Memory loss after a head injury can be really frightening – especially if you’re confused, disoriented or struggling to recall recent events. This is often a sign of Post-Traumatic Amnesia (PTA), a condition that affects many people after a traumatic brain injury.
PTA isn’t just a medical issue. It can have serious legal implications, particularly if someone else was at fault for your injury.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we’re experts in post-traumatic amnesia compensation. We’ll explain your rights, handle your claim, and support you every step of the way starting with a free consultation. Ready to begin? Get in touch today.
What is post-traumatic amnesia?
Post-traumatic amnesia is a temporary state of memory loss that follows a traumatic brain injury. It affects your ability to remember events, recognise people and places or take in new information after the accident. If affected, you might feel confused, disoriented or repeatedly ask the same questions without realising.
PTA is different from other types of amnesia. It’s not about forgetting your past, it’s about being unable to form new memories while your brain is recovering. Some people experience PTA for a few minutes; for others, it can last days, weeks or even longer. The condition is often caused by:
- Road traffic accidents
- Falls or trips
- Workplace injuries
- Assaults or violent incidents
How PTA affects daily life
Living with post-traumatic amnesia can be overwhelming. It doesn’t just affect your memory. It impacts how you function, feel and connect with the world around you.
Common symptoms include:
- Disorientation
- Difficulty forming new memories
- Confusion or agitation
- Repeating questions or statements
- Fatigue, anxiety or sensory overload
You might feel lost in your own life. Everyday tasks can become exhausting. And because personal injury memory issues aren’t always visible, others may struggle to understand what you’re going through. That could result in loss of confidence, relationship strain or worry about work.
Can you claim compensation for PTA?
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to claim post-traumatic amnesia compensation. To make a claim, you’ll usually need:
- A medical diagnosis of PTA from a medical professional.
- Evidence that the injury was someone else’s fault, including an accident report, witness statements and other key evidence.
- To start your claim within three years of the injury or diagnosis.
And if the person affected lacks the mental capacity to claim, a family member can do it on their behalf as a litigation friend.
PTA is often assessed using tools like the Westmead PTA Scale or the GOAT test, which measure how long symptoms last and whether someone has emerged from PTA. These medical assessments are crucial, but don’t worry if you don’t have them yet. Our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u can help you gather the evidence needed.
How much compensation could you receive?
Compensation for personal injury claims are typically split between general damages and special damages, so that you can claim for both the emotional and financial toll it’s taken on your life.
- General damages — This covers the pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment in life you have experienced.
- Special damages — This covers financial losses like lost earnings, care and rehabilitation costs, therapy, counselling or home adaptations, and travel expenses for medical appointments.
According to the Judicial College Guidelines, the typical PTA settlement payouts for general damages are as follows:
- Mild PTA with full recovery = £2,000 – £10,000
- PTA with ongoing memory issues or reduced brain function = £15,000 – £40,000+
In more serious cases, where long-term care is needed, compensation can be significantly higher. We’ll help you understand what your claim could be worth and how to get the right support. Try our Compensation Calculator to get a good idea of your personal general damages.
Why choose Injury Lawyers 4u for your post-traumatic amnesia claim?
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we understand the complex impact of brain injuries and have experts on hand to help. Our nationally recognised team has a strong track record of success in cases involving memory loss, confusion and cognitive problems after trauma.
We keep things simple and supportive from day one, with clear advice and no legal jargon. When you talk to us, everything we do is designed to make the process less stressful for you. And with our no-win, no-fee approach, there’s nothing to pay upfront.
If you or someone you love is dealing with memory loss after a head injury, we’re here to help you take the next step. Get in touch today to begin.
Frequently asked questions
How long does post-traumatic amnesia last?
PTA can last anywhere from a few minutes to several months. The length often depends on the severity of the brain injury. Longer episodes usually suggest more serious trauma.
What if my symptoms didn’t appear right away?
Symptoms like memory problems or confusion can take time to surface. You can still claim as long as you’re within the legal time limit of three years and have medical evidence.
How do doctors assess the severity of PTA?
Doctors often use tools like the Westmead PTA Scale or the GOAT test, which measure memory, orientation and response over time. These help determine how long PTA lasts and guide treatment.
Can I claim for PTA if I haven’t returned to work?
Your ability to work, or the support you need to return, is part of what a compensation claim can cover. We can include lost earnings and future care needs in your claim.
Is a doctor’s diagnosis essential?
Medical evidence is key to building a strong claim. If you haven’t seen a specialist yet, we can help you get assessed and gather the right reports.