Mental Health Claims: A Complete Guide to Workplace-Related Mental Health Compensation
Work-related mental health issues are a growing concern in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure working environments. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions can be just as damaging as physical injuries — often with longer-lasting effects on your health, wellbeing, and ability to work.
If you’ve experienced mental health problems because of your working conditions or employer negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This guide will explain how mental health claims work, what you can claim for, and how our specialist team can support you through the process.
What is a Mental Health Claim?
A mental health claim is a legal case made when a person suffers psychological harm or mental illness as a result of their work, or because of unsafe, negligent, or harmful workplace practices.
Rather than treating mental health problems as secondary to physical injuries, the law recognises that emotional and psychological wellbeing is equally important. If your employer failed to protect your mental health at work, you could be entitled to claim.
Examples of workplace mental health claims include:
- A call centre worker developing anxiety and depression from relentless pressure, bullying, and unrealistic targets.
- A construction worker suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after witnessing a serious accident on site without proper mental health support.
- An office employee experiencing chronic stress and burnout due to excessive workloads, lack of support, and long hours in a toxic environment.
How to Make a Mental Health Claim
Taking the first step in a mental health claim might feel difficult — especially when you’re coping with emotional strain. That’s why we’ve broken it down into clear, manageable steps:
Step 1: Arrange a Free, Confidential Consultation
Contact our friendly team for a no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your situation with sensitivity, assess whether you have a valid claim, and explain how we can help.
Step 2: Gather Relevant Information
To build a strong case, we’ll need:
- When and how your mental health condition began or worsened
- Details of your working environment and job pressures
- Medical records confirming your diagnosis and treatment
- Evidence of workplace bullying, harassment, or negligence (if applicable)
- Witness statements from colleagues (if available)
- Copies of risk assessments or health and safety records
- Evidence of financial losses (e.g. loss of income, therapy expenses)
Your claim will be handled by an experienced solicitor specialising in workplace mental health cases.
What If Your Employer Denies Responsibility?
If your employer denies liability or fails to take your mental health problems seriously, it doesn’t mean you have to stop. Your solicitor can:
- Investigate breaches in workplace health, safety, and wellbeing policies
- Review HR records, mental health risk assessments, and training logs
- Collect medical evidence and expert psychological reports
- Obtain witness statements and supporting documents
- Take legal action if necessary
Documenting incidents like stress complaints, emails, or HR reports can significantly strengthen your case.
Who Can Make a Mental Health Claim?
You might be eligible to claim if your mental health was harmed because of:
- Workplace stress caused by excessive workloads, unreasonable expectations, or lack of support
- Bullying, harassment, or discrimination by colleagues, managers, or clients
- Exposure to traumatic incidents without appropriate mental health support
- Poor management of workplace conflict or mental health risks
- Breaches of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stress management standards
You can claim whether you are a:
- Full-time or part-time employee
- Self-employed contractor
- Temporary or agency worker
- Former employee (if the harm occurred during your previous employment)
As long as negligence or harmful practices contributed to your mental health problems, you may have a valid claim.
What Can You Claim for in a Mental Health Case?
The value of your claim depends on how serious your condition is, how it affects your daily life, and how long it may last. A successful claim can include compensation for:
- Medical expenses: GP visits, counselling, therapy, medications, or psychiatric treatment
- Loss of earnings: If you’ve taken time off work, reduced your hours, or lost your job
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other conditions
- Care and support costs: If you’ve needed professional care or support from family and friends
- Travel expenses: Journeys to medical appointments or therapy sessions
- Loss of future earnings: If your mental health condition affects your long-term ability to work
- Occupational adjustments: Costs associated with adapting your work environment or duties
We’ll work to make sure every financial, emotional, and practical loss is included in your claim.
Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes — you may be able to claim compensation on behalf of a family member if they:
- Are under 18
- Are mentally incapacitated or unable to manage their own claim
- Have sadly passed away due to their mental health condition
In tragic cases, family members may also be able to claim for dependency losses or bereavement damages.
How Long Does a Mental Health Claim Take?
The time needed to settle a mental health claim depends on:
- Whether the employer admits liability
- The complexity and severity of your condition
- How long treatment is expected to take
- Whether there are any disputes over evidence or responsibility
Straightforward cases might settle in a few months, while complex claims involving PTSD, long-term depression, or workplace bullying could take a year or longer — especially if ongoing therapy or psychiatric assessments are required. We’ll support you at every step and manage the entire process for you.
Are Mental Health Claims More Complicated Than Physical Injury Cases?
They can be — because:
- Mental health conditions can be less visible and harder to prove without expert medical evidence
- It may take time to establish a clear link between your condition and your working environment
- Claims often involve sensitive issues like workplace bullying, trauma, or discrimination
- Long-term mental health effects, career limitations, and emotional suffering must be carefully evaluated
That’s why it’s important to work with a solicitor experienced in handling complex workplace mental health cases.
We’re Here to Support You
Suffering with mental health problems caused by work can feel isolating and overwhelming — but you don’t have to deal with it alone.
Our specialist solicitors are here to:
- Support you through every step of the process
- Help you access counselling, medical care, and financial relief
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve to help you recover and rebuild
Contact us today for your free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards justice, healing, and peace of mind.