Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition that can result from serious accidents, workplace incidents, assaults, or other traumatic events. In California, victims who develop PTSD due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party may be eligible for significant financial compensation. Over the years, courts and insurance companies have awarded substantial settlements and verdicts in PTSD-related cases, especially when PTSD is accompanied by physical injuries or major life disruptions.
Below, we review some of the most notable PTSD lawsuit settlements in California and examine the factors that contribute to high-dollar awards.
What is a PTSD Lawsuit?
A PTSD lawsuit is a legal claim filed by a victim who suffers emotional trauma resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder caused by:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace accidents or harassment
- Physical assault or violent crimes
- Construction accidents
- Catastrophic events (fires, explosions)
- Sexual abuse or harassment
- Premises liability incidents (e.g., shootings, robberies at businesses)
In California, plaintiffs can recover damages for emotional distress if they can prove negligence, assault, or other forms of liability.
Top PTSD Settlement Amounts in California
1. $15 Million Settlement – Workplace Shooting (San Bernardino County)
A group of employees filed a lawsuit after surviving a mass shooting at a public facility. Several employees were diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety disorders. The public entity agreed to a $15 million settlement to compensate victims for emotional trauma, therapy, lost wages, and future medical needs.
2. $10 Million PTSD and Injury Settlement – Los Angeles Car Crash
A Los Angeles woman who survived a high-speed collision with a commercial truck received a $10 million settlement. The crash caused her to develop PTSD and severe anxiety, along with orthopedic injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
3. $8.5 Million PTSD Settlement – Construction Site Collapse (Oakland)
A construction worker diagnosed with PTSD and panic disorder after being trapped under rubble for several hours secured an $8.5 million settlement. The lawsuit involved negligent site management and OSHA violations.
4. $7 Million PTSD and Wrongful Death Settlement – San Diego Bar Shooting
A San Diego patron who witnessed a fatal shooting inside a nightclub and later developed PTSD received part of a $7 million global settlement. The wrongful death lawsuit claimed inadequate security measures contributed to the incident.
5. $6.2 Million PTSD and Burn Injury Settlement – Northern California Wildfire
A wildfire survivor who suffered third-degree burns and PTSD following a utility-caused fire reached a $6.2 million settlement against a large energy company.
6. $5.5 Million PTSD Settlement – Workplace Harassment Case (Sacramento)
An employee in Sacramento filed a lawsuit after experiencing severe workplace harassment, intimidation, and retaliation that led to PTSD and major depressive disorder. The employer agreed to a $5.5 million settlement.
7. $5 Million PTSD Settlement – Theme Park Incident (Anaheim)
A theme park visitor received a $5 million settlement after witnessing a tragic ride malfunction that resulted in fatalities. The plaintiff developed PTSD, requiring long-term counseling and psychiatric care.
8. $4.8 Million PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement – Fresno
A bicyclist hit by a distracted driver in Fresno secured a $4.8 million settlement for PTSD, cognitive impairments, and chronic anxiety related to the crash.
9. $4.5 Million PTSD Settlement – Public Transportation Accident (San Francisco)
A San Francisco bus passenger involved in a rollover accident that caused PTSD and physical injuries settled for $4.5 million. The lawsuit cited inadequate driver training and maintenance failures.
10. $4 Million PTSD and Assault Settlement – Los Angeles
A security guard assaulted by multiple intruders during a robbery in Los Angeles filed a lawsuit against his employer for failing to provide adequate security protocols. The case settled for $4 million, covering PTSD treatment, lost income, and non-economic damages.
Why Do PTSD Settlements Vary in California?
1. Severity of Emotional Distress
Higher settlements are common when PTSD causes long-term psychological issues, including severe anxiety, depression, or inability to return to work.
2. Accompanying Physical Injuries
PTSD cases involving serious physical harm (e.g., head injuries, burns, fractures) often result in larger settlements due to the combined medical and emotional damages.
3. Type of Incident
Mass casualty events, workplace violence, and catastrophic accidents tend to produce larger PTSD settlements due to their traumatic nature and public safety failures.
4. Liability and Negligence
When employers, businesses, or government entities are proven negligent—such as failing to provide security or maintain a safe environment—settlement values typically rise.
What Compensation is Available in PTSD Cases?
In California, plaintiffs in PTSD lawsuits may recover:
- Medical expenses for therapy, counseling, and psychiatric treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering (non-economic damages)
- Future care costs
California does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury or PTSD cases, except for medical malpractice claims, which are subject to MICRA limits.
Conclusion
California has seen numerous high-value PTSD settlements stemming from serious accidents, workplace incidents, and violent events. These cases often highlight the devastating impact emotional trauma can have on victims’ lives, resulting in multi-million dollar recoveries.
If you or a loved one has developed PTSD due to negligence, an experienced California personal injury attorney can help you file a claim and pursue fair compensation.
References
- California Civil Code § 1714. (2023). Duty of care of property owners. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1714&lawCode=CIV
- California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. (2023). Statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=335.1&lawCode=CCP
- Los Angeles Times. (2023). $10 million PTSD settlement after truck crash in Los Angeles. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com
- San Diego Union-Tribune. (2022). Shooting at San Diego nightclub leads to $7 million settlement. Retrieved from https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com
- Sacramento Bee. (2023). Workplace harassment lawsuit settles for $5.5 million. Retrieved from https://www.sacbee.com
