What compensation can you get for a personal injury?

The value of your claim will depend on three main points: the seriousness of your injuries; the impact they have had on your life, and the degree of liability the defendant is willing to admit or is found to have in a court hearing.

If you’re considered to be partially responsible for the extent of your injuries e.g. you were not wearing a seat belt when you were in a car accident, your compensation might be reduced.

In general, there are two types of compensation, or damages, you can claim for a personal injury:

Special damages are intended to cover specific financial losses you have experienced as a result of the injury up to the date of the settlement. This might include things such as paying for treatment and care support, buying specialist equipment, and compensation for lost earnings due to taking time off work.

General damages are intended to cover the non-financial impact of an injury, such as pain and suffering and changes to your lifestyle. They also cover any expected future financial impact, such as paying for on-going care and damage to your future earning potential.