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Experiencing trauma in the workplace is deeply distressing and something that no employee should have to experience. However, it does happen, and at Good & Murray Smith LLP we understand the impact it can have on your life, your work and your relationships. We can help you recover some sense of justice, as well as financial compensation for your pain, suffering, and expenses.
PTSD isn’t simply feeling “stressed” or “down.” It’s an overwhelming response to trauma that reshapes how you see the world. The psychological scars of work-related PTSD can leave you unable to perform your job, maintain relationships, or even manage daily life.
Employers are legally required to create safe environments, protect their employees, and address risks before they become injuries. When this responsibility is ignored, the impact can be profound. Whether it’s a lack of health and safety training, unrealistic workloads, bullying, or exposure to traumatic events, negligence is all too common. Our role is to help you seek the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
Workplace PTSD arises from varied but avoidable circumstances. Here are some of the situations that may give you grounds for a claim:
If any of these situations sound familiar, you may have grounds for a claim. With the right legal support, you can hold negligent employers accountable.
Irish law supports workers suffering from PTSD caused by employer negligence. Two key pieces of legislation stand out:
Employers must ensure their workplace is safe for both physical and mental health. This includes:
PTSD qualifies as a recognised disability under Irish law, protecting workers from discrimination. Employers must:
Compensation for work-related PTSD is assessed based on the severity of your condition and its impact on your daily life, career, and well-being. The Personal Injuries Guidelines provide general ranges for compensation, but it’s essential to understand that these figures are estimates. The final award may be significantly higher, depending on the unique circumstances of your case, the strength of the evidence presented, and the impact on your life.
Under revised guidelines due to come into force in 2025, the ranges available are:
These figures are subject to change and represent typical ranges. They do not cap what you might be awarded. Exceptional cases, like those involving catastrophic impacts on your life, aggravated employer negligence, or additional physical injuries, may lead to significantly higher settlements.
Several factors influence the compensation you may receive, including:
Every case is different. Good & Murray Smith LLP will work with medical specialists, workplace assessors, and expert witnesses to build a robust claim tailored to your situation. By gathering compelling evidence and highlighting the full extent of your suffering, we can fight for a compensation award that truly reflects the impact of your injury.
Proving PTSD caused by employer negligence can be complex but not impossible. Here’s how you can build a strong case:
At Good & Murray Smith LLP, we have the skills and experience to guide you through this process.
Yes, you can bring a claim if the trauma stems from your work duties, even if you were working remotely. For instance, being subjected to verbal abuse over video calls, witnessing traumatic incidents during virtual meetings, or being overburdened with unrealistic deadlines can contribute to work-related PTSD. Evidence such as emails, recordings, or logs of incidents will be crucial.
Yes, witnessing traumatic events, such as a violent assault on a colleague or a severe workplace accident, can lead to PTSD and form the basis of a claim. In such cases, your employer’s responsibility to safeguard all employees’ mental well-being is examined.
Occupational health assessments can provide a formal record of your psychological condition and link it to your work environment. If your employer ignored or downplayed recommendations from occupational health, it strengthens your claim.
Yes, compensation claims for PTSD often include special damages to cover the costs of therapy, counselling, and ongoing mental health support. This is particularly important if you require long-term treatment.
If the traumatic event occurred due to your employer’s negligence, such as a failure to enforce safety measures, ignoring known risks, or placing you in unnecessarily dangerous situations, they may be held liable even if the incident was isolated.
Workplace stress often results from cumulative pressures and may not qualify for compensation unless it leads to a recognised psychiatric injury. PTSD, on the other hand, arises from specific traumatic events and requires a formal diagnosis by a medical professional to form the basis of a claim.
Yes, having pre-existing mental health conditions does not disqualify you from making a claim. However, it is essential to demonstrate how the traumatic work-related incident specifically exacerbated your condition or caused new symptoms.
If your employer retaliates by demoting, dismissing, or discriminating against you, this could form the basis of a separate claim for unfair dismissal or breach of employment law. Legal advice should be sought immediately in such cases.
Employers are still required to provide adequate training, counselling, and mental health support to first responders such as paramedics, firefighters, and Gardaí. PTSD claims can be made if it is shown that your employer failed to meet these obligations.
Yes, you can still make a claim, but it may be more challenging without an official complaint on record. Evidence such as emails, messages, or testimonies from colleagues can support your case.
If your condition makes it impossible to return to work, your claim can include compensation for loss of future earnings. Expert assessments will evaluate how your PTSD affects your employability and career prospects.
PTSD can result from cumulative exposure to distressing material, such as violent images or calls involving abuse. Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers in such roles are provided with proper training, counselling, and debriefing sessions to minimise the risk of psychological harm.
When you work with us, you gain more than legal representation. You gain an ally who will fight for your rights. For over 100 years, we have been advocates for employees wronged by negligence. Our team understands the legal and emotional challenges of PTSD claims, and we’re committed to helping you rebuild.
Call us today for a confidential discussion about your options and rights. Every case we take is treated with the care, attention, and dedication it deserves.
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If you’ve been injured and believe you may have a claim, don’t wait. Good & Murray Smith LLP is here to help. Contact us to arrange a consultation to review your case and guide you through the next steps.
