Personal injury compensation: How much can I claim?

The basis of all personal injury claims is general damages. This is the official term referring to the compensation awarded for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injury. General damages amounts are calculated by considering various factors, including: 

• The physical and emotional impact of your injuries 

• Any ongoing symptoms or complications you may experience 

• The long-term impacts on your quality of life 

• Any lifestyle changes you've had to make following your accident 

Special damages are designed to reimburse you for any financial losses or out-of-pocket expenses you've incurred or will incur in the future as a result of your injuries. This includes:  

• Loss of earnings: If you've had time off work because of your injuries, you may be able to claim back lost income. 

• Impact on your ability to work: If your injuries affect the hours you can work, the type of work you can do, or your future career opportunities, this may be taken into account. 

• Care and medical costs: You may be able to claim for treatment, rehabilitation, care, or support needed because of your injuries, including private treatment where appropriate. 

• Travel expenses: You may be able to recover the cost of travel related to your injuries, such as attending medical appointments or using alternative transport. 

• Home adaptations: If your injuries mean changes need to be made to your home, the cost of these adaptations may be included as part of your claim. 

Upper body injuries can affect your ability to work, drive and carry out everyday tasks. Below are the typical payouts for personal injuries affecting the neck, back, shoulders, arms, and hands.

*Specific whiplash injuries from road traffic accident claims are valued using the whiplash tariff matrix as agreed by the UK government following the 2021 whiplash reforms. 

Lower body injuries often affect movement, balance and independence. In more serious cases, they can lead to ongoing mobility issues and long-term treatment needs. The below personal injury compensation guidelines provide amounts for common lower body injuries such as leg, knee, ankle and hip injuries. 

Psychological injuries can have a significant impact on a person's emotional wellbeing, relationships, employment and quality of life. Compensation is based on the severity of symptoms, the extent to which they affect daily functioning, the effectiveness of treatment and the long-term prognosis. The figures below outline the personal injury settlement guides for psychiatric injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Head, brain and sensory injuries can have life-changing consequences, affecting memory, concentration, communication, hearing, vision and overall independence. The severity of symptoms, the extent of any permanent disability, the need for ongoing care and the likelihood of recovery will all influence the level of compensation awarded.

If you've been injured because of someone else's negligence, you may be able to get compensation for a personal injury claim. You can claim for a wide range of accidents and incidents, including: 

• Road traffic accidents – including accidents involving drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. 

• Workplace accidents – including accidents at work, industrial illnesses, and injuries sustained in office, factory, warehouse, or construction environments. 

• Accidents at private premises – including slips, trips, and falls in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, leisure facilities, and other privately owned or managed premises. 

• Public liability claims - including claims against local authorities, such as councils, for injuries caused by damaged pavements, poor road maintenance, and other hazards in public spaces. 

• Medical negligence claims – including misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, dental negligence, and claims involving NHS or private treatment. 

No, you shouldn't have to pay tax on your personal injury settlement. It doesn't matter what the nature of your claim is, how much you're claiming for, or how the claims process is being handled, personal injury compensation is tax-exempt in most cases. The same goes for the interest earned on your compensation amount while your claim is active. If there is a need to pay tax on any part of your compensation, your legal team will explain why and how you do it. 

We cap all fees at 35% of your compensation. Our partner solicitors work on a no win, no fee basis too. That means if your claim isn't successful, you won't pay anything, as long as you've followed the terms of your agreement. Before your claim begins, your solicitor will clearly explain any costs, so you'll know exactly what to expect from the start. 

There’s no fixed formula for calculating pain and suffering. Instead, it’s based on how serious your injury is and how much it affects your life. This includes factors like your level of pain, how long recovery takes, and whether there are any lasting effects or disability. It also looks at how the injury impacts your daily routine, work, and overall wellbeing. 

You’ll usually have three years from the date of the injury to make a personal injury compensation claim. There are exceptions to this, such as claims involving children under 18 or where someone’s mental capacity has been affected. 

If you’re not sure whether you’re within the time limit, call our Helpline Advisors on 08003760150 and they’ll listen to your story and be able to provide guidance based on your circumstances. We’d always recommend calling as soon as possible, while the details of the accident and your injury are still fresh in your mind.