Nervous shock after a fatal motor accident
Following a fatal accident, some family members develop a recognised psychiatric injury. These matters require careful evidence planning and legally precise pathway selection. General information only.
Key references on this page
1) Key legal and evidence issues
- Whether claimant circumstances fit a compensable pathway
- Psychiatric diagnosis and symptom chronology
- Causation tied to the accident event and aftermath
2) Documents to gather early
- Hospital/GP/psychology records
- Police event information
- Timeline notes and functional impact evidence
Frequently asked questions
- Can I claim if I witnessed a fatal crash involving a close relative?
- Possibly. Eligibility depends on legal pathway, relationship, circumstances of perception/aftermath, and psychiatric evidence.
- Is grief alone enough for a nervous shock claim?
- Generally, no. A recognised psychiatric injury and causation evidence are usually required.