Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur as the result of being involved in or witnessing a traumatic event. It typically occurs following an accident, such as a car accident or an accident at work. PTSD is usually diagnosed by a Doctor, Psychiatrist or Psychologist.
When somebody experiences PTSD, they might not realise it straight away. According to the HSE, it can take up to one month for symptoms of PTSD to develop. In some cases, symptoms might not develop for many months or even years.
If you have experienced PTSD as a result of a traumatic accident, you may be able to take a personal injuries claim. This type of claim is known as a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claim and it is form of Personal Injury Claim.
What is a PTSD Claim?
A PTSD Claim is a claim for compensation for the psychological injury, loss and damage suffered by a person which arose out of the fault of another person. While a person bringing a PTSD Claim may have suffered physical injuries in the accident, it is not necessary to have suffered a physical injury to being such a PTSD Claim – the injury suffered can be purely psychological. For example, a Claimant may experience symptoms after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.
Symptoms of PTSD can include, but are not limited to:
- Nightmares.
- Flashbacks.
- Depression.
- Insomnia.
- Distressing images or sensations that are repetitive.
- Pain.
- Nausea.
- Perspiration.
- Tremors, trembling or nervous twitch.
- Anxiety.
- Irritability.
- Problems concentrating.
- Self harming/destructive behaviours.
Psychological injuries, such as PTSD, can impact a person’s quality of life, ability to work and more. For this reason, compensation is available for PTSD Claims. The compensation payout includes compensation for the injuries you have sustained, as well as your medical costs and any loss of income that you have incurred as a result of your inability to work.
If you believe that you are experiencing PTSD, it is vital that you seek assistance as soon as possible from your Doctor.
Who Can Make a Claim Compensation for PTSD?
Anyone diagnosed with PTSD as the result of an accident or traumatic incident, which was the fault of another person, may be eligible to claim. These incidents or accidents can have occurred on private property, in the workplace or on public property.
How to Make A Claim for PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims can be difficult Personal Injury Claims to make. Therefore, it is advisable to speak with a Personal Injuries Solicitor who has successfully pursued similar PTSD cases. An experienced Solicitor will ensure that your case is as strong as possible and that everything proceeds accordingly.
First Step – Meeting with Solicitor
When you first meet with your Personal Injuries Solicitor, you will discuss your case and the circumstances leading to your injuries. Your Solicitor will need to ask you about your PTSD symptoms and how they impact you. This can be a difficult conversation and can take time. At Cantillons Solicitors, we understand these challenges and treat everything you share with us with the utmost sensitivity and privacy.
Gathering Evidence
One of the most important parts of a PTSD Claim is the evidence. It is essential that a link is made between the incident/accident and PTSD. It is also necessary to prove the diagnoses of PTSD (this can be obtained from your Doctor), how PTSD has impacted your life and/or work negatively. This might include providing evidence of lost earnings, financial difficulties and so on.
Submitting A Claim
Once all the evidence is gathered, your Personal Injury Solicitor will submit your PTSD Claim to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB).
How Much Is A PTSD Claim Worth?
The amount of the compensation available for a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claim is based on the severity of the injuries and each case is decided on its own merits.
As of the 24th April, 2021, the assessment of awards of Personal Injuries Compensation will be set by the Personal Injury Guidelines.
For example, if a Claimant is found to have “Moderate PTSD” the Personal Injuries Guidelines suggest compensation in the range of between €10,000 and €35,000. If a Claimant is found to have “Severe PTSD” the Personal Injuries Guidelines suggest compensation in the range of between €60,000 and €120,000.
Please note that these figures are guidelines only.
What Are The Legal Time Limits for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims?
There are strict time limits within which Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims must be taken.
Generally speaking the time limit is two years but on occasions, the time limits may be shorter or longer. If you have suffered a personal injury, you should contact a member of the Cantillons Solicitors Team as soon as possible.
Speak To Cantillons Solicitors, Post Traumatic Stress Claims Solicitors
If you are looking for a Solicitor experienced in Post Traumatic Stress Claims, please contact Cantillons Solicitors using the contact form below, Alternatively, call us at Cork +353 (0)21 4275673 or Dublin +353 (0)1 264 1802 or email us at info@cantillons.com for more information.
Cantillons Solicitors are Personal Injury Solicitors in Cork. We believe in tailoring our service to suit each unique client. We are committed to positive outcomes in every case, and we will be happy to work with you for the very best results in your personal injury claim.
Our offices are located at 39 South Mall, Cork and 31-36 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin. We do, however, represent clients from all over Ireland. Should you be unable to attend our offices, we are more than happy to travel to you. We also offer consultations via telephone or Zoom so as to avoid the stress of travelling where necessary.
* In contentious business, a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. Many Personal Injury Solicitors portray themselves as “no win no fee Solicitors Cork”. This term can be misleading and it is essential that you discuss fees with the Personal Injury Solicitor you ultimately choose. At Cantillons Solicitors, we are entirely transparent.
