, ambulance crew, firefighters, paramedics
- Scenes of crimes officers
- Military personnel
- Construction
- Healthcare workers
- Rescue workers and first-response teams
- Train drivers
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms can vary enormously and have a huge impact on day-to-day life.
They may be:
- high levels of anxiety and stress
- panic attacks
- insomnia or nightmares
- poor concentration
- feelings of detachment or emotional numbness
- flashbacks
- guilt, negative thoughts and depression
- irritability or edginess
Why make a PTSD claim?
If your PTSD is the result of the conditions of your job, and it’s something that could have been avoided, then there may be negligence on the part of your employer.
Making a PTSD claim could compensate you for the impact it’s had on your life, as well as the costs you’ve incurred or earnings you’ve lost. It won’t make the pain go away but it might just lessen the stress of everyday worries.
How can First4Lawyers help?
Our advisors are trained to deal with your enquiry sensitively and confidentially. They will listen to your situation and advise you of your options. You won’t be charged for this, and if you are eligible to make a claim, they’ll talk you through it.
You are under no pressure or obligation to make a claim. It’s completely up to you.
How much compensation will I receive for PTSD?
Compensation will depend on your individual situation and the impact it has had on your life.
Typically, PTSD where a full recovery is made within a couple of years will see amounts of £4,820 to £9,980. At the other end of the scale, severe PTSD with permanent effects on life and work can achieve up to £122,850 in general damages.
Military PTSD claims are slightly different and are made through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).
Is there a time limit for making a claim?
Three years from the date of the event is the usual timeframe for making a claim. Military personnel may have longer, so talk to us about your personal circumstances and we’ll advise you accordingly.
I think I have a claim, what do I do next?
Just get in touch as soon as you feel able. We can talk you through your options and remember, there is no pressure to make a claim unless you are happy to proceed.
