How much can I claim?
- A successful claim for personal injury entitles you to what are called “General” and “Special” Damages.
- “General” Damages compensate you for the pain and suffering you have suffered, both in the past and for the future. The Courts follow certain guide figures for different injuries which apply to everyone. To see a guide to those sums of money click HERE.
- “Special” Damages compensate you for the losses you have suffered that are unique to you. These include past and future loss of earnings; your out–of– pocket expenses (travel fares, hotel expenses etc); the value of any special equipment or furniture you have had to buy because of your injury; the cots of someone caring for you etc.
How long will my claim take?
- Since 1999, new Court Rules govern personal injury claims and these Rules were intended to speed up settlement of claims.
- So, a straightforward claim could take a just few weeks to a few months to settle and for a compensation payment to be made.
- A more involved case, for example where legal proceedings are issued, could take longer to resolve; possibly 6 – 24 months.
- Your advisers will do everything they can to get your compensation
as quickly as possible. When you contact them they will for example:-
- immediately tell you - for free - whether you have a good claim
- if you do, they will take a full statement from you and pursue other investigations without delay to support your claim
- keep you fully advised as to the progress of your claim and of your chances of success
Will I go to court?
Very unlikely. Most cases settle before they get to court.