Claim Answers: Can I claim compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following a very serious car accident?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following a very serious car accident
Eoin P. Campbell
Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor
Editor in Chief

Question:

Can I claim compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following a very serious car accident?

Answer:

Claims for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are fairly rare. In personal injury compensation claims, you normally need to have suffered an actual physical injury that resulted in pain and suffering. However, in some cases, people exposed to terrifying events can suffer long term emotional problem that are diagnosed as PTSD. The symptoms vary a lot and can include being easily startled, becoming emotionally numb, losing interest in activities that were previously enjoyable, lack of affection, or even becoming aggressive or violent.

Since there is no specific test for PTSD, it must be diagnosed based on the clinical history of the victim and the occurrence of a traumatic event.

You must have a medical report to pursue a PTSD claims.

The event that caused the PSTD is typically very serious, such as military combat, kidnappings, plane crashes,or bombings. In some circumstances, witnessing the death of a close family member in a traffic accident would cause PTSD.

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