It is a common misconception that Personal Injury claims can only be made for physical injuries, such as fractures, lacerations and soft tissue damage. However, it is important to note that psychological personal injuries are also recognised and can be compensated for. Here we are going to explore various psychological personal injuries and how they can be claimed for under UK law.
What are psychological personal injuries?
Psychological personal injuries are also known as mental injuries and refer to the psychological or emotional trauma that someone may experience as a result of a distressing event. These injuries include but are not limited to, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. The cause of a person’s psychological injury can be due to many different factors, however serious accidents, medical negligence and stress in the workplace are some of the most common.
Much like physical injuries, psychological personal injuries can be extremely debilitating for the sufferer. The symptoms can disrupt your daily life, prevent you from pursuing hobbies you once loved, as well as impact your physical health through stress-related changes to diet and exercise. You may also find it difficult to go to work or have to change your job altogether, which can lead to a loss of income.
Fortunately, compensation can be claimed for psychological personal injuries in the UK. This compensation can be used to cover your loss of earnings or any additional costs that you have incurred because of your injury, such as fees for medication or transport to medical appointments.
In order to claim compensation for your injury, you will need to prove that it was caused by the negligence of another. Depending on the circumstances, you may be claiming against a business, an organisation or an individual. To demonstrate someone’s negligence, is to show that they breached their duty of care towards you, resulting in you suffering a psychological injury. For example if you were injured as a cyclist being struck by a car that swerved into a cycle lane, you may be able to claim compensation for the psychological trauma you have experienced because of the event.
What psychological injuries can I claim compensation for?
There are many different psychological personal injuries that can be claimed for, including:
- Anxiety – Mild or severe feeling of unease, fear or worry triggered by stress or trauma.
- Depression – A mood condition often characterised by reduced enjoyment or interest in hobbies or activities once loved. Depression can also disrupt appetite or sleep patterns.
- PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder caused by a frightening or distressing event such as a car accident or assault.
- Phobias – Overwhelming irrational fear of situations, objects, animals or places that may cause a person to panic.
- Insomnia – Difficulty with falling asleep or staying asleep for prolonged periods of time. Those suffering with insomnia will often feel tired throughout the day, they may also suffer from low mood.
The level of compensation awarded for a psychological injury depends on a number of factors. Including the accident circumstances, the severity of the injury, the impact it has had on your life as well as whether you have incurred any financial losses because of it. In order to understand whether you have a strong case and the amount of compensation you could be awarded for your psychological injury, it is always worth seeking advice from a legal professional.
Why Stonehewer Moss Solicitors?
Personal injury experts, Stonehewer Moss have 20 years of experience in fighting and winning psychological personal injury claims.
When you choose Stonehewer Moss, you are selecting a team of specialist solicitors in Cheshire who have been accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). Our solicitors are highly motivated to succeed, and they will work tirelessly to achieve the maximum compensation possible for you. We provide free, no-obligation advice and independent legal representation on a No Win, No Fee basis, so there is no financial risk to you.
For further information on No Win No Fee agreements, watch this short video to learn more.
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