The following guide aims to inform you on the key characteristics of work PTSD and how you can make a claim for compensation for PTSD at work. Although every individual circumstance is unique, it’s important to recognise your employer’s duty of care, and understand when work-related personal injury claims may be relevant to you.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition which can develop after experiencing or witnessing a particularly upsetting and troubling event.
PTSD symptoms at work are also extremely common, as workplace incidents can also contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder. This can occur due to continual exposure to agonising events, harassment, or ongoing stress.
Under UK law, PTSD is recognised as a mental health condition, so incidents are taken very seriously. Victims of PTSD are entitled to seek compensation if you have developed your conditions as a direct result from employer negligence. From high risk occupations, to stressful work environments, many employees require counselling and therapy from PTSD as a result of their employers’ negligence. If you’re wondering how to claim PTSD compensation or find further support with regards to your mental health condition, keep reading for expert guidance and professional advice.
TBI Law offers a reassuring and empathetic approach to all clients experiencing work-related PTSD cases. Your unique situation will be handled with the utmost care, and our friendly team will help you to feel at ease as we explore the best ways to obtain PTSD compensation for you.
TBI Law has many years of experience in helping people with mental health disorders caused by workplace trauma, so you are certainly not alone. TBI Law are well-established experts in PTSD claims with a strong track record of success. With their tailored, compassionate approach to legal support, you’ll not only have the best representative, but you’ll also benefit from their no-win, no-fee policy.
Workplace PTSD develops when employees face traumatic or highly stressful situations. These experiences often occur unexpectedly and can leave lasting mental and emotional scars. Common causes include serious accidents, witnessing violence, or working in toxic environments. Long-term stress and a lack of support from employers often make these situations worse, increasing the likelihood of PTSD. Without timely help, affected individuals may experience significant mental health challenges. At TBI Solicitors, our team has dealt with many work related PTSD claims, and helped clients secure compensation. Below are some of the most common word related PTSD causes.
Some workplace conditions and incidents are known to trigger PTSD. These include:
Each person responds to these triggers differently. What feels manageable for one person may severely affect another. This highlights the need for personalised mental health support in every workplace.
This negligence can leave employees vulnerable to PTSD. For instance, long-term exposure to high-pressure environments without access to counselling or breaks may result in severe mental health issues.
Under UK Health and Safety Laws, workplaces must take steps to prevent unsafe conditions. Failing to do so can lead to legitimate claims for PTSD compensation.
Certain professions expose workers to more traumatic situations, making PTSD more common in these roles.
Emergency Services
Police officers, paramedics, and firefighters often witness traumatic events. These can include serious injuries, violence, or fatalities. The demanding nature of these jobs increases stress levels, and without support, the risks of PTSD grow.
Healthcare Workers
Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff often work in emotionally challenging environments. They may experience trauma while saving lives or dealing with critical care cases. Over time, the stress of these roles can take a toll on their mental health.
Armed Forces and Military Personnel
Members of the armed forces face extreme violence and life-threatening situations. Deployments to conflict zones, extended periods away from family, and exposure to dangerous conditions can all lead to PTSD.
Journalists in Conflict Zones
Journalists reporting from war zones or areas of civil unrest often witness distressing scenes. These experiences can leave lasting psychological effects, especially if there’s little opportunity for mental health recovery.
The Hidden Impact on Workers
PTSD isn’t always immediately obvious. There is clearly a prevalence of PTSD amongst emergency workers according to recent studies. Approximately 20% of police officers and staff in the UK show symptoms that align with PTSD, but more than two thirds are these individuals are unaware of their condition. This is a worrying reminder that many key workers could be operating their daily job with PTSD without adequate workplace support.
Many of these symptoms manifest themselves differently in workplace settings, and some employees may display clear PTSD symptoms at work. Some symptoms may not be as obvious, so it’s important to have an awareness of the different ways these behaviours can show themselves at work.
Seeking medical help early will help to reduce the severity of your symptoms, and may even enhance your overall quality of life. Early intervention will also help you to come to terms with your mental health issues, so that you have the resources to seek out support.
Your employer should always take reasonable and practical measures to ensure your welfare in the workplace. They owe you this duty of care, and if they fail to do this, they would be considered negligent. Some example of negligence in the workplace might include:
If you develop PTSD due to the negligence of your employer, you can bring a PTSD compensation claim against them.
If you are looking to prove PTSD work negligence, you will need to provide evidence to support your claims. Having an awareness of the symptoms of PTSD is the first step; if you experience any of the symptoms outlined above you could contact your GP to confirm the diagnosis. Your medical records will act as supporting evidence to support your PTSD claims.
When any incidents occur, you should keep a record of these unsafe practices and obtain witness statements from colleagues as soon as possible. These reports will be valuable pieces of evidence when making a PTSD claim against your employer.
UK Laws are in place to protect employees at work; failure to follow these health and safety laws may bring about employer negligence for PTSD, whereby the relevant evidence will be studied before a resolution is decided.
Your GP will assess your physical and mental needs in order to officially diagnose your PTSD.
Keep detailed records and reports of any disturbing incidents to help support your claim.
Get in touch with our team of solicitors with experience in employment law who will be able to represent you whilst you file your PTSD claim.
Follow advice from your solicitor regarding your work-related PTSD claim process. Make sure you opt for a no-win, no-free PTSD claim so that you can strive for a higher than average PTSD payout UK.
According to the statute of limitations for work-related PTSD claims in the UK, the claim must be made within three years of the event that caused the PTSD. Due to these time limits for PTSD claims, it’s encouraged that you seek out support and file your claim as soon as you can to allow the maximum compensation payout for your employers’ negligence.
Although payout amounts can never be guaranteed, an employee with severe PTSD facing life-changing symptoms could expect a payout of around £60,000-£100,000.
Whereas, an individual who has been diagnosed with PTSD who is considered likely to make a full recovery within a year may receive around £4,000-£8,000.
There are also additional compensable damages that will be considered during payouts, such as loss of income, future lost earnings, medical treatment, counselling, travel expenses, and overall pain and suffering. Compensation for PTSD is calculated according to these variables and will be decided on a case by case basis.
Pursuing PTSD compensation is highly beneficial as it can help you to regain some of the important moments you have lost during your diagnosis. As a PTSD sufferer your compensation will cover the emotional distress you have experienced, any medical expenses, therapy costs and loss of earnings whilst you’ve been unable to work due to your PTSD.
The NHS have many useful resources and treatments to help people suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder from medicines, to group therapies, so it’s worth exploring their mental health services for further support during your recovery.
Your employer can support your PTSD recovery by making accommodations for your needs, and adhering to workplace health, safety and wellbeing policies. From flexible work schedules, to quieter working environments your employer should be making reasonable adjustments for you during your recovery.
Make sure your employer is supporting your PTSD recovery effectively by asking for any accommodations you may need to help you navigate through your mental health struggles and feel more positive in your working environment.
Our solicitors are highly experienced in handling PTSD claims, particularly those linked to workplace trauma or long-term stress. We have a strong track record of success in securing maximum compensation for clients, ensuring justice is served. With in-depth knowledge of UK Health and Safety laws and employer negligence cases, we build robust claims that demonstrate the full impact of PTSD on your life.
We understand that PTSD is a deeply personal condition that affects everyone differently. That’s why our team takes the time to understand your unique experiences. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your claim, we guide you with empathy and care. Our aim is to make the process as stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your recovery.
At TBI Law, we believe everyone deserves access to justice. Our no-win, no-fee policy means you won’t face financial risks when making a claim. This approach ensures you can pursue compensation without worrying about upfront costs, allowing you to focus on achieving the outcome you deserve.
We handle every aspect of your claim with precision and professionalism. Our team assists with gathering crucial evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and incident reports. We also excel in proving employer negligence, demonstrating how unsafe working conditions or a lack of support contributed to your PTSD.
Clear communication is at the heart of what we do. From start to finish, we keep you informed about your claim’s progress and provide straightforward answers to your questions. You’ll never feel left in the dark.
Our focus goes beyond compensation. We prioritise your wellbeing, helping you access mental health resources and support where needed. By addressing both your legal and emotional needs, we ensure a holistic approach to your case.
The length of a PTSD claim varies depending on the complexity of the case. Straightforward claims, where liability is clear and evidence is strong, can often be settled within six to twelve months. However, more complex cases, such as those involving disputed employer negligence or extensive medical evidence, may take longer—often up to two years or more. Factors affecting the timeline include the availability of medical reports, how quickly evidence can be gathered, and whether the case goes to court. Working with our experienced solicitors can help streamline the process and ensure your claim progresses as efficiently as possible.
Yes, part-time workers are fully entitled to make a claim for PTSD caused by workplace incidents. Employment status does not affect your right to a safe working environment. Contractors, part-time employees, and even visitors to the workplace can file a claim if their PTSD resulted from an incident caused by employer negligence. For example, if unsafe working conditions, harassment, or a lack of mental health support contributed to your condition, you have grounds for compensation. Employers owe a duty of care to everyone in their workplace, regardless of hours worked or contract type.
In the UK, you usually have three years from the date of the traumatic incident to file a PTSD claim. If the symptoms emerge later, the time limit starts from the date of diagnosis. Consulting a solicitor as soon as possible is crucial to ensure you meet these deadlines.
During the claims process, you can access various support options, including counselling, therapy, and legal advice. We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, ensuring financial concerns don’t prevent you from pursuing justice. In some cases, employers may also offer support programmes to assist in recovery.
If your employer denies responsibility, you can still pursue legal action and seek compensation. The key to a successful claim is providing strong evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and incident reports, that prove the link between your PTSD and workplace conditions. An experienced solicitor can help you build a robust case and challenge any denial from your employer. Many PTSD claims are resolved through negotiation, but if necessary, your solicitor can take the case to court to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Remember, employer denial does not mean you’re ineligible to claim—it simply highlights the importance of expert legal guidance.
Now is the time to take action immediately if your employers have shown negligence in the workplace. You can book a consultation with an experienced solicitor in your area here: Hartlepool, Stockton, Barnard Castle, Sunderland and Wynyard.
Or you can call our friendly team today on 01429 264101, to receive tailored advice regarding your work-related PTSD claim. Get the compensation you deserve for your work accident PTSD claim with TBI Law today
