PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Claims

What Are PTSD Claims?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can manifest itself following any number of devastating incidents in a person’s life. The following are PTSD compensation examples but the potential for subsequent claims isn’t limited to this list:

  • Being mugged, robbed or attacked

  • Witnessing a violent incident

  • The sudden death of a loved one

  • Being caught up in a terror attack

  • Suffering sexual abuse

  • Being the victim of domestic violence

  • Suffering as a result of being caught up in a natural disaster such as a typhoon, tsunami or earthquake

 

Symptoms can manifest themselves in many ways and can include the following:

  • Stress and Anxiety

  • Irritability

  • Inability to Focus and Concentrate

  • Frequent Flashbacks and Nightmares

  • Physical Symptoms including Nausea and Dizziness

  • Depression

  • Dependency on Drugs or Alcohol

 

A combination of cause and symptoms can lead to valid PTSD claims.

 

Can I Claim Compensation for PTSD?

Anyone who is diagnosed as suffering with PTSD has the potential to make a valid claim for compensation provided that the circumstances leading to the condition are not their fault.

 

It may be worth considering the possible causes and the subsequent list of potential symptoms and, if you find there is a link between the two, you may be able to seek PTSD injury compensation. If you’re unsure about your circumstances please feel free to give us a call.

 

How to Make A Claim for PTSD?

The process behind post traumatic stress disorder compensation claims can be a complex one and, therefore, the best approach is to contact a solicitor with experience and expertise in the field. The first, and most important element of any PTSD claim is to establish a diagnosis and this is where your solicitor can start to step in.

 

With access to health professionals, it’s faster and simpler to confirm that key diagnosis that will allow you to proceed with your claim. From that point onwards, it’s a case of establishing who is responsible for the condition and progress with the compensation claim.

 

What Benefits Can You Claim for PTSD?

If you are suffering with PTSD then it may be possible to obtain regular benefit payouts from the government to assist while you are suffering with symptoms. Currently, the illness benefit in Ireland is paid to those citizens under the age of 66 who are temporarily unable to work because of their condition. In the worst case scenarios, an invalidity pension is in place that will pay for those individuals who are unable to return to work on a permanent basis. 

 

If you are still able to carry out gainful employment, this benefit will not apply but it may be possible to make a claim for disability allowance for issues that are expected to last for longer than a year.

 

For full details and advice, there is a comprehensive guide provided by the Citizens Information website. Please note that benefits are separate from any potential PTSD compensation that may be paid out in the future. 

 

How Much Is A PTSD Claim Worth?

There are a number of factors that can determine the potential PTSD compensation amounts. The first factor to take into account is the severity of the condition and how long the symptoms continue to manifest.

 

In general, less severe symptoms which are resolved within one to two years will be classed as minor PTSD. Moderate diagnosis can apply to ongoing symptoms which are not life-affecting while severe PTSD has the potential to be permanent and affecting quality of life.

 

The circumstances leading up to the claim can also play a part and it’s therefore difficult to provide a definitive answer to the question of exact PTSD compensation. Minor claims could be settled at an average of around 10,000 Euros while more severe cases could pay a higher average of 65,000 Euros. 

 

What Are The Legal Time Limits?

Naturally, any PTSD claim should be submitted as soon as possible and without delay. This provides a greater chance of success as the circumstances regarding the incident will be more recent and access to any potential evidence will be easier to obtain.

 

There are legal time limits and a general rule is in place stating that PTSD compensation claims must be submitted within two years of the incident or within two years from the date that the claimant realised that they had symptoms and that these may have been caused by a third party’s negligence.

 

The second of those two points can be tricky to confirm and that’s why it’s important to obtain that confirmed diagnosis from a qualified health professional with experience in post traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, if you have exceeded the two years from the date of the incident, you can still get in touch as there may still be scope for us to proceed.