When you’re injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, getting compensation is one of the best ways to recoup lost earnings or, in more serious cases, get the funds needed to adapt your life to accommodate your new injury.
We’ve recently discussed how to know if you have a valid personal injury claim and what evidence you’ll need to provide. In this blog, we’re going to look at the average payout for a personal injury claim. As we’ll see, there’s a wide range of outcomes possible depending on the seriousness of your injuries and the level of impact it has on your life.
Why compensation varies from case to case
Each personal injury claim is unique. Factors such as the type of injury, your long-term prognosis, and whether you can continue working will all affect the compensation figure. If you have minor whiplash, for example, you may receive a much lower amount than an individual who has suffered life-changing injuries that require ongoing care or extensive rehabilitation.
Because of these variations, there’s no single figure that can accurately represent an ‘average’ compensation sum.
Two main types of compensation
When it comes to personal injury claims, compensation typically consists of two main elements:
- General damages
This covers the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (the negative effect on your ability to enjoy life). Factors such as how long it takes for your injuries to heal and whether they leave any lasting impact on your physical or mental health will influence the level of general damages awarded. - Special damages
This compensates you for any financial losses you have incurred as a direct result of the accident. These can include:- Loss of earnings if you’re unable to work
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Care expenses if you require help at home
- Travel costs to hospital appointments
- Replacement or repair of damaged items.
Keeping detailed records and receipts for all such expenses can strengthen your claim and make it easier to calculate the appropriate amount. We cover this in more detail in our “What proof do I need to make a personal injury claim?” blog.
The role of the Judicial College Guidelines
In England and Wales, the courts often refer to the Judicial College Guidelines to determine how much to award for general damages. These guidelines outline compensation ranges for a variety of injuries, from relatively minor soft tissue damage to severe, life-altering conditions. While the guidelines provide a useful framework, they are not absolute: judges (and solicitors negotiating settlements) will consider your individual circumstances when deciding on a fair outcome.
Taking the next steps
If you’ve been injured in an accident that was not your fault within the last three years, you should seek legal advice promptly. A solicitor can help you:
- Understand if you have a valid claim
- Calculate the likely level of compensation based on your injuries and financial losses
- Negotiate effectively on your behalf with insurers or the opposing party.
Call Gorvins Personal Injury team today
If you’d like to discuss a potential personal injury claim, call Lisa Chambers on 0161 930 5151 or email enquiries@gorvins.com for a free, no-obligation conversation. Alternatively, you can complete the online contact form below. Gorvins is here to guide you through the process and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.