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PTSD Compensation Claims
Our No Win No Fee solicitors could help you start your PTSD compensation claim today.
£100 million in compensation
PTSD Compensation Claims
Our No Win No Fee solicitors could help you start your PTSD compensation claim today.
AS SEEN ON
Last updated 20th April 2026. A post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) claim is a type of personal injury claim made after you suffer psychological harm as a result of someone else’s failure to take adequate steps in upholding your health and safety in a particular situation. Anyone is able to claim provided it can be shown that your PTSD was caused as a result of another party’s actions and they were responsible for what happened. PTSD claims can arise following severe road collisions, substandard medical treatment, violent assaults and even being witness to a fatal accident. At JF Law, our solicitors handle PTSD compensation claims on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you wouldn’t need to pay any upfront solicitors fees for your legal representative to get started.
At JF Law, we understand that after being involved in an accident, you could be faced with ongoing debilitating effects. PTSD can cause distressing symptoms, flashbacks and crippling anxiety. Not just this, but the impacts of PTSD can be emotional and physical; oftentimes leaving you unable to work, affecting your social and familial life and leading to reduced earning capacity.
During such a challenging time, where your routine is disrupted and you’re living with the after-effects of an accident, you might be feeling overwhelmed. However, a PTSD claim can help you seek the compensation you need, to offer a sense of justice and financial redress after an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Compensation can by no means undo the psychological harm caused, but it can provide crucial financial support for your recovery by funding private medical therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy or even EMDR therapy. Additionally, compensation can be used to cover lost income, helping to ease the burden by supporting both your immediate expenses and any future financial needs linked to PTSD.
Get In Touch
For an obligation free consultation, please get in touch with our advisory team today. They’re available to listen to your experience, provide support and advise whether you might be eligible to seek PTSD compensation with one of our expert solicitors.
To reach our advisors, you can:
- Call us on 0151 375 9916
- Contact us online
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) And How Can It Affect Your Life?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological condition that typically arises from a traumatic event and can affect your life by significantly impacting relationships, daily tasks, and the ability to work. According to the NHS, PTSD may cause flashbacks and nightmares and lead to avoidance, isolation, and anxiety.
While symptoms tend to vary from person to person, the condition may result in:
- Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and physical sensations (e.g. pain and sweating) from reliving the traumatic incident.
- Emotional numbing or avoidance, including of places, activities, thoughts, and feelings.
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
- Irritability and emotional outbursts.
- Problems with sleeping.
- Issues with memory and concentration.
Next, we take a detailed look at some scenarios that might lead to PTSD and create the basis for a potentially valid claim.
Am I Able To Claim Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Compensation?
Yes, however, for you to be eligible for PTSD compensation and to make a claim with us, three components must be present in your case.
- Someone owed you a duty of care
- This duty was breached
- The breach led to your diagnosis of PTSD
These three factors together amount to negligence, which forms the foundation of any PTSD claim.
The duty of care you are owed depends on where your accident occurs:
- In an accident at work, you are owed a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, by your employer, that they’ve taken reasonably practicable steps to ensure you are safe whilst at work.
- For road traffic accidents, the duty of care you are owed is that all road users must operate on the roads in a way to avoid causing harm or damage. To ensure compliance, road users should follow rules and regulations set out in both the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.
- In public liability accidents, under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, you are owed a duty of care to be kept reasonably safe whilst on the premises.
- For cases of medical negligence, you are owed a duty of care by each medical professional who treats you. They must do all that is expected of them to reach the minimum standard required in their role.
You might also be wondering if there are any circumstances where you could claim on behalf of a loved one or family member. In two situations, you are able to claim for someone else, these are if:
- The claimant is under 18, as they cannot legally claim for themselves
- The individual is a vulnerable adult who lacks the capacity to claim on their own behalf
Claiming for someone else is a role known as a litigation friend. This role comes with a few responsibilities, such as:
- Discussing the PTSD compensation claims process with the claimant
- Acting in the claimant’s best interest
- Talking with the claimant’s solicitor
You can apply to be a litigation friend or can be appointed by the courts.
If you have any questions about claiming on behalf of someone else, contact us today to discuss this.
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How Much Compensation For PTSD Claims?
The amount of PTSD compensation that you could receive depends on a few factors such as the severity of your PTSD, the impact it has on your life and how long your projected recovery time could be.
When determining your compensation, those responsible can refer to frameworks such as the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This publication provides guideline compensation brackets for both physical and psychological injuries.
Our table below features suggestive ranges covering PTSD and general psychiatric damage. Please note here that the first figure hasn’t been taken from the JCG, but all other entries have been. As JCG brackets are only suggestive, this table should be viewed as guidance only.
| Injury | Severity | Notes | Compensation Guideline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries + Special Damages | Severe | Cases here will have experienced a number of serious injuries, plus special damages compensation such as loss of earnings. | Up to £500,000+ |
| Psychiatric Damage Generally | Severe | The factors which will impact the level of award in this category can include the injured person’s ability to deal with life, education or work. Any future vulnerability will impact the sum of compensation, and whether medical help has been sought will also be considered. | £72,440 to £152,900 |
| Psychiatric Damage Generally | Moderately Severe | This bracket differs to the one above as cases here would have a better prognosis. Cases of work related stress or stillbirth might fall into this category. | £25,190 to £72,440 |
| Psychiatric Damage Generally | Moderate | Prognosis in these cases will be good and the claimant will have improved prior to any trial. However, there have been the same sorts of problems coping with life as more severe cases. | £7,740 to £25,190 |
| Psychiatric Damage Generally | Less Severe | In this bracket, things like the period of disability and extent of which daily activities and sleep was affected. | £2,040 to £7,740 |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Severe | Cases in this bracket will show an inability to function at the same level as pre-trauma. All aspects of the individual’s life will be impacted. | £79,080 to £133,000 |
| PTSD | Moderately Severe | Cases here will show a more recovery with professional help. However, the impact of the PTSD is still likely to cause significant disability for the foreseeable future. | £30,580 to £79,080 |
| PTSD | Moderate | In this bracket, the individuals will have largely recovered and any continuing effects will not be grossly disabling. | £10,810 to £30,580 |
| PTSD | Less Severe | Cases in this bracket will have essentially fully recovered within one to two years. Any other continuing symptoms will be minor. | £5,220 to £10,810 |
What Determines My PTSD Payout Amount?
In PTSD compensation claims, your payout amount can be made up of two heads of claim. These are called general and special damages.
Your general damages are compensation for the pain, suffering and any loss of amenity caused by your accident. What this means is that if your PTSD has meant you’re unable to enjoy your life the way you did beforehand, this will be taken into consideration in this head of claim.
Special damages are a head of claim for the financial impact of your accident and the subsequent PTSD. Your special damages can include things like:
- Loss of earnings or earning potential
- Medical costs
- Care costs
- Prescription costs
In order for you to be able to claim special damages as part of your PTSD compensation, you will need evidence which demonstrates how you have been financially impacted. This could be:
- Payslips to demonstrate loss of earnings
- Medical invoices
- Prescription receipts
We discuss evidence later on in our guide, but as part of the services offered by our expert solicitors, they would assist you in gathering items to support this part of your claim.
Contact us today to discuss your potential PTSD compensation amount.
PTSD Compensation Calculator
Select the severity level that best describes your symptoms to see the UK compensation guidelines.
This estimate is based on the Judicial College Guidelines (UK). Actual awards depend on specific medical evidence and individual circumstances.
Discuss your case with our specialistsCommon PTSD Compensation Claims
PTSD can occur when you are exposed to a traumatic event or as a result of suffering a traumatic event yourself.
Before we discuss some common examples of how PTSD compensation claims, we’re going to first focus on what the condition is.
Military Accidents
If you’ve been in the military, PTSD can be a common impact. You might’ve been exposed to combat stress or traumatic events, which can trigger symptoms of PTSD.
An example of how a military accident could lead to PTSD could be if you were subjected to witnessing fellow soldiers suffer fatalities, or you might’ve experienced a severe head injury, leading to brain damage and PTSD.
Accidents At Work
You could suffer PTSD after an accident at work. For example, you are working in the warehouse when a roll cage falls on top of you and crushes your leg. You suffer a traumatic amputation as a result of this, and suffer PTSD following your accident.
Road Traffic Accidents
You might’ve been involved in a traumatic road traffic accident, which has unfortunately led to PTSD. You could have been in an accident where you witnessed someone suffer a fatality, or you may have suffered spinal cord injuries, which have had a knock-on effect on your mental health.
We understand that experiencing a road traffic accident can have a profoundly life-changing impact. If you’ve suffered PTSD due to an accident which wasn’t your fault, you could be eligible for PTSD compensation, and we’re here to help.
Accidents In Public Places
Public liability accidents can also be a cause of PTSD. You might’ve been attending a concert when a crush happened because the occupier of the premises failed to upkeep the venue. You unfortunately witness this crush firsthand, and suffer a broken leg and PTSD.
Medical Negligence
When receiving medical treatment, a lot of people feel nervous or anxious beforehand. You might’ve attended the hospital for a surgery on your arm, but you woke up in the middle of the surgery; you hadn’t been administered enough anaesthesia. You then develop severe PTSD as a result.
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We pride ourselves on providing the best service possible for our clients.
How Long Will I Have To Claim For PTSD?
Generally, in most cases, you have 3 years from the date of your accident to start your PTSD compensation claim. This time limit is set out in the Limitation Act 1980.
There are, however, two exceptions to this time limit, which are:
- If the claimant is under 18, as we mentioned earlier, they can’t claim on their own behalf
- If the claimant is mentally incapacitated
In PTSD compensation claims, we understand that some cases can involve those who would be considered vulnerable adults. The time limit for these cases only resumes if these individuals regain mental capacity, and then the time limit would run from their date of recovery.
The time limit for claimants under 18 is from the date of their 18th birthday till their 21st birthday to start their claim.
Contact us today if you are wondering if you’d fall into the permitted time limit.
What Can I Expect From The PTSD Claims Process?
As part of the PTSD claims process, you can typically expect to follow several steps centred around establishing third-party fault and gathering supportive evidence of how your pain, suffering, and financial loss have impacted you. Connecting with a specialist personal injury solicitor can be beneficial, as they can help:
- Determine liability: A solicitor will work with you to understand the circumstances of what happened and how someone else’s negligent actions or inactions caused your PTSD.
- Gather evidence: This can include copies of medical records, CCTV footage, and documents proving your financial losses. You can also supply eyewitness contact information to your solicitor for them to gather statements on your behalf.
- Arrange an independent medical report: A report can assess your condition, its severity, and the overall effects of PTSD on you. The findings can be used as evidence for your claim.
- Negotiate a settlement: Your solicitor will use evidence and other documents to help them calculate your compensation and negotiate a settlement with the opposing party.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A PTSD claim?
Generally, how long it takes to settle a PTSD claim will depend on case-specific factors, such as the availability of evidence and whether the opposing party accepts liability for the harm. Certain variables can affect the timeline for PTSD claims, such as:
- Evidence: The availability of evidence and how easily your solicitor can obtain it may impact the overall timeline for a claim.
- Liability: A claim is more likely to be settled early on if the defendant is quick to admit liability. Your solicitor may need to gather further evidence if they dispute their responsibility for your PTSD.
- Prognosis: If there is a need for ongoing therapy or other treatment, the prognosis may be unclear about the extent and severity of your PTSD. This may delay your independence medical assessment.
- Negotiations: The negotiations stage can involve several offers and counteroffers before all parties reach an agreement on compensation.
- Court hearing: When negotiations fail or a defendant refuses to admit liability, a claim may need to be heard in court. However, it’s important to stress this is very rare, as most cases are settled before this stage.
Here at JF Law, the welfare of our clients is at the heart of everything our solicitors do. So, if you decide to claim with one of these dedicated legal representatives, you can expect them to work tirelessly from the outset to ensure your claim moves forward as efficiently as possible. You can find out more by contacting one of the friendly advisors on our dedicated 24/7 team.
How Our Specialist PTSD Solicitors Can Help
At JF Law, our specialist PTSD solicitors can help by providing compassionate representation, personalised to reflect your situation. With years of experience and education, we have successfully recovered over £100 million in compensation for claimants across the country.
When you’re starting a PTSD claim, having a legal team at your disposal who understand how to support your physical and emotional needs can make a huge difference.
We’re not just focussed on winning your case, but on ensuring that your needs are met throughout the process and onwards. Our solicitors work tirelessly to provide an absolute commitment to your emotional and physical wellbeing; which extends beyond just practical legal representation; we will connect you to recovery specialists including psychiatrists and neurologists who can offer their assistance in the aftermath of your accident.
Some more of the services on offer include:
- A dedicated point of contact, and a safe environment where you can express any worries, concerns or questions you may have
- Obtaining and preserving documents to create an unshakeable case
- Remote consultations or home visitors to discuss your claim in person
- Helping to arrange independent medical assessments to examine your prognosis
- Handling all legal intricacies and complexities on your behalf so you can remain focussed on your recovery
- Recommending appropriate recovery treatments and rehabilitative support options
- Regular updates about the progression of your case and simple explanations of complex legal language or processes
Get in touch with our solicitors to learn more about how we can assist you in your own ptsd compensation claim today.
Can I Claim On A No Win No Fee Basis?
Yes, by choosing to work with our solicitors at JF Law, you can claim on a No Win No Fee basis.
This type of claim would be via a Conditional Fee Agreement, which is a way to fund your solicitor’s work, as it means you don’t have to pay for their services at the beginning or during your claims process.
Rather, a success fee would be taken from your compensation if your claim were successful. This fee is a limited percentage restricted under the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013 to ensure you receive the majority of your compensation.
If your PTSD compensation claim were unsuccessful, you wouldn’t be expected to pay a penny for our solicitor’s work on it.
By choosing to work with us at JF Law, you can expect to be supported at every stage of your PTSD compensation claim. Our team will ensure that your claim is started within the permitted time limit and assist you with gathering evidence and advocating on your behalf.
Contact JF Law
Contact our friendly team to discuss your PTSD compensation claim. You can reach us by:
- Calling 0151 375 9916
- Filling in our online claim form
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about post-traumatic stress disorder and certain aspects of the PTSD claims process.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition which may be brought on through experiencing a traumatic or distressing event.
What Are The Symptoms Of PTSD?
The most common symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Physical sensations like sweating or struggling to breathe
- Panic attacks
- Intrusive thoughts
- Feeling numb or detached from your body
- Feelings of blame or guilt
- Having difficulty concentrating
How Is PTSD Treated?
PTSD treatments can include talking therapy or certain types of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapies.
Can I Claim Any Benefits If I Have PTSD?
Yes, you can claim certain benefits if you have PTSD. You may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment, a benefit for individuals struggling with mental health conditions.
Contact us to find out more about what benefits you could be eligible for.
How Long Will A PTSD Claim Take To Settle?
Each case varies in terms of how long it takes to reach a settlement. It depends on things like case complexity, and case specifics could also impact how long it might take. However, you might be able to apply for interim payments before a final settlement is reached.
If you are wondering how long your PTSD compensation claim might take, contact us today, and our advisors will be happy to discuss this with you.
More Information
Read our other guides on:
- How to make a claim if you’ve been involved in a car crash
- Claims for manual handling injuries
- How to make a claim if you have slipped in a public place
Useful external resources:
- How to claim Statutory Sick Pay from GOV.Uk
- When to report a workplace injury from the Health and Safety Executive
- When to call 999 from the NHS
If you need any further help or guidance on claiming PTSD compensation, please speak to one of our friendly advisors.
Contact Us
Our helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
All calls are free and there’s no pressure whatsoever to proceed with a compensation claim.
If you write to us, we aim to respond within an hour or two, and no more than a few hours.
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