It’s only natural to want to know how much compensation you’re entitled to if you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault. However, compensation for claims depends on the nature of the accident – and no two accidents or injuries are alike.
How Is Your Claim Assessed?
Every claim is assessed on an individual basis and the amount of compensation your solicitor decides to claim for from the negligent party depends on your physical injuries as well as mental suffering and any financial loss.
Furthermore, compensation varies depending on whether your case is settled outside of court or in court.
Claims Settled Outside Of Court
Most claims are settled outside of court and typically a claimant asks for as much as possible for their client whereas the defendant tries to keep the amount as low as possible. The negotiations between both parties will decide on the settlement.
The factors your solicitor takes into account when deciding how much compensation to claim for on your behalf, include:
- Your personal injuries
- The emotional impact of your injuries
- Financial losses
- Guidance from the Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of Damages in Personal Injury (15th edition) (Oxford University Press)
Claims Settled In Court
A judge will usually consider the following factors when deciding how much compensation to award:
- Your personal injuries
- Any rehabilitation you have had
- Whether your injuries are long-term
- Any loss of earnings
- The mental impact of your injuries
What Are You Awarded Compensation For?
You are awarded compensation in two parts:
- General damages
- Special damages
General damages include compensation for your injuries and any loss of earnings, and special damages cover other losses you’ve suffered as a result of your injuries.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim For?
The Judicial College Guidelines set the maximum level of compensation for general damages at £337,700 for injuries resulting in severe brain trauma or paralysis.
For special damages, the amount of compensation can go into the millions.
The amount of compensation you can claim for depends on the severity of your injuries, loss of earnings, and any other losses suffered because of your injuries, and will consist of a mixture of general and special damages.
How We Can Help You Make A Personal Injury Claim
Our specialist personal injury lawyers have the experience and proven track record to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
We provide an initial, free and no-obligation consultation to give you the opportunity to discuss your personal injury claim with a specialist solicitor and discover how much your claim is worth. Should you decide to go ahead, your solicitor will advise and guide you at every stage of the claims process, and work hard to achieve the best possible level of compensation for you.
To speak to one of our solicitors about making a personal injury claim, contact us on freephone – 0800 988 3674 or Chester Tel: 01244 405 399 or email advice@bartletts.co.uk
