Ministry of Defense Claim for Post-Trauma in Ramat Gan

Claim for Compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Against the Ministry of Defense

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental disorder that develops following exposure to a traumatic event. Among military personnel, this disorder may result from exposure to bombings, combat, loss of comrades in arms, or extreme mission situations. Anyone who has suffered from PTSD as a result of service in the Israeli Defense Forces may be entitled to a tort claim against the Ministry of Defense, under certain conditions.

The Mendelboums, Gor, Witzman-Gor and Co. law firm specializes in representing claimants in tort claims for bodily injury and psychological trauma. We understand the serious consequences of PTSD on quality of life, the ability to work and function in society, and we stand by you throughout the complex legal process of filing a claim against a public body such as the Ministry of Defense.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and How is it Related to Military Service?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a severe psychological response to exposure to a traumatic event. Among soldiers and security personnel, PTSD may result from repeated and continuous exposure to danger, loss of comrades in arms, combat events, or traumatic incidents during mission execution. Symptoms include intrusive memories (flashbacks), sleep difficulties, severe anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, and a tendency to avoid triggers related to the original event.

Legal recognition of PTSD as a compensable injury under Israeli law has undergone significant development over the past twenty years. In the past, mental health issues were rare in tort claims against the Ministry of Defense, but in recent years Israeli case law has recognized PTSD as a real and compensable injury, particularly when there is medical documentation and a clear causal link to military service.

Conditions for Filing a Claim Against the Ministry of Defense for PTSD

In order to file a successful claim against the Ministry of Defense for compensation for PTSD, several legal conditions must be met:

• Causal Link: You must prove that PTSD was caused as a direct result of exposure to a traumatic event during military service. This link must be clear and not merely possible or theoretical.
• Medical Diagnosis: Detailed medical documentation from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist diagnosing PTSD in accordance with accepted medical criteria (DSM-5 or ICD-10) is required.
• Proven Damage: You must prove actual damage — loss of income, loss of earning capacity, medical treatment expenses, and damage to social and family life.
• Ministry of Defense Liability: You must prove that the Ministry of Defense was responsible for the circumstances that led to the trauma, or that the risk could have been reduced through reasonable measures.

Types of Damages Available

A post-traumatic stress claim against the Ministry of Defense can cover a wide range of damages:

• Physical Injury: Any physical damage sustained during the traumatic event itself (injuries, fractures, etc.).
• Psychological Injury: Post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and any other mental condition arising from the traumatic event.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If post-traumatic stress prevented the claimant from working or continuing their career as normal.
• Medical Treatment Costs: Any medical treatment, psychological therapy, medications, or hospitalization related to post-traumatic stress.
• Damage to Personal and Social Life: Difficulty maintaining relationships, family problems, social isolation, or any other impairment of social functioning.
• Pain and Suffering: You may claim compensation for the immediate and ongoing emotional suffering caused by post-traumatic stress.

The Claims Process Against the Ministry of Defense

A claim against the Ministry of Defense is a complex legal process that requires a deep understanding of tort law, national insurance law, and special rules applicable to claims against public entities. Under the management of Mendelbaum, Gor, Witzman-Gor law firm, the process is divided into clear stages:

Stage 1: Initial Legal Consultation and Strategy Development

At this stage, we meet with you to understand the full circumstances of the trauma, its impact on your life, and your objectives from the claim. We will review all relevant documents — military reports, medical documentation, physician reports, and any other existing evidence. At this stage, we will also determine whether you are entitled to national insurance benefits and what overlap may exist between a civil claim and national insurance rights.

Stage 2: Evidence Collection and Medical Documentation

To prove post-traumatic stress and the causal connection to military service, strong medical documentation is required. We will assist you in obtaining detailed reports from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist, psychological evaluations, and any other medical evidence related to the diagnosis and impact of post-traumatic stress on your life. Additionally, we will collect evidence regarding the circumstances of the trauma itself — testimonies from comrades-in-arms, military reports, and any other information that would attest to the traumatic event.

Stage 3: Assessment of Damages

At this stage, we calculate the compensation amount to which you are entitled. This calculation is based on the amount of proven damages — loss of income, treatment costs, disability percentages as determined by a medical committee (if applicable), and also on an assessment of psychological suffering. Typically, compensation amounts in post-traumatic stress claims vary significantly depending on the severity of the disorder, duration of treatment, and its impact on earning capacity and income.

Stage 4: Submission of Formal Demand

After collecting all evidence, we will send a formal demand to the Ministry of Defense (or the relevant insurance company). The demand will include a detailed description of the trauma, all medical evidence, damage calculations, and the legal grounds for the Ministry of Defense's liability for the damages. In many cases, the Ministry of Defense or its insurance company will respond with a settlement offer or a request for negotiation discussions.

Stage 5: Negotiation and Settlement

At this stage, we negotiate with the Ministry of Defense or its legal representatives to reach a fair settlement. In many cases, the Ministry of Defense prefers to settle the claim outside of court, especially when the evidence is strong. We negotiate vigorously to achieve the highest possible amount on your behalf.

Stage 6: Filing a Claim in Court (if necessary)

If a settlement cannot be reached, we will file a formal claim in the competent court. At this stage, the process becomes a full legal proceeding, including filing statements of claim, presenting evidence, oral testimony, and legal arguments. We will represent you at every stage of the proceedings, from defining the claims through the court hearing stage.

Stage 7: Judgment and Enforcement

After the court renders a decision (judgment), we will ensure that the compensation is paid to you properly. In cases where the Ministry of Defense does not pay immediately, we will file a request for enforcement of the judgment.

Important Question: Are You Entitled to National Insurance Benefits?

It is also important to note that in addition to a civil claim against the Ministry of Defense, you may be entitled to a pension or benefits from national insurance due to disability. These benefits do not replace the civil claim, but it is necessary to understand the relationship between the two and how they affect each other.

Comparison Table: Types of Damages in Post-Trauma Claims

Below is a table describing the various types of damages that can be claimed in a lawsuit against the Ministry of Defense for post-trauma:

Important Note: Every case is unique, and the compensation amount depends on the specific facts of your case — the severity of the trauma, length of treatment, its impact on your life, and your income level. Mandelbaum, Gor, and Witzman-Gor will help you assess your damages accurately and effectively.

Why Choose Mendelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. for Ministry of Defense Claims?

Mendelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor & Co. is a boutique family law firm specializing in tort law, and particularly in plaintiff representation in tort claims for personal injury and psychological trauma. Since its establishment in 2008 by Attorney Karen Mendelboim, the firm has stood by hundreds of claimants injured in traffic accidents, workplace accidents, public negligence, and psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress.

Reasons to choose us:

• In-depth experience: 18 years of experience representing claimants in complex and sometimes difficult tort claims.
• Plaintiff representation only: We represent plaintiffs exclusively — this means our interests are always yours, with no conflict of interest with the Ministry of Defense or insurance companies.
• Personal and dedicated service: Every case is handled with care and personalized attention. We invest time in understanding your story and building a strong legal case on your behalf.
• Free initial consultation: We offer a free initial consultation without any obligation, so you can understand your case and your rights.
• Multi-location offices: We have branches in Ramat Gan and Petach Tikva, so you can meet with us conveniently.
• Success-based fee: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win your claim.

In Ministry of Defense claims for post-traumatic stress, Mendelboim, Gor, Witzman-Gor will assist you at every stage — from the initial consultation, through evidence collection, negotiation with the Ministry of Defense, and through enforcement of the court judgment. We understand the complexities of proving post-traumatic stress and know how to build a strong legal case that will be persuasive to the court.

Ramat Gan Branch

Our office in Ramat Gan is located at Donosh 1, Ramat Gan. This is where you can meet with us for legal consultation in private, to discuss your case details, and to take initial steps in your claim. Our team at the Ramat Gan branch is skilled in tort law and Ministry of Defense claims, and is always available to answer your questions.