Can I sue someone if they gave me PTSD?

Asked by: Mr. Jadon Stracke II  |  Last update: October 12, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (44 votes)

If you have suffered emotional distress and/or PTSD from someone else's negligent actions or inactions, then you may have grounds to sue for emotional distress. Suing for emotional distress can certainly be more difficult and complicated than suing for a physical injury.

Can I sue someone who gave me PTSD?

You can sue anyone for anything, so the answer here is yes, you can. The real question is can you win. You have to be able to establish that your ex-husband was the cause of your PTSD. Certainly having a medical diagnosis helps with that, and that your injury is severe enough to warrant the award of monetary damages.

How much is a PTSD lawsuit worth?

The average PTSD settlement amount is often between $10,000 and $100,000. Factors that influence the amount include injury severity, loss of income, how fault is determined, and the impact of injuries on everyday life.

How to prove PTSD in court?

A PTSD diagnosis requires the following: a traumatic event, flashbacks, avoidance, arousal and reactivity symptoms, and cognition and mood symptoms. 5Id. at 393. The evidence in a case involving claims of PTSD must demonstrate that the victim experienced an event that threatened death or serious injury.

Is PTSD hard to claim?

In conclusion, winning a claim for PTSD can be complicated with many challenging legal issues. It is also worth pointing out that according to the VA's own Board of Veterans' Appeals, veterans who are unrepresented are more than twice as likely to get denied than those who have an advocate.

Can I Sue If My Loved One is Suffering From PTSD?

31 related questions found

Does PTSD give you 100% disability?

A 100% rating is assigned when the veteran's PTSD symptoms are considered totally disabling, rendering them unable to work or engage in daily activities. At this level, veterans receive the highest compensation and access to extensive healthcare benefits.

What is emotional distress worth?

Once the attorney has argued for emotional distress damages, he or she will then calculate a settlement amount using what's called a “multiplier method.” It works by adding up all the tangible or economic damages, like medical costs and lost wages, and then multiplying that sum by a given number, usually between 1.5 ...

How much should I settle for a hand injury?

How Much Are Hand and Finger Injuries Worth? According to national data, the average jury verdict in finger and hand injuries is approximately $630,000. The median verdict is approximately $70,000.

How much is a PTSD disability check?

How much is a disability check for PTSD? The SSA doesn't list an official monthly payment for PTSD, but the average disability check for similar mental disorders is $1,343.88. Your work history, income history, and the benefits program you qualify for will all impact your actual check size.

What is the time limit for PTSD claims?

If you are claiming PTSD compensation on behalf of somebody who doesn't have the mental capacity to represent themselves, there is no time limit. You can claim at any point before they regain their mental capacity. At this point, the 3-year time limit would begin if they decide to take action themselves.

What do I say to get 70% PTSD compensation?

There aren't any "magic words" you can use to automatically get, say, 70% disability compensation for PTSD. You should instead focus on making sure that your stressor statement describes the traumatic events that led to you developing PTSD, as well as how your life has changed since your diagnosis.

What is the average settlement for PTSD?

Average PTSD Settlement Expectations

Most cases, however, fall between $50,000 and $100,000, reflecting the significant impact PTSD has on individuals' lives and the long-term care many require.

What is the most you can sue for emotional distress?

The second type of emotional distress claim is one that is worth more than $50,000 up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the factual circumstances. You would need one or more medical opinions to support this claim and be prepared to have those medical advisors testify in court.

Can you be compensated for PTSD?

You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have symptoms related to a traumatic event (the “stressor”) or your experience with the stressor is related to the PTSD symptoms, and you meet both of these requirements.

How hard is it to prove emotional distress?

Proving a claim for emotional distress can be intricate due to the subjective nature of emotional experiences and the lack of tangible evidence. However, several key considerations increase the likelihood of a successful claim: Severity.

What is punitive loss?

Punitive damages are considered punishment and are typically awarded at the court's discretion when the defendant's behavior is found to be especially harmful. Punitive damages are normally not awarded in the context of a breach of contract claim.

Is 70 percent PTSD permanent?

Although the terms “Permanent” and “Total” are often discussed together, it is possible to have a permanent disability that is not totally disabling. For example, a veteran may have a permanent disability (such as PTSD) at 70%. Her PTSD is not “Total” because it is less than 100%.

What is the 17 question PTSD test?

The PCL is a standardized self-report rating scale for PTSD comprising 17 items that correspond to the key symptoms of PTSD. Two versions of the PCL exist: 1) PCL-M is specific to PTSD caused by military experiences and 2) PCL-C is applied generally to any traumatic event.

What is a nexus letter?

A NEXUS letter is the medical evidence a doctor prepares for a veteran that explains how and why the veteran's current medical condition is related to his military service or secondary to an established service connected disability.

Can you sue for PTSD?

In California, individuals who develop PTSD due to the actions or negligence of another party can file a claim to seek compensation for their damages.

Why do PTSD claims get denied?

1. Insufficient Evidence. This is probably the biggest reason why your PTSD claim may be denied. Evidence of a link between an in-service stressor and the current PTSD diagnosis is absolutely critical in order to win your claim.

How to win a PTSD claim?

These tips can help you increase your odds of a successful outcome.
  1. Have a Qualified Medical Professional Write Your Nexus Letter. ...
  2. Gather Multiple Buddy Statements. ...
  3. Be Honest and Provide Clear Details During Your C&P Exam. ...
  4. Submit Applicable Private Medical Evidence. ...
  5. Get Help From an Experienced Attorney.