Psychological Harm Caused by a Crime

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Psychological Harm Caused by a Crime – Compensation for Victims

Damage to physical integrity and the resulting harm to health is a relatively well-known phenomenon. Naturally, a victim is entitled to compensation for any health impairment. Today, in connection with criminal activity, the topic of psychological harm is increasingly discussed, as it can also be caused by a crime. A criminal act against a victim can result in mental suffering, which may leave extensive and deep impacts on the victim’s psyche. Even after physical injuries have healed, long-term trauma often persists. This article focuses specifically on psychological harm caused by criminal acts and the possibility of obtaining compensation for it.

What is Psychological Harm Caused by a Crime?

Psychological harm represents non-material damage to the mental health of the victim caused by a criminal act. It is most often associated with situations where an individual struggles to cope with the consequences on their own, such as:

  • Assault
  • Sexual crimes
  • Rape
  • Illegal prostitution
  • Other similar offenses

Moreover, with the growth of the digital world, this phenomenon increasingly occurs online and on social media, e.g.:

  • Spreading false information
  • AI-generated pornography
  • Identity theft
  • Cyberbullying
  • Other online harms

As a victim, you are entitled to compensation for the consequences directly related to the crime. Psychological harm may manifest as:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – persistent traumatic states
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Sleep disorders
  • Personality changes
  • Disruption of interpersonal relationships
  • Social isolation

Claims for Psychological Harm Caused by a Crime

Claims for psychological harm can be distinguished according to the areas affected:

Compensation for Non-Material Psychological Harm

This is fair compensation for the persistent suffering caused by the criminal act. Claims focus on the “psychological scars” left in the individual after the crime and may include:

  • Compensation for psychological suffering
  • Compensation for disruption of everyday life
  • Compensation for reduced social functioning
  • Compensation for disrupted family relationships
  • Compensation for loss of life satisfaction

Most often, these claims are summarized in expert assessments under social functioning impairment and pain & suffering. Without an expert report, it is difficult for a victim to successfully pursue these claims (we can assist with this process).

Costs of Treatment

Reimbursement for reasonably incurred treatment costs related to psychological harm is part of compensation for crime-related psychological harm. This can include:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Psychiatric care
  • Medication
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Rehabilitation programs
  • Spa treatment
  • Alternative therapies

It is important to note that expenses must objectively relate only to the consequences of the persistent psychological harm caused by the crime.

Loss of Earnings

  • Work incapacity
  • Reduced working ability
  • Change of employment
  • Loss of job opportunities
  • Costs of retraining

How to Prove Psychological Harm

Medical Reports

  • Psychiatric examinations
  • Psychological evaluations
  • Therapy progress notes
  • Medication records
  • Hospitalization reports

Expert Reports

  • Detailed description of the harm
  • Assessment of consequences
  • Prognosis for development
  • Impact on the victim’s life
  • Recommendations for further treatment

Additional Evidence

  • Symptom diary
  • Witness statements from close individuals
  • Work performance evaluations
  • Records of behavioral changes
  • Photographs and videos documenting changes

Práva poškozeného

We protect and enforce the rights of victims in criminal proceedings. If you have suffered damage or other harm due to a crime, as a victim, you can assert your claims through the criminal process. In addition, as a victim of a crime, you are entitled to compensation for:

  • Property damage
  • Health impairment
  • Pain and suffering
  • Reduced social functioning

If you need advice or assistance in asserting your claims in criminal proceedings, do not hesitate to contact us. We can help you secure a legal representative who will obtain compensation on your behalf.

Contact Poškozený

📞 By phone: +420 773 014 007

📧 By e-mail:  info@poskozeny.cz

🏢 Via the contact form: formuláře

 

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How much is the compensation for pain and suffering in 2025

How much is the compensation for pain and suffering in 2025

Have you suffered personal injury in a traffic accident, workplace accident, at school, or as a result of a criminal offense? The amount of compensation in 2025 depends on the type of incident, the extent of the injury, and how well you are able to document everything. However, the basic principles for determining compensation for pain and suffering are always similar. The amount awarded for pain and suffering is influenced by the number of points assigned based on the affected pain receptor areas and the intensity of the pain (the decisive factors are both the severity of the impact and the area of bodily harm). Here is an overview of the amounts typically considered in practice and how they are determined.

Reference

Marek S.
I suffered an accident at work and it was only through legal aid that I was able to find out what I could claim from my employer. I therefore claimed from my employer for reimbursement of medical expenses, compensation for wages during incapacity for work and a subsequent annuity. My employer also paid me severance pay, which I never thought would be such a large sum.
Daniel N.
I contacted this company for help. I thought I was entitled to severance pay due to my medical condition and occupational illness, but my employer claimed I was not entitled to anything. Fortunately, I didn't take their arrogance lying down, and thanks to their help, they paid me severance pay and are still paying me an annuity due to my occupational illness. Thank you very much.
Petr H.
Thank you for your service and help in a difficult situation with my employer. I have dealt with unpaid compensation from my employer when travelling abroad for work. In the end we resolved everything. Thanks for your help, willingness, determination, and most importantly motivation to not give up just out of fear of being in a weaker position.
Jana S.
I got fired when I was pregnant at the time. I thought that was a valid notice. Fortunately, I took advice on the situation and was not left destitute and unsecured, thank you so much for your human touch, empathy and discretion in handling the whole matter.
Martin F.
Thank you so much for helping me with a problem at work. It was about the payment of wage compensation during and after the treatment period. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have known I was entitled to anything like that. I am glad I sought information and chose your services. I don't wish anyone to experience such things, but if you already run into some problems, don't hesitate to choose the help of professionals, they are the people in their place.
    Advokátní kancelář Šmarda s.r.o.

    Jindrisska
    Masarykova třída 922/8, Prague

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