Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How psychological injuries are valued
Compensation is available not only for physical harm but for recognised psychiatric injury caused by an accident — including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and adjustment disorders. In England and Wales these are valued under the Judicial College Guidelines, which contain separate brackets for general psychiatric damage and for PTSD. A key requirement is a formal diagnosis: ordinary distress, grief or upset that falls short of a recognised condition is not, by itself, compensable.
Less severe psychological injury
A mild or short-lived psychological reaction — for example travel anxiety after a car accident, or a brief adjustment disorder — that resolves with a good recovery sits at the lower end, indicatively £1,700–£7,700. The figure reflects how much daily life, sleep and relationships were affected and how quickly recovery occurred.
Moderate psychological injury
Where there is a more significant condition with marked symptoms but a reasonably optimistic prognosis — moderate PTSD, anxiety or depression affecting work and relationships but improving with treatment — the award is typically £7,700–£28,300. The degree of impact on work and the response to treatment drive the figure within this bracket.
Severe psychological injury
Severe and long-lasting psychiatric injury — serious PTSD or depression causing marked, persisting problems with work, relationships and the ability to cope with life, and a poor prognosis — falls in the higher bracket, from roughly £28,300 to £120,000. Selecting "Severe" applies the upper figures. Severe psychological injury frequently accompanies a serious physical injury and is then valued alongside it.
What affects a psychological injury payout
- Diagnosis and severity — a formal psychiatric diagnosis, and where the condition sits on the Judicial College scale.
- Prognosis — the likely course of recovery and response to treatment such as therapy or medication.
- Effect on life — impact on work, relationships, education and the ability to function day to day.
- Vulnerability and future risk — susceptibility to relapse and any need for ongoing treatment.
Special damages for psychological injuries
You can recover financial losses such as the cost of psychological therapy (CBT, counselling), medication, lost earnings during periods unable to work, and — for serious conditions — future losses including ongoing treatment or reduced earning capacity. Enter these in the calculator and they are added to the injury figure.
Psychological injury claims in practice
A psychological injury claim normally requires a report from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist confirming the diagnosis, severity and prognosis. These claims are usually handled by a solicitor, often on a no-win-no-fee basis, and frequently form part of a wider claim that also includes physical injuries. This page is an estimating tool only and does not provide legal or medical advice.
Psychological injury compensation — frequently asked questions
How much compensation for psychological injury or PTSD in the UK?
A mild, short-lived psychological reaction is valued at roughly £1,700–£7,700, a moderate condition at about £7,700–£28,300, and severe PTSD or psychiatric injury with a poor prognosis from around £28,300 to £120,000 under the Judicial College Guidelines. The cost of therapy and any lost earnings are added as special damages.
Can I claim compensation for anxiety or depression after an accident?
Yes, provided you have a recognised psychiatric condition diagnosed by a suitably qualified expert, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. Anxiety, depression, PTSD and adjustment disorders caused by an accident can all be compensated. Ordinary distress or upset that does not amount to a diagnosed condition is generally not compensable on its own.
How much is a psychological injury settlement in the US?
US psychological injury settlements range from about $5,000 for minor cases to $130,000 or more for severe conditions. Emotional-distress claims are often easier to pursue where they accompany a physical injury. The figure depends on the diagnosis, the strength of expert evidence, your documented treatment costs and lost income, and the relevant state law.
Do I need a diagnosis to claim for a psychological injury?
In practice, yes. A claim for psychiatric injury normally requires a formal diagnosis and a report from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist setting out the condition, its severity and your prognosis. The diagnosis and prognosis determine which Judicial College bracket applies and therefore the likely value of the claim.
Is this psychological injury calculator accurate?
It gives a realistic guide based on Judicial College bracket figures and typical US settlement ranges, but it is not a guarantee. Psychological injury values depend heavily on the diagnosis, prognosis, liability and your proven losses. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney and obtain appropriate medical evidence.