Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects many members of the armed forces and military veterans. At Garratts, we understand the severe impact past traumatic and life-threatening situations can have on you and your family’s everyday life. Our personal injury solicitors are here to support you with your claim to compensate for any financial losses suffered from combat or military PTSD.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is an anxiety disorder generally caused by highly traumatic and stressful events. The affected individual may relive their traumatic experience resulting in the following:
- Insomnia
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Feelings of isolation from family and friends
- Depression
- Increased irritability
- Self-harm
- Substance abuse, i.e. drugs and alcohol abuse
What if I did not know I had PTSD since serving in the military?
In 2019, the UK government reported that the PTSD rate in the army remained low with 2 in 1,000 armed forces personnel having been diagnosed with military PTSD in 2019/20 (source: MOD, here). While sounding comparably low to some; these figures don’t paint the full picture because many cases go undiagnosed and untreated. In fact, the NHS has reported that Complex PTSD, an even more severe form of PTSD, can be triggered several years after the original traumatic incident occurred.
Providing no more than 3 years have passed since the date of the incident responsible for your PTSD, you can still claim compensation. The first step is to call our personal injury team on 0161 665 3502.
Can I claim compensation for military PTSD?
For your military PTSD claim to succeed, we will need to demonstrate that your PTSD was a result of one of the following:
- Negligence by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to protect you from being involved in a traumatic event during your time in service
- Development of PTSD during military operational duties
- Medical negligence by military medical personnel to diagnose and treat your PTSD
How to make a claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
If you or one of your family members developed post-traumatic stress disorder due to a traumatic event on or after 6th April 2005 whilst serving in the armed forces you might be able to claim compensation under the UK government’s Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Get in touch with our personal injury team if you would like to find out more.
What is the process for making a claim?
Firstly, we will offer you a free initial consultation. Next, we will review your case and advise you as to whether we think you will be able to make a claim. We will then collect all evidence required to support your claim, inform any liable third parties and arrange an independent medical examination report. Garratts will carry out all negotiations and, if needed, we will represent you in court.
No Win, No Fee Army PTSD Claims
We operate on a ‘No win, No Fee’ basis meaning you will not have to pay anything if your claim isn’t successful. If you are awarded compensation, your legal fees will be paid by the negligent party. You will also pay a success fee to us, but this is capped at a maximum of 25% of the compensation awarded.
