Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How PTSD claims are valued
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a recognised psychiatric condition that can follow a frightening or distressing event — a serious accident, an assault, witnessing a death, or a workplace trauma. In England and Wales it is valued under a dedicated PTSD section of the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), graded by severity and prognosis. The calculator above is pre-set to psychological injury; set severity to reflect your diagnosis, then read the PTSD figures here.
Less severe PTSD
Where the person has largely recovered and any continuing effects are minor, the award sits at the lower end — indicatively £3,950–£8,200. Select "Minor" in the calculator for these cases.
Moderate and moderately severe PTSD
Moderate PTSD, where the person has largely recovered but with some continuing symptoms and a good prognosis, is valued at about £8,200–£23,200. Moderately severe PTSD, with significant continuing effects on the ability to cope with life and work but with some prospect of improvement with treatment, is valued at around £23,200–£59,900. Select "Moderate" for these cases.
Severe PTSD
Severe PTSD — permanent, disabling symptoms that prevent the person from working or functioning at anything like the pre-trauma level — falls at the top, roughly £59,900–£100,700. Selecting "Severe" in the calculator applies these upper figures.
What affects a PTSD payout
- Severity and prognosis — whether symptoms are expected to improve with treatment or to be permanent is the main driver.
- Effect on work and relationships — an inability to work or maintain relationships raises the award.
- Treatment response — whether the person has engaged with and responded to therapy.
- Other injuries — PTSD often accompanies physical injuries and is valued alongside them.
Special damages for PTSD
On top of the injury figure you can usually recover special damages — lost earnings where the condition stops you working, the cost of therapy (CBT, EMDR or other psychological treatment), medication, and future losses where the condition is long-lasting. Enter your losses in the calculator and they are added on top.
Proving a PTSD claim
A PTSD claim requires a formal psychiatric diagnosis — a GP note of "stress" is not enough. A report from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist sets the diagnosis, severity and prognosis. PTSD claims often follow road accidents, assaults and workplace incidents, and may also be eligible through the CICA scheme where the trauma resulted from a crime. These claims are usually run on a no-win-no-fee basis. This page gives an estimate only and is not legal advice.
PTSD compensation calculator — frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I get for PTSD in the UK?
Less severe PTSD that largely resolves is valued at roughly £3,950–£8,200, moderate PTSD with a good prognosis at about £8,200–£23,200, moderately severe PTSD with significant continuing effects at around £23,200–£59,900, and severe permanent PTSD at approximately £59,900–£100,700 under the Judicial College Guidelines. Therapy costs and lost earnings are added as special damages.
Do I need a diagnosis to claim for PTSD?
Yes. A PTSD claim requires a formal psychiatric diagnosis from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, who will also set out the severity and prognosis. A GP record of feeling stressed or anxious is not enough on its own, although it is useful supporting evidence. The diagnosis is what places your claim within the PTSD bracket.
Can I claim for PTSD after a car accident or assault?
Yes. PTSD frequently follows road accidents, assaults, workplace trauma and witnessing a serious incident, and is compensable where it was caused by someone else's negligence or a crime. Where the trauma resulted from a violent crime, you may also be able to claim through the CICA scheme. The award depends on the severity and prognosis of your PTSD.
How much is a PTSD settlement in the US?
US PTSD settlements range from about $10,000 for a case that resolves to $130,000 or more for severe, lasting PTSD that prevents work. The figure depends on your state, the strength of psychiatric evidence, the at-fault party's insurance and your lost earnings and treatment costs.
Is this PTSD calculator accurate?
It gives a realistic guide based on Judicial College bracket figures and typical US settlement ranges, but it is not a guarantee. PTSD values turn on severity, prognosis, the effect on work and your proven losses, and require a psychiatric diagnosis. The tool is pre-set to psychological injury; set severity to match. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney.