Psychological Injury Claims

Emotional and psychological injuries are just as real as physical ones — and we’re here to help you recover.

Not all injuries are visible. If you’ve suffered emotional or psychological trauma due to an accident, traumatic event, or someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. These types of claims can arise from serious accidents, bereavement, witnessing harm to others, or enduring trauma in the workplace.

At J.V. Geary Solicitors, we understand that psychological injuries — such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. We offer experienced, compassionate legal support for those seeking recognition and justice for these deeply personal experiences.

What Is a Psychological Injury?

A psychological injury is a recognised mental health condition that arises as a result of trauma, shock, or prolonged stress. It must be more than temporary upset — it needs to be a diagnosable condition, such as:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Adjustment disorders
Panic attacks or insomnia
Emotional distress following a traumatic event

These conditions can arise in isolation or alongside physical injuries. In either case, you may be entitled to compensation if your condition was caused by someone else’s actions — or their failure to act.

Types of Psychological Injury Claims We Handle

We act in a wide range of psychological injury claims, including:

Witnessing or being involved in a fatal or catastrophic accident
“Nervous shock” claims by relatives who witnessed injury or death of a loved one
Trauma following serious road traffic or workplace accidents
Psychological injuries suffered due to medical negligence
Severe stress caused by bullying, harassment, or toxic work environments
PTSD following assault or workplace violence
Emotional trauma after aviation or transport incidents

If you’re unsure whether you have a case, we can guide you with sensitivity and clarity.

What Is a Nervous Shock Claim?

“Nervous shock” is a legal term in Ireland for a psychological injury suffered by someone who witnessed a particularly traumatic event — often involving the serious injury or death of a loved one.

To bring a claim, it must usually be shown that:

You were closely related to the injured or deceased person
You were present at the scene or its immediate aftermath
You suffered a recognised psychiatric illness as a result

These claims are complex and highly fact-specific, but they are recognised by Irish law as valid and deserving of compensation where the criteria are met.

What Can You Claim For?

A psychological injury claim may allow you to recover compensation for:
Pain, suffering and emotional distress
Medical treatment or therapy costs
Loss of income or inability to work
Future psychological care and support
Reduced quality of life

We take the time to fully understand how the injury has impacted your life — and ensure that your claim reflects the full extent of that impact.

How We Can Help

At J.V. Geary Solicitors, we have extensive experience in personal injury claims involving psychological trauma and nervous shock. We work closely with psychiatric experts, medical professionals and — most importantly — you, to build a strong and respectful case.

Our team will:

Listen with care and without judgment
Obtain expert psychiatric assessments where needed
Handle all legal steps with professionalism and discretion
Keep you informed and supported throughout the process
Advocate powerfully on your behalf in negotiations or court

We recognise the courage it takes to speak up about psychological trauma. We’re here to guide you with empathy and strength.

Why Clients Choose J.V. Geary Solicitors

Deep experience with psychological injury and complex trauma cases
A sensitive, person-first approach to client care
Clear, honest advice with full confidentiality
A record of success in High Court and Circuit Court claims
Serving clients across Ireland and internationally

We take great pride in helping clients through difficult chapters — and achieving outcomes that reflect the seriousness of what they’ve endured.

You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone

If you’re suffering from the psychological effects of trauma, negligence, or bereavement, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Let us help you take the first step toward recognition, recovery and resolution.