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Having never taken legal action before, I found Boyes Turner very helpful and diligent during my injury claim. When I moved to the USA during the case, they were still able to answer all of my concerns and keep me informed, giving me advice every step of the way. I would recommend Boyes Turner to anyone who is considering representation
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a specific diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder following an event which creates psychological trauma in response to actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violation.
Typical symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, sleep disturbance, avoidance, mood disorders, suicidal ideation and hyper arousal. Symptoms of hyper arousal can affect breathing, pulse rate and bowel and/or bladder control.
A GP will usually suggest or make an informal diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and will then refer their patient to a psychologist for a formal diagnosis and treatment.
In a personal injury claim, a Consultant Psychiatrist is instructed to diagnose the condition and any other psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression and so on. See the link for the diagnostic criteria, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – DSM-IV and DSM-5 Criteria of the American Psychiatric Association.
This can depend on the following factors:
Where there is a full recovery within 1 to 2 years and only minor continuing symptoms awards range from £3500 to £7000. Where symptoms are permanent and prevent the injured person from working at all or functioning and where all aspects of life are badly affected awards can range from £52,500 to £88,000. This relates to compensation for the injury itself but there may be additional losses such as loss of earnings and pension, care, treatment costs and so on.
The NICE guidelines suggest Trauma Focused CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing).
CBT is a talking therapy that can help the injured person manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave. It is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It focuses on how the injured person’s thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect their feelings and behaviour and teaches coping skills for dealing with different problems.
EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. The treatment enables the injured person to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. It involves a set of bilateral movements with the individual being asked how they feel. This process continues until the memory is no longer disturbing. The individual is processing the trauma with both hemispheres of the brain stimulated.
What works for one person may not work for another person, therefore it is important to discuss with your Psychotherapist what the treatments are, as one person may benefit from one type of treatment or a combination of CBT and EMDR.
If the condition is treated early or effectively enough (ie when the injured person feels ready to start treatment), then most people will make a full or partial recovery to the extent that the condition no longer impacts on daily life, work and relationships.
We know from the experience of some of our clients that occasionally they do not recover because their condition is so severe and chronic. However, most clients find that treatment really helps them to be able to participate in life again.
Many clients state that they have to adapt and change certain aspects of their life, for example going to the supermarket at quiet times, doing work which does not involve being in contact with too many people, using breathing techniques to avoid anxiety or panic attacks.
Many of our clients suffer PTSD as a result of the trauma they experience in accidents, whether they have suffered minor or serious, life changing injuries. Psychological injury forms a significant part of our day to day case handling. Our clients often say that they find it easier to cope with their physical injuries than their psychological injuries.
Psychological injury can arise from the trauma of an accident, the impact of the accident on their life, for example, loss of job leading to financial worries which causes depression, or the daily reminder of an accident through the physical scars they bear.
Many of our clients are involved in road traffic accidents, whether as drivers or passengers involved in collisions with other vehicles, or cyclists and pedestrians. However, we also represent a variety of workers such as military personnel, care workers, nurses, teachers, firemen and police who suffer injury during the course of their employment, and members of the public who are injured in public places, such as parks, playgrounds and shops.
The impact of PTSD and other psychological injuries should not be underestimated as this can impact family life, social and recreational participation, work and daily living. Psychological injury can affect an individual’s ability to do their job and lead to financial loss. For example, if a healthcare professional is assaulted by a patient due to an employer not implementing a safe system of work or safe environment, the individual is often too frightened to return to the workplace either temporarily or permanently which can lead to loss of earnings and lifestyle.
If you think you have PTSD it is advisable to speak to your GP who may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms (particularly as PTSD can often be accompanied by Depression and/or Anxiety), and/or refer you for counselling. The NHS tends to have a long waiting list for psychological treatment and it is not always possible to see a counsellor or psychotherapist on a 121 basis due to limited NHS funds and resources. Private counselling can be costly.
Our solicitors have a good understanding of psychological injury and how it can impact on everyday life and function.
In a personal injury case it is vital to instruct specialised solicitors in the field to ensure that the right medico legal expert is instructed in the case to correctly diagnose the psychological condition. Just feeling scared or anxious or stressed is not enough to be compensated as the condition must be a recognisable psychological condition. It is also important to find a solicitor who can provide you with access to treatment as soon as possible to help in your recovery.
We aim to ensure that our clients have access to private treatment as early as possible. If left untreated, PTSD and other psychological conditions can have a significant impact on everyday life. Many of our clients fear going out of the house which can impact their ability to work, see friends and family, go shopping or engage in social activities. It can impact on relationships and family dynamics and often cause the breakdown of relationships.
Psychological injury is often a component part of a much wider and complex presentation in the injured people we represent, particularly those who suffer complex musculo-skeletal injuries eg lots of broken bones and soft tissue injury resulting in ongoing pain.
Pain and psychological injury (eg depression and PTSD) will often have an impact on each other so that when someone is in pain they feel depressed, mentally and physically drained, which in turn heightens their pain and it becomes a vicious cycle. The result of this can be to affect sleep, memory and concentration, mood and function.
Having a solicitor who understands psychological injury and its interplay with other conditions is really important in terms of helping you to access the right and most suitable treatment and ensure that you receive the right amount of compensation.
Yes. For example, if a civilian suffers PTSD because they have been involved in a road traffic accident where they were injured as a result of the other person’s negligent driving, they can bring a claim against the other party’s insurers or via the MIB (Motor Insurers Bureau where there is no insurer or the driver is untraced).
In military PTSD cases, the principle of combat immunity applies, which means that military personnel cannot recover damages for PTSD via a civil claim against the MOD just because they have developed the condition due to the events they witness in their day to day job.
There needs to be some negligence on the part of the MOD, for example, this could be where there has been a diagnosis of PTSD and then failure to adequately treat, or failure to diagnose and/or treat. Injured armed forces personnel can make a claim for developing PTSD via the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme which is a separate, no fault scheme.Symptoms experienced by individuals will be similar for example, nightmares and flashbacks, avoidance of situations that remind someone of the traumatic incident that led to their PTSD (triggers), being hyper vigilant and weary of certain situations, feeling emotionally numb, experiencing feelings of heightened anxiety, fear or panic attacks. However, there may have been a number of traumatic events before there is a clear and full diagnosis of PTSD.
Often military personnel will not want to admit to having psychological issues as this may be perceived as weak by their peers and superiors. This may lead to alcohol or substance abuse as a coping mechanism or they may become verbally or physically abusive as they struggle to cope with their emotions.
It depends on the nature and severity of the injury, whether the responsible party admits liability, and whether the responsible party agrees to fund psychological therapy early to help the injured person to maximise their recovery and return to function.
In cases where PTSD is part of more complex injuries such as musculo-skeletal injuries, then it may take an injured person time to recover from the physical aspects of their injury through prolonged surgery and physical rehabilitation. In these circumstances, psychological therapy may be an ongoing process or something which is best left until there has been in improvement from physical injury.
If liability is not admitted and the case is complex, proceedings need to be issued at Court against the responsible party/ their insurers within the 3 year limitation period. Once a case has been issued it can take up to 18 months to resolve.
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A personal injury claim is a claim for compensation arising out of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. The claim is generally made against the insurer for the party at fault, or if they do not have any insurance, against the party direct (if they have financial means).
If you are the victim of a violent crime, you may be entitled to make a claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. If you are injured in a road traffic accident and the party at fault is not insured or cannot be traced, you may be entitled to make a claim under the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
An accident can happen at any time, in any location and for whatever reason. Anyone who suffers an injury when someone else is at fault can turn to our personal injury claims solicitors for the support and guidance needed.
It happens all too often each year across the UK and, at Boyes Turner, our mission is to get you the compensation and support that you are entitled to. We handle thousands of claims made by people just like you – people who are injured and are now looking to rebuild their lives.
In certain cases, you can also make a claim on behalf of someone else who is injured:
To find out if our personal injury solicitors can help you receive compensation after an accident, call us on 0800 124 4845 or get in touch using our online form for your free initial consultation.
It is rare for a personal injury claim to go to court. In most cases, an out-of-court settlement is reached well in advance of this happening.
If the other side refuses to accept blame for your injuries or illness or to pay you the right amount of compensation for your injuries and losses, we will start court proceedings. Even if this happens, we continue to do everything we can to avoid a court hearing and the majority of cases will settle before the reach a trial date.
In the unlikely event, your claim does go to court, all our personal injury solicitors have the skills and expertise to achieve a positive outcome – while continuing to support you for the duration.
There is no set rule to how long your claim will take and it usually depends on whether the other party admits fault fully or in part and the nature and severity of your injuries and losses. There are so many factors involved that we cannot tell you exactly how long it will take at the start of the process. But you can be sure that your personal injury solicitor will keep you informed of progress at every stage.Some of the most serious personal injury claims can take longer to settle as these are often the most complex cases – particularly if it can take time to get the expert medical and non medical opinion needed.Our personal injury solicitors will do all they can to make the process as short as possible whilst at the same time ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation.
All claims are unique. Our personal injury solicitors know that injuries or illness can affect people in different ways. This is why the amount of compensation you could receive will differ from case to case. Each individual award is designed to reflect your specific circumstances and needs.
General damages
This is the amount that you could be awarded for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity (impact on day to day life) caused by your injuries. Medical evidence is required to prove what injuries you have suffered. The Judicial College sets out guidelines for the range of general damages that can be paid based on the part(s) of the body affected and the severity of the injury.
Special damages
This is the amount you could be awarded for any financial losses or expenses you incur as a result of your injuries both now and in the future. Your personal injury solicitor will factor in the other considerations that are unique to your claim. This can include:
If you have incurred financial losses or you are experiencing financial hardship due to your accident and the injuries you have suffered, your personal injury solicitor can ask the other side to make an interim payment, where liability has been agreed or partially agreed. This is a sum of money which forms part of your overall compensation and is paid in advance of settlement of your claim.
No matter type of accident you or a loved one are involved in, our personal injury solicitors have the specialist expertise and support you need to secure the best possible outcome.
Let us help look after your future needs – call us on 0800 124 4845 or get in touch for the initial discussion that can set you on the path to getting the personal injury compensation you deserve.
We appreciate that making a claim for compensation can feel like it is just one more thing to add to the list at a difficult time. But one thing our personal injury claims solicitors excel in is making the claims process as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
The process of making a personal injury claim generally follows the same steps – starting with a free initial consultation where we will discuss your injury and the options available to you.
When you decide to move forward with a claim, your personal injury solicitor starts by gathering the necessary information. This includes any evidence, witness statements or anything else that can help us build a strong case.
We will arrange for you to undergo any necessary independent medical examinations to help us better understand the full extent of your injury and the impact it is going to have on you and your family in the future.
Using the information gathered by your personal injury solicitor, a compensation amount will be calculated. At this point, we contact those at fault for your injuries or illness to negotiate with them to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Our work is guided by the belief that anyone should have an opportunity to claim compensation if injured through no fault of their own. As part of our initial consultation, we will let you know if our no win no fee personal injury solicitors can help.
No win no fee is known as a Conditional Fee Agreement. For you, it means the financial risk of making a claim is minimised because – if your claim is not successful – you do not have to pay.
Find out more about funding a claim with Boyes Turner. If you have any queries, call 0800 124 4845 or get in touch using our online form and our team will be happy to discuss your options.
In order to prove that someone else is to blame for your injuries or illness, there are four main points to consider for compensation to be paid:
Duty: Were you owed a legal duty of care by the other party at the time of the accident?
Breach: Did the other party breach that duty of care through their actions (or inactions)?
Causation: Is the other party’s actions (or inactions) responsible for your injuries/illness?
Damages: What is the amount of compensation you are entitled to recover because of your injuries and financial losses?
No. The law states that you will not have to pay tax on any compensation you receive for your personal injury claim.
Tax may be owed on any interest that is added to your compensation amount, but this will be deducted before it is paid to you – so you do not have to worry about this either.
In most cases, a personal injury claim must be made within three years of the accident or the date when your injuries are diagnosed. There are exceptions this, however, which are:
We always recommend starting your claim as soon as possible to give our personal injury claims solicitors the best possible chance of building a strong case. We may even be able to help if your claim is now outside the three-year limit – call 0800 124 4845 or get in touch today to find out.
Our teams have been nationally recognised over the past decade for their dedication and commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients
Our clients constantly recognize us as the most experienced, professional, efficient and supportive
Thank you again for all you have done for us and the way you have done it. We would be happy to recommend your services to anyone else in a similar position.
"It really does turn your life upside down in a moment, not just for me but for my family as well. It’s been a difficult journey, sometimes very emotional, but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in my recovery and in being able to tell this story tooMy story shows what can be achieved with the support of the right people and a little determination. I look back on where I was and I’m delighted with where I am now. I’ve still got a way to go and I still have some effects from the accident to deal with but I hope people see what I’ve achieved and it helps them as they begin their recovery."
We’d like to express our thanks to Kim and the team at Boyes Turner for the expertise, experience and professionalism in handling our daughter’s serious injury claim following a road accident. From arranging a team of rehab specialists and the necessary funding to the negotiation of the final very satisfactory settlement, the whole operation has been conducted very smoothly and we can recommend their service to anyone in a similar position.
Thank you so much for all you have done for C and the family. I know that you have absolutely given it everything you’ve got and your devotion and commitment to the case has been spectacular.
I wanted to take the opportunity to express my thanks to you for your professional attitude and handling of the claim throughout this tragic case. It is in cases like this where the compensation can never compensate for the loss suffered, but hopefully it will help in some way to move forward.