When you're faced with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), getting through every day can become a testament to your strength and resilience. But in facing these challenges, it's important to remember that you’re not alone. If your PTSD results from an action or incident caused by someone else, it's only right that you seek the compensation you deserve.

Switalskis understands the impact PTSD can have on your life. Not only are there emotional and psychological impacts, but there can also be significant financial burdens due to a need for therapy, medication, and time off work. Our mission is to offer more than just legal support. We're here to provide a pillar of strength, understanding, and guidance in your time of need. With us by your side, navigating the complexities of PTSD compensation becomes less daunting.

You might also suffer from PTSD if you helped somebody injured in catastrophic circumstances or if you witnessed a traumatic event that injured or killed a loved one.

PTSD is more than just a clinical diagnosis; it's a challenge that deeply affects the lives of those suffering from it. Beyond the primary emotional and psychological repercussions, some impacts can often warrant compensation. Here's a closer look at the complexities of PTSD and what one might be entitled to claim for:

Reliving traumatic memories

One of the most profound elements of PTSD is being forced to relive traumatic events, an experience that can manifest as flashbacks and nightmares. Flashbacks are not mere memories but intense, often distressing replays that blur the lines between past and present, potentially affecting daily routines and sleep patterns.

Heightened emotional responses

The emotional toll of PTSD is vast. It might include experiencing severe anxiety, living in a state of heightened alertness, or feeling intense emotions that can disrupt daily life and lead to missed work days, the need for therapy, or medication to manage symptoms.

Behavioural and social impacts

PTSD doesn’t just affect the mind; it changes behaviours and social interactions.

• Avoidance behaviour: the urge to steer clear of situations that trigger distress can significantly impact your life. This might lead you to change jobs, move to a new place, or even cut yourself off from social circles. Each of these choices can bring financial consequences, from job search expenses to moving costs or the loss of a support network that might have offered emotional or even financial assistance.
• Emotional detachment: withdrawing emotionally can also come at a price. The feeling of being cut off from your family and friends can be distressing and may need professional help to overcome. The costs for therapy or counselling sessions can add up, not to mention the emotional toll of trying to reconnect with your passions and the people you care about.

Physical and health impacts: the effects of PTSD aren't just mental; they can manifest physically as well. This could range from stress-induced conditions like hair loss or gastrointestinal issues to more severe symptoms like heart palpitations or tremors. These physical impacts may need medical treatment, adding another layer of financial and emotional stress.

Physical symptoms

Many people who experience PTSD experience physical symptoms. If you’ve paid for medical treatments for ailments like insomnia, fatigue or tension, you might be able to claim compensation to cover these losses.

• Therapy and medication: regular therapeutic sessions and necessary medications are often pivotal in managing PTSD and can form a significant part of compensation claims.
• Quality of life disruption: beyond the tangible effects, there's the immeasurable reduction in life's joy and contentment, which may merit compensation for pain and suffering.

Recognising the breadth of PTSD's impact is vital not just for the individual but for everyone around them. Switalskis is dedicated to making sure that the true depth of the effects of PTSD on you is recognised, allowing for compensation that reflects each person's experience.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis is a critical step in the claims process. A licensed medical professional will assess symptoms such as flashbacks, heightened alertness, avoidance behaviours and mood changes. Regular consultations help establish the severity of PTSD and its impact on daily life, relationships and work. A documented PTSD diagnosis serves as crucial evidence when seeking to make PTSD compensation claims.

Can I claim for PTSD after a car accident?

Car accidents can be traumatic, particularly when they involve severe or life-threatening collisions. So it's no surprise if you feel more than just shaken up after your experience. If you developed PTSD after being involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Claims can include compensation for medical treatment, counselling, loss of earnings, and emotional distress. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements and medical diagnoses will support your case.

Can I claim compensation for PTSD caused by a workplace incident?

Yes. If your PTSD resulted from a work-related incident or prolonged exposure to traumatic events during employment (such as witnessing tragedies while working as a first responder), you could be eligible. Employers have a duty of care to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of their employees. If this has been breached, there may be grounds for a claim.

Can you help me claim compensation for military PTSD?

Claims for military PTSD are typically brought under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or through a civil claim. We understand that PTSD resulting from combat exposure, traumatic incidents or prolonged stress during service has life-altering consequences for ex-service people like you. We will help you gather evidence such as service records, medical reports and witness statements to strengthen your claim. Contact us, so we can listen to your story and help you get the compensation you deserve.

How is compensation calculated for PTSD?

Compensation for PTSD isn't a one-size-fits-all figure. It's determined by the severity of your symptoms, lost earnings, costs of therapy and treatment, and future care needs. Non-financial impacts like pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment in life also influence the final amount. To strengthen your case, we may look to get expert testimony from professionals like therapists or employment specialists, to paint a full picture of how the condition has affected your life.

Will my claim be confidential?

Rest assured, confidentiality is paramount. All information shared with your legal team is protected by client-solicitor privilege. Although some details might be disclosed to the opposing party or medical professionals, personal details will be protected.

What percentage of PTSD claims receive compensation?

The success of a PTSD claim depends on the quality of evidence and the circumstances of the case. A strong claim will include a formal PTSD diagnosis, proof that links the condition to the traumatic event, and documentation showing its impact on your life. If these factors are present in your situation, your case has a good chance of success.

What evidence is needed for a PTSD compensation claim?

You need a formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist, along with medical records that document your symptoms and any treatments you’ve undergone. You will also need to provide evidence linking the trauma to a specific event, such as incident reports or statements from witnesses who can corroborate your experience. Additionally, records showing financial losses, such as therapy expenses, lost wages or travel costs related to your recovery, will strengthen your case.

Will my claim be confidential?

We will always prioritise protecting your privacy. Information shared with our team is protected by client-solicitor privilege. While some details may need to be shared with the opposing party or medical professionals, your personal information will be safeguarded throughout the process.

How long does a PTSD compensation claim take?

The timeline varies significantly. Factors influencing the duration include the complexity of the case, the quality and amount of evidence, and the stance of the opposing party. While some straightforward claims might be resolved within months, more complex cases, especially those that go to court, can extend over several years. If you require ongoing therapy this can also prolong the settlement of a claim.

What does no win, no fee mean?

A no win, no fee agreement allows you to pursue a PTSD compensation claim without worrying about upfront legal costs. If your claim is successful, our fee will be deducted as a percentage of your compensation. If the claim is unsuccessful, you won’t need to pay a penny for the legal work we completed. This arrangement gives you the opportunity to access expert legal representation without financial risk.

What if I had pre-existing mental health issues before the traumatic event?

Pre-existing conditions don’t prevent you from making a PTSD claim but may require additional evidence. Medical experts will evaluate how the traumatic event affected your existing condition and whether it contributed to your PTSD. A detailed medical history and professional assessments will help establish the extent to which the event worsened your mental health, to make sure you are compensated fairly.

What if I face retaliation for making a claim, especially from an employer?

Facing retaliation after filing a PTSD compensation claim is not only unethical but also unlawful. Employment law protects individuals who seek compensation for PTSD caused by workplace incidents or trauma. If you experience retaliation at work, such as demotion, dismissal, harassment or hostility, you should document the incidents and notify your legal representative immediately. Such actions can further strengthen your claim and could lead to additional claims against the retaliating party. If this is something you are experiencing, contact us for a confidential chat about your situation.