Author Description

The past decade has seen major developments in the law regarding personal injury claims which relate to psychiatric injury. The law is complex and in many respects illogical, and claims for damages for psychiatric conditions can be difficult to pursue. Now in its second edition, and substantially rewritten, Napier and Wheat's Recovering Damages for Psychiatric Injury reviews the legal context in which such claims must be framed. The book concentrates on claims made in negligence and employers' liability, but also examines claims made in contract and in intentional torts. Claims are divided up into the so-called 'shock' cases and non-shock cases, and the author has also included a new chapter on employers' liability with particular focus on 'stress' claims. Two chapters are devoted to the medical aspects of psychiatric injury claims, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The book contains analyses of the main cases which have shaped the present state of the law and examines some options for reform. The author gives practical advice on how to identify a potential psychiatric injury case, quantum of damages, and procedural steps. This second edition also includes an outline of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Aimed primarily at legal practitioners, the book will also be of interest to students and members of the medical profession.