How Much Compensation: Personal Injury?
The personal injury team at Ramsdens Solicitors is dedicated to helping people who have been injured in accidents that were not their fault. One of the most frequent questions we are asked by claimants is ‘how much compensation will I get for my injury?’
Generally, compensation is calculated by the severity of your injuries, how long it takes to recover and the effect that it has, or will have, on your life, both psychologically and emotionally. However, due to no two accidents being the same, and people’s recovery rates being different, it can be difficult to work out exactly how much you could be paid for your injuries. For example, someone who is involved in a road accident may be back on their feet after a week, whereas another person may require several months to get over their injuries.
Despite us being unable to provide you with a comprehensive figure for a potential compensation amount at the outset of a claim, there are rates given by the Judicial College, based on the pain and suffering caused, which can give you an idea of how much you are likely to get should your injury claim be successful. These amounts are known as ‘general damages’.
Should you have any questions about any of the below figures, or you wish to start a claim with Ramsdens Solicitors, you can call us on 0800 804 7450 or fill in our online enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
How is personal injury compensation calculated?
Personal injury compensation is calculated based on a variety of factors and considerations that assess the impact of the injury on your life.
Primarily, there are two main types of damages that can be claimed in personal injury cases: general damages and special damages.
General damages are designed to compensate for non-economic losses that do not have a specific financial value. These typically include pain and suffering, physical and emotional distress, loss of life quality, loss of companionship, and other similar effects. The amount awarded for general damages can vary greatly and is typically assessed based on court guidelines, precedent, and the specific circumstances of the case.
Special damages are intended to compensate for financial losses that are directly attributable to the injury. These can include lost wages if the injury has prevented you from working, medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation, travel expenses related to the injury, costs of care and assistance, and any future financial losses that are likely to arise due to the injury.
It is also important to note that a claim for personal injury compensation can be influenced by factors such as the severity of the injury, the recovery period, the impact of the injury on your future employment prospects, and the presence of any pre-existing conditions. These factors are thoroughly evaluated to calculate a compensation amount that reflects the true impact of the injury on your life.
What is the average payout for personal injury?
It is impossible to provide a specific average payout for personal injury claims as each case is unique, with settlements depending significantly on the circumstances of the injury. Factors including the severity of the injury, the length of time for recovery, any ongoing or future care required, loss of earnings and any other expenses incurred due to the injury, all oh which contribute to the final compensation amount.
Some minor injury claims may result in compensation ranging from a few thousand pounds, while serious injuries, particularly those causing long-term disability or loss of livelihood, can result in compensation well into the hundreds of thousands or even millions. For a more accurate estimate of how much you could claim for a successful personal injury compensation claim, call us today for a no-obligation consultation.
Personal Injury Compensation Calculator Guideline
| Head Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | £2,210 - £12,770 |
| Less severe: | £15,320 - £43,060 |
| Moderate: | £43,060 - £219,070 |
| Moderately Severe: | £219,070 - £282,010 |
| Very Severe: | £282,010 - £403,990 |
| Nose Injuries | Amount |
| Simple: | £1,710 - £2,520 |
| No surgery: | £2,520 - £3,150 |
| Require surgery: | £3,950 - £5,100 |
| Serious: | £10,640 - £23,130 |
| Jaw Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | £6,460 - £8,730 |
| Moderate: | £17,960 - £30,490 |
| Severe: | £30,490 - £45,540 |
| Cheekbone Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | £2,3320 - £2,990 |
| Moderate: | £4,350 - £6,460 |
| Severe: | £10,200 - £15,780 |
| Neck Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | up to £2,450 - £7,890 |
| Moderate: | £7,890 - £38,490 |
| Severe: | £45,470 - £148,330 |
| Shoulder Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | up to £2,450 - £7,890 |
| Moderate: | £7,890 - £12,770 |
| Serious: | £12,770 - £19,200 |
| Severe: | £19,200 - £48,030 |
| Chest Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | up to £3,950 |
| Uncomplicated: | £2,190 - £5,320 |
| Not Serious: | £5,320 - £12,590 |
| Simple Injury (Long-Term): | £12,590 - £17,960 |
| Moderate: | £31,310 - £54,830 |
| Serious: | £65,740 - £150,110 |
| Severe: | £100,670 - £150,110 |
| Elbow Injuries | Amount |
| Minor to moderate: | up to £12,590 |
| Serious: | £15,650 - £32,010 |
| Severe: | £54,830 - £39,170 |
| Back Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | £2,450 - £12,510 |
| Moderate: | £12,510 - £38,780 |
| Severe: | £38,780 - £160,980 |
| Arm Injuries | Amount |
| Moderate/ Minor: | Up to £12,590 |
| Less Severe: | £15,650 - £32,010 |
| Severely Disabling: | £39,170 - £54,830 |
| Wrist Injuries | Amount |
| Very minor: | £3,530 - £4,740 |
| Uncomplicated Colle’s Fracture: | In the region of £7,430 |
| Moderate (recovery fracture or soft tissue longer 12 months): | £6,080 - £10,350 |
| Less Severe (some permanent disability): | £12,590 - £24,500 |
| Serious: (significant permanent disability some useful movement): | £24,500 - £39,170 |
| Severe (complete loss of function): | £47,620 - £59,860 |
| Hand Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | Up to £4,750 |
| Severe Dislocation Thumb: | £6,340 - £7,780 |
| Moderate Injuries to Thumb: | £9,670 - £12,590 |
| Serious injury to Thumb: | £12,590 - £16,760 |
| Very Serious Injury to Thumb: | £19,600 - £35,010 |
| Loss of thumb: | £35,520 - £54,830 |
| Amputation Terminal Phalanges of the Index and Middle: | In the Region of £21,810 |
| Serious Ring or Middle: | £10,320 - £16,340 |
| Fracture Index: | £9,110 - £12,240 |
| Total and Partial Loss Index Finger: | £12,170 - £18,740 |
| Moderate: | £5,720 - £13,280 |
| Less Serious: | £14,450 - £29,000 |
| Severe Fractures to fingers: | up to £36,740 |
| Serious: | £29,000 - £61,910 |
| Amputation Index and Middle/Ring Fingers: | £61,910 - £90,750 |
| Severe one hand: | £96,160 - £109,650 |
| Serious both hands: | £55,820 - £84,570 |
| Severe both hands: | £140,660 - £201,490 |
| Hip and pelvis Injuries | Amount |
| Lesser injury: | £3,950 - £12,590 |
| Moderate: | £12-590 - £39,170 |
| Severe: | £39,170 - £130,930 |
| Finger Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | up to £3,850 |
| Moderate, including vibration white finger: | up to £31,075 |
| Severe: | up to £44,330 |
| Knee Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | up to £13,740 |
| Moderate: | £14,840 - £26,190 |
| Severe: | £43,460 - £96,210 |
| Leg Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | up to £11,840 |
| Less serious: | £9,110 - £27,760 |
| Moderate: | £27,760 - £39,200 |
| Serious: | £39,200 - £54,830 |
| Very Serious: | £54,830 - £87,890 |
| Most Serious (short amputation): | £96,250 - £135,920 |
| Severe (Amputation): | £132,990 - £282,010 |
| Ankle Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | up to £13,740 |
| Moderate: | £13,740 - £26,590 |
| Severe: | £31,310 - £50,060 |
| Foot Injuries | Amount |
| Minor: | up to £13,740 |
| Moderate: | £13,740 - £24,990 |
| Serious: | £24,990 - £39,200 |
| Severe: | £41,970 - £70,030 |
| Very Severe: | £83,960 - £109,650 |
| Amputation (one): | £83,960 - £109,650 |
| Amputation (both): | £169,400 - £201,490 |
Are damages for personal injury taxable?
Personal injury compensation, including both general and special damages, is not subject to tax. This means that the compensation you receive for your personal injury claim is completely tax-free, ensuring that the entirety of the sum awarded is available to support your recovery and mitigate any losses or costs you have incurred. However, it is always a good idea to consult a tax advisor or your solicitor if you are concerned.
Who pays for personal injury claims?
In most successful personal injury claims, the party found to be at fault for the injury, usually via their insurance company, is responsible for paying the compensation. This could be an individual, a company, a local authority, or any other entity that was negligent or breached their duty of care, resulting in your injury.
At Ramsdens, we approach every personal injury claim with a no win, no fee agreement, meaning you will not have to pay for anything upfront and that, if we are not successful in securing your compensation award, you will not have to pay any of our legal fees.
How can personal injury compensation help?
As well as covering ‘general damages’, financial relief can be awarded to help with expenses that may have cropped up as a result of your injury. This includes covering the cost of lost wages or any potential loss of earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and adaptations to the home and transportation, giving you the space to focus on recovering from your injury as best as you can.
What is more, you will not have to do any of the hard work, as our expert personal injury lawyers will take you through the entire claims process, keeping you up to date on all proceedings and providing advice and guidance as and when you require it.
FAQs about personal injury claims
How long do personal injury claims take?
The duration of a personal injury claim is dependent upon several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the injury, and the willingness of the party at fault to settle. Simple cases with clear liability may conclude within a few months. However, for more complex cases, particularly where serious injuries are involved, the process can take several years.
This is due to the need for thorough investigation, collection of medical evidence, and negotiation for settlement. At Ramsdens Solicitors, we aim to expedite the process as much as possible while ensuring that we obtain the best outcome for our clients.
How many personal injury claims go to court?
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court, with less than 5% of cases typically proceeding to a full court trial. The majority are resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation. Nevertheless, at Ramsdens Solicitors, we prepare every case as though it will go to trial to ensure we are fully equipped to advocate effectively for our clients' interests, should the need arise.
How much do solicitors charge for personal injury claims?
The cost of pursuing a personal injury claim can vary depending on the specifics of the case. At Ramsdens Solicitors, we primarily operate on a no win, no fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay any legal fees upfront and, if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be charged for our services.
In the event of a successful claim, a success fee, which is a percentage of your compensation, will be charged. The precise percentage will be agreed upon at the outset of your case. It is important to note that this system is designed to ensure access to justice for everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Does personal injury compensation affect benefits?
Personal injury compensation can potentially affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits. However, it may be possible to protect your compensation and your benefits by setting up a personal injury trust. This enables you to keep receiving your benefits while also gaining the full benefit of your compensation.
It is advisable to discuss this with a legal expert or solicitor to ensure the best possible outcome for your situation. At Ramsdens Solicitors, we can guide you through this process and offer advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
CONTACT RAMSDENS SOLICITORS
With offices across Yorkshire, we can help those in Leeds, York, Huddersfield and beyond. If you would like to find out if you can make a claim for compensation, please get in touch by either calling our expert personal injury solicitors on 01484 821 500, email us at info@ramsdens.co.uk or submitting an online claims form to let us know you would like us to call you back.
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