

For this reason it is essential to go to a solicitor with considerable experience in handling claims for post traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatric assessment will be crucial to the success of your claim.
It is very difficult to give general guidance, as victims experience such a wide range of differences in symptoms and severity. The following give some examples. Typical symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder are:
Avoiding places like the one where the incident occurred. Flashbacks, panic attacks, shaking, shortness of breath. Racing heart and loss of bowel/bladder control. Sleep loss, nightmares and headaches. Nausea and hot flushes. Forgetfulness, depression, lack of motivation and loss of confidence.
Minor post traumatic stress disorder from which the sufferer makes a full recovery in less than a couple of years. Up to £3,000.
Moderate post traumatic stress disorder. The sufferer will mostly recover and long-term effects will not cause major disability. £4,000 to £12,000.
Severe post traumatic stress disorder, in which the sufferer’s life is hugely affected and long-term professional treatment is required. £20,000 to £50,000.
In the first instance, check that your solicitor’s firm includes lawyers who are accredited members of the two principle legal bodies in this field; the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIC) and the Law Society’s personal injury panel. You should also ask if they have solicitors who belong to associations for the specific injury your claim is about – for example the Spinal Injuries Association or the Headway Panel.
You should also ask your solicitor about their record in personal injury claims. Can they give you any case histories of successful claims similar to yours?
With the exception of medical negligence, legal aid is generally no longer available for personal injury claims. This means you will have to agree payment with the solicitor yourself. Fortunately, solicitors are able to act on a Conditional Fee (“No Win, No Fee”) basis. This means your solicitor bears the cost of the claim until you have been awarded compensation. Depending on the type of agreement you have, your solicitor will then either claim his fees from your opponent, or take a percentage of your compensation as a “success fee”.
Before agreeing to work on a conditional fee basis, a competent personal injury solicitor will assess the merits of the claim. If you and your solicitor decide to proceed you may have to take out an insurance policy to cover both your and your opponent’s solicitors’ fees in the event that you lose your claim.