PTSD Compensation Claims
In the UK, it’s estimated that 4 in every 100 people are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at any given time. This means approximately 2,6612,000 individuals face the daunting and complex challenges of PTSD on a daily basis. While the devastating impact of PTSD is well-known, what might be less recognised is the right to seek recompense in the form of a PTSD compensation claim; this is a viable avenue for those whose PTSD arises from an accident or specific incident.
Whether PTSD is the extent of your struggles or you have accompanying physical injuries, you may be entitled to make a PTSD claim if the causative incident occurred within the last three years and was not your fault.
Navigating PTSD claims can appear to be daunting and complex. At The Claims Partnership, we understand the courage it takes to seek help. That’s why we’re dedicated to guiding you through the process of making a claim, offering support, and providing clarity on the steps that are involved. Over the years, we have dealt with hundreds of PTSD claims, negotiating millions of pounds of compensation for our clients. Let’s explore how you can assert your rights, consider some of the key factors in pursuing a PTSD compensation claim and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the claims process.
Making a PTSD Claim
Making a PTSD compensation claim may be daunting, but if you ensure that you follow all of the correct and advised procedures then making a successful claim can have a profound impact on your everyday life. There are a lot of stages to consider when making a claim, from the initial diagnosis all the way through to receiving compensation.
Chronologically, the process can be broken down to gathering evidence of neglect, followed by a diagnosis, then drawing a link between the event and your PTSD, seeking legal advice and then submitting your claim.
How Much Compensation Should I Get for a PTSD Claim?
While it is never easy to estimate the exact amount of compensation you could receive for a PTSD compensation claim, there are some estimates that have been pulled from previous cases. Before drawing upon these, there are many factors to consider, including the severity of symptoms and levels of neglect of the perpetrators.
It is estimated that payouts for PTSD compensation claims can range from £4,000 for minor cases to £40,000 for serious cases and up to £100,000 for severe cases. While these figures are a good indication of compensation, there are by no means set amounts, and the compensation you receive will depend on the exact details of your case.
How Long Does a PTSD Claim Take?
Now you have a good indication of how much compensation might be expected, you may be considering how long a PTSD claim could take. Each instance of PTSD compensation is unique, so it’s difficult to establish an exact timeframe.
More straightforward cases are usually settled in 12-18 months, but it’s not uncommon for a claim to take much longer. At The Claims Partnership, we believe our role goes beyond simply fighting for compensation for you. In 95% of the cases we run, we arrange for highly specialised treatment by way of CBT, EMDR and Counselling – early in our administration of PTSD claims, as well as interim payments to fund those treatments. If your claim takes considerably longer than 12 months, your solicitor can request interim payments to ensure you are not left in a dire financial situation.
What Benefits Can You Claim For With PTSD
In the UK, PTSD is classed as a disability, which means you may be entitled to disability benefits. If you have PTSD and are struggling financially while your claim is being processed, then you may be able to rely on benefit payments.
As per the Equality Act 2010, in order for PTSD to be classified as a disability, it needs to have a substantial long-term impact on your life, and it needs to have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Some of the benefits you may be entitled to include:
- Personal Independence Payments (or PIP for short)
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Council Tax Support
To learn more about your eligible benefits, use the Government’s Official Benefits Calculator to give you a more reliable and informed estimation.