Written by Rick Gregory, Editorial Lead · Legal information checked in collaboration with Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA 800525) · September 2026 · ~5 min read
Quick Summary
- PTSD and other psychiatric injuries arising from a specific traumatic workplace accident can be claimed alongside, or sometimes instead of, physical injury compensation
- You can potentially claim whether you were directly injured, witnessed a serious accident happen to someone else, or were involved without being physically hurt yourself
- A formal diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist is normally central to the claim — self-diagnosis or a general sense of being "shaken up" isn't enough on its own
- This is a different, generally more straightforward legal pathway than a claim for ongoing work-related stress, because it flows from one identifiable traumatic event rather than cumulative workload pressure
Can I claim for PTSD caused by a workplace accident?
Yes, in principle. Where a workplace accident — caused by your employer's breach of duty — results in a diagnosed psychiatric injury such as post-traumatic stress disorder, that psychiatric injury can form part of your compensation claim, alongside any physical injury or, in some cases, on its own.
This is legally distinct from a general work-related stress claim. A stress claim usually concerns cumulative pressure over time, and the law requires evidence that psychiatric harm to you specifically was foreseeable to your employer. A PTSD claim following a specific traumatic accident is instead treated as a consequence of that one event — much like a physical injury flowing from the same breach of duty — which is generally a more straightforward category of claim to establish, provided the accident itself was caused by your employer's negligence and your psychiatric injury is properly diagnosed.
What kinds of workplace events can lead to a PTSD claim?
- Being directly involved in a serious accident — a fall from height, a machinery incident, a serious burn or crush injury
- Witnessing a serious or fatal accident happen to a colleague
- Involvement in a workplace assault or violent incident
- A near-miss so severe that it caused lasting psychological harm, even without physical injury
Do I need to have been physically injured myself?
Not necessarily. UK law recognises that people who witness a horrifying event, or who are closely involved without being physically hurt, can suffer a genuine psychiatric injury. Claims by people who were not physically injured face a somewhat higher bar — the courts look closely at how directly you were involved and how proximate you were to the event — but a lack of physical injury doesn't automatically rule out a claim.
What evidence do I need?
- A formal diagnosis. Your solicitor will normally arrange an assessment with an independent psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. This is the central piece of evidence — general distress, without a recognised diagnosis, is unlikely to succeed as a standalone psychiatric injury claim.
- GP records showing when symptoms began and any treatment sought.
- A clear account of the triggering event, including the accident report, witness statements, and CCTV where available.
- Evidence of impact on your life — time off work, effects on relationships and daily functioning, and any counselling or medication.
What can PTSD compensation cover?
General damages reflect the severity and duration of the psychiatric injury, assessed against Judicial College Guideline brackets for psychiatric harm. Special damages can include the cost of therapy or psychiatric treatment, lost earnings if the condition affected your ability to work, and any other financial losses directly caused by the condition.
Do the same time limits apply?
Yes — the standard three-year limitation period under the Limitation Act 1980 applies, generally running from the date of the accident, though the date of knowledge can be relevant where a psychiatric diagnosis takes time to emerge.
Frequently asked questions
What if I haven't been formally diagnosed yet?
Speak to your GP as soon as possible and mention that your symptoms began after the workplace accident. A formal diagnosis, even if it comes later, doesn't prevent a claim — your solicitor can advise on timing.
Is this different from a general work-related stress claim?
Yes, and the distinction matters legally. A PTSD claim following a specific accident is generally more straightforward to establish than a cumulative stress claim, because it flows from one identifiable event caused by your employer's breach, rather than requiring proof that ongoing psychiatric harm to you specifically was foreseeable over time. See our guide on workplace stress claims for that separate category.
Can I claim for PTSD if I witnessed a colleague's accident but wasn't touched myself?
Potentially, particularly where you were in close proximity to a serious or fatal accident. This is a more fact-specific area, and a solicitor will need to assess exactly how directly you were involved.
Affected by what you experienced at work?
A specialist solicitor can assess your situation sensitively and explain what evidence would support a claim.
Or call 01228 272395 to speak to Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA number: 800525). No upfront cost and nothing to pay if your claim does not succeed.