• Pursuing psychological injury claims in Northern Ireland since 1993
• Experienced solicitors who understand the mental impact of an injury or accident
• Compassionate, independent and affordable legal advice
• Stress-free and simple claims process
• Free initial consultation with no obligation to proceed

Just because an injury can’t be seen doesn’t make it any less damaging. Psychological injury is an umbrella term for any form of trauma, emotional distress, PTSD or mental health problem. Psychological injuries can be overwhelming, completely incapacitating and impact your physical health — you might find you’re unable to get on with day-to-day life.

If you’re experiencing a psychological injury in Northern Ireland due to somebody else’s actions or negligence, you have the right to claim compensation that helps to provide the support you need.

You might be dealing with one or more of the wide range of symptoms of psychological injuries. Mental health problems affect different people in different ways but some of the symptoms include:

• Trouble getting to sleep
• Feeling anxious, worried or restless
• Feeling low or depressed
• Lacking motivation
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares and disturbed sleep
• Avoiding talking about or returning to the site of the accident
• Feeling emotional or irritable

If your mental health has been impacted by an accident or incident that wasn’t your fault, you’re entitled to make a psychological injury claim. This impact will usually need to be continuous, have caused significant distress or have disrupted your everyday life.

You can claim for psychological injuries independently or along with physical injuries.

Victims of psychological injuries fall into one of two categories:

Primary Victim – You were directly involved in an accident or incident that was someone else’s fault and resulted in a psychological injury. For example, you were the passenger in a car accident or the victim of an assault.

Secondary Victim – You witnessed a traumatic accident or incident that was someone else’s fault. For example, you saw a serious road accident or criminal attack that caused lasting psychological damage.

You can make a psychological injury claim for yourself or on behalf of a loved one who doesn’t have the mental capacity to make their own claim.

The process of how to make a psychological injury claim in Northern Ireland varies between different solicitors. We understand that when you’re managing a mental health problem, even the thought of making a claim can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve simplified our psychological injury claim process to make it as easy and hassle-free as possible with support every step of the way.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Get in touch for free initial legal advice on your claim. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Step 2: Gathering Information
If you’re ready to go ahead, we’ll help you to build evidence to support your claim. This might include medical records, witness accounts and video footage.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
We will arrange for you to be assessed by an independent medical professional who can determine the full extent of your psychological injury and any lasting impact.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Next, we’ll open negotiations with the at-fault party or their insurer to secure the maximum compensation amount that you’re entitled to.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
We’ll continue to offer support and guidance until we’ve made sure your compensation payout reaches you promptly.

Your psychological injury compensation will be split into two categories. General damages compensate for the suffering you’ve endured and the impact on your quality of life. Special damages compensate for loss of earnings, medical fees and the wider financial impact of your injury.

The amount of compensation you get for a psychological injury depends on the severity of the injury and the circumstances in which it was sustained. Psychological injury compensation in Northern Ireland also varies between psychiatric damage and PTSD claims.

Psychiatric Compensation Amounts

Severe Injuries that impact your work and personal life and may not be treatable:
£82,000 – £210,000

Moderately Severe Injuries that leave lasting psychological scars but may be treatable:
£47,000 – £125,000

Moderate Injuries that have an impact on your life but have an encouraging longer-term prognosis:
£12,000 – £48,500

Minor Injuries that have no long-term impact on your life:
Up to £15,000

PTSD Compensation Amounts

Severe PTSD that significantly and permanently impacts your work and private life:
£60,000 – £120,000

Moderately Severe PTSD that is likely to have a long-term effect on your life:
£45,000 – £95,000

Moderate PTSD where symptoms do not cause a significant disability but a full recovery has not been made:
£12,000 – £48,500

Minor PTSD where a full recovery or almost complete recovery is made within one or two years:
£4,500 – £13,000

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re here to help you claim compensation that will help you to overcome the psychological injuries you’re experienced. Take the first step towards the financial and medical support you need by getting in touch for a free initial consultation.