If you have been through a traumatic event and have since developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), you are not alone. Many people in the UK suffer from PTSD after serious accidents, assaults, or life-threatening experiences.
What makes it even harder is that PTSD is not always visible—it affects your mind, emotions, and daily life in ways that can be deeply personal and long-lasting. The good news is that you may be able to make a PTSD claim to get the support and compensation for PTSD that you deserve.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about PTSD claims, who can make one, how the process works, and what kind of PTSD settlement offer UK claimants usually receive.
What Is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic or frightening event.
You might have heard of it in the context of military veterans, but it can happen to anyone — after a car accident, physical assault, workplace trauma, or medical negligence.
Common symptoms include:
- Repeated flashbacks or nightmares about the event
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or on edge
- Avoiding certain places or people
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Emotional numbness or guilt
If left untreated, PTSD can interfere with your relationships, job, and overall wellbeing. While therapy and medication can help, recovery often takes time — and this is where PTSD compensation can make a real difference, helping you access treatment and cover financial losses.
Can You Make a PTSD Claim?
You may be able to make a post traumatic stress claim if your PTSD was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. This means the other party had a duty of care towards you and failed to keep you safe.
To put it simply:
- Someone owed you a duty of care (for example, your employer, another driver, or a medical professional).
- They breached that duty (for example, through negligence or unsafe practices).
- You developed PTSD as a direct result of that incident.
If those three points apply to your situation, you may be eligible to claim compensation for PTSD.
Common Causes of PTSD Claims in the UK
There are many different circumstances where a PTSD claim may arise. Here are some of the most common examples:
PTSD After a Car Accident
Road traffic accidents are among the leading causes of PTSD claims in the UK.
Even if you were not physically injured, the shock of the accident or witnessing a serious crash can lead to long-term psychological trauma.
Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, if another person’s negligence caused the accident, you could be entitled to a PTSD car accident settlement amount UK claim.
Workplace-Related PTSD
If you experienced or witnessed a traumatic event at work — such as a serious accident, assault, or ongoing stress — you may be able to claim against your employer.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must protect your mental and physical health.
Professions such as emergency services, healthcare, military, and construction are more prone to such incidents, but PTSD can affect employees in any field.
PTSD from Assault or Abuse
PTSD often follows violent attacks, robberies, or sexual assaults.
Even if the offender was prosecuted, you could still bring a civil post traumatic stress claim for your emotional and psychological suffering.
In some cases, victims can also apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for compensation.
Medical Negligence and PTSD
Sometimes, PTSD develops after a traumatic medical experience — for instance, a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or traumatic childbirth.
If your healthcare provider’s negligence caused your trauma, you could claim PTSD compensation for emotional and psychological harm.
Childhood Trauma and PTSD
PTSD may also develop years after experiencing childhood abuse or neglect.
If you are now an adult and your PTSD has been linked to a traumatic event in childhood, you may still be able to file a claim, especially if new evidence or medical diagnoses emerge.
How the PTSD Claim Process Works
The process for making a PTSD claim is straightforward but requires strong evidence and professional guidance. Here’s what typically happens:
Step 1: Free Initial Consultation
You contact a personal injury solicitor for a free assessment. They will review your situation and confirm if you have grounds for a claim.
Step 2: Gathering Evidence
Your solicitor will help you collect all necessary documents to support your case, such as:
- Medical records and psychiatric evaluations
- Witness statements
- Accident reports or CCTV footage
- Photographs of the scene
- Diary notes showing your ongoing symptoms
- Employment or income records if you’ve lost work
Step 3: Medical Examination
You will be assessed by an independent psychiatrist or doctor who will confirm your diagnosis and the impact of PTSD on your daily life. This report is essential in valuing your PTSD compensation.
Step 4: Submitting the Claim
Your solicitor will then send your claim to the responsible party or their insurer, who may admit or deny liability.
Step 5: Negotiation or Court Settlement
Most PTSD claims are resolved through negotiation, where your solicitor seeks a fair PTSD settlement offer UK based on your suffering and financial losses. If an agreement cannot be reached, your case may go to court, though this is rare.
How Much Compensation for PTSD Can You Receive?
The amount of compensation for PTSD varies depending on the severity of your condition and how much it has affected your life.
There are two main types of damages in a PTSD claim:
General Damages
These cover the emotional and psychological suffering caused by PTSD — including loss of enjoyment in life and long-term mental health effects.
Special Damages
These cover your financial losses, such as:
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Therapy or medication costs
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- Home care or support needs
- Future financial losses if you cannot return to work
PTSD Compensation Examples
The Judicial College Guidelines (used by UK courts and insurers) provide estimated ranges for PTSD compensation amounts:
| Severity Level | Description | Estimated Compensation |
| Severe PTSD | Permanent psychological damage; unable to work or maintain relationships | £73,050 – £122,850 |
| Moderately Severe PTSD | Significant long-term disability, but some recovery possible with therapy | £28,250 – £73,050 |
| Moderate PTSD | Symptoms improve with treatment; some lasting effects remain | £9,980 – £28,250 |
| Less Severe PTSD | Full or near recovery within one to two years | £4,820 – £9,980 |
These figures are guidelines only. Your final PTSD settlement offer UK may differ depending on the details of your case, such as how PTSD affects your work, relationships, and independence.
Evidence Needed for a Strong PTSD Claim
To increase your chances of receiving fair PTSD compensation, solid evidence is crucial.
Here’s what can make a real difference:
- Medical Diagnosis: Proof of PTSD from a GP, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
- Accident Reports: If the event occurred at work or in public, ensure it was officially logged.
- Photographs or Video Footage: Useful for accidents, assaults, or unsafe conditions.
- Witness Statements: From people who saw the incident or can describe your changes since.
- Personal Diary: Notes on how PTSD affects your mood, sleep, or social life.
- Financial Records: Payslips, invoices, or receipts proving loss of income or medical expenses.
Time Limits for Making a PTSD Claim
In most cases, you have three years to make a post traumatic stress claim.
This time limit starts either:
- From the date of the incident that caused your PTSD, or
- From the date your PTSD was diagnosed.
There are exceptions:
- For children: The three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday.
- For adults without mental capacity: The time limit pauses until they regain capacity.
Claiming for Someone Else
If your loved one has PTSD and cannot make a claim themselves — for example, due to severe mental illness or being under 18 — you can act as their litigation friend.
This means you’ll handle the legal process on their behalf, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive the support they need.
How Long Does a PTSD Claim Take?
The length of time to settle a PTSD claim depends on:
- The severity of the condition
- The amount of evidence available
- Whether the other party admits fault
Straightforward cases might settle within a few months, while complex ones — such as workplace or medical negligence claims — can take over a year.
Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout and aim to reach a fair settlement as soon as possible.
Why Making a PTSD Claim Matters
You might hesitate to pursue a PTSD compensation claim — perhaps because it feels stressful or because your trauma was emotional rather than physical.
But remember, compensation isn’t just about money. It’s about justice, recovery, and ensuring you get the care you need.
A successful PTSD claim can:
- Fund therapy and treatment
- Replace lost earnings
- Ease the financial strain of being unable to work
- Help you rebuild your life with dignity and stability
Final Thoughts
Suffering from PTSD after a traumatic event can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone.
If the incident that caused your trauma happened because of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to make a post traumatic stress claim and receive compensation for PTSD that reflects your pain and loss.
Every case is different, and the PTSD settlement offer UK you receive will depend on your unique circumstances.
The best way to understand your rights is to speak to an experienced personal injury solicitor who can guide you through the process, gather evidence, and ensure your claim is valued fairly.
Taking that first step can be the beginning of your recovery — not just emotionally, but financially too.