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WHAT CAN I CLAIM FOR?

A claim for personal injuries comprises of two main elements.

• General Damages (money for your injuries and pain and suffering)
• Special Damages (for example loss of earnings and other expenses)

General Damages

General damages are calculated by looking at reported cases and comparing your injuries with these cases. The starting point is the Judicial Studies Board Guidelines. Some examples from the Guidelines are set out below :

Judicial Studies Board Guidelines Examples

1. Complete loss of sight in one eye £25,000 - £28,000
2. Fracture of wrist £5,000
3. Fracture of index finger £4,500 - £6,000

The above represent some typical values which are adjusted to take into account personal circumstances. In order to assess your injuries we will send you to a suitably qualified expert on a private basis.

Special Damages

This calculation may include :

• Loss of earnings both in the past and in the future
• Medical expenses
• Help around the home and care expenses
• Special adaptations around the home
• Travelling expenses
• Loss of insurance excess
• Items damaged in the accident
• Items which you have to purchase in order to get over the accident

What Can Reduce My Claim ?

The following items in particular may affect the amount you will receive:

Contributory Negligence

It may be that you will be found to be partially to blame for the accident. If this is the case then your damages would be reduced by the percentage that you were to blame. This is something that we will attempt to minimise.

Compensation Recovery Unit

If you receive benefits as a result of the accident such as Incapacity Benefit then the Compensation Recovery Unit may seek to recover these payments out of your damages. Certain elements of your damages in particular your general damages are protected from any such repayment.

A Trial

Many people are put off bringing a claim for personal injuries as they do not want to go to court. The vast majority of cases, over 95% are settled before the matter goes to court. We will be able to reassure you with regard to the court procedure.

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