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Personal injury compensation: no claim without pain?

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen AB10 7QG and Director, Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen AB25 2ZH, email: d.a.alexander{at}rgu.ac.uk

Raj Badial, Consultant Psychiatrist

Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen

Susan Klein, Research Manager

Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research, Aberdeen

Declaration of interest

D.A.A. has served as a professional and expert witness in civil and criminal cases and at tribunals following major catastrophe.

AIMS AND METHOD

To identify the experiences of patients pursuing a personal injury claim, we carried out a retrospective questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients from a regional traumatic stress clinic took part. Most were satisfied with the conduct of legal, medical and psychiatric personnel. Thirty-two (53%) reported that the legal proceedings had had an adverse effect on their health/well-being, and about a third reported an adverse effect on domestic relationships. Twenty-four patients (40%) were dissatisfied with the provision of information. More information about the whole legal process would have been welcomed by means of an information leaflet (n=57, 93%), a helpline (n=48, 79%), or a videotape (n=42, 68%).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Although seeking redress may contribute to the patient’s adjustment, this survey demonstrates that it is not a step to be taken without consideration. As part of their therapeutic management, mental health professionals should consider the implications of such a step with their patients.