How do I make a claim for Stress at Work?

It may feel like an impossible, uphill battle to seek legal advice when you think you might be suffering from work-related stress.

There is the likelihood that you will already be feeling anxious, fatigued from a lack of sleep and feeling nauseous with an overwhelming sense that the world is closing in on you.

It is therefore important to contact a firm which specialises in this niche area of personal injury law, as they will relate to you and your case in a sympathetic and caring manner.

What should I do next?

Stress at Work claims are notoriously difficult to pursue and win. However, there are three central circumstances which need to have happened before making a claim:

Your employer has to be aware that you are suffering from work-related stress.
You need to have seen your GP so they can assess your health.
You must have raised a formal grievance/complaint against your employer.

Essentially, it is vital that your employer is given the opportunity to resolve any issues which are contributing to your stress/ill-health. If your employer is aware, a grievance has been raised and your GP has diagnosed that you are suffering from stress, then you will need to contact a suitable law firm to fully assess your claim.

How much will it cost me?

Nothing, providing that the law firm offers to run the claim upon a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. This means that there are no upfront payments, and if you did not win your case you would have nothing to pay in that instance either. The financial risk is therefore with the law firm and not yourself.

How long have I got to make a claim?

In England and Wales there is a statute of limitations – which in this case is three years from the date which you believed you were suffering from a stress-related condition due to your employment.

How much can I win?

This depends on the severity of the claim. Payouts can vary from £1500 for general psychiatric damage, or up to well over £100,000 where a severe psychiatric injury has been established.