No two accidents are identical, but the amount of compensation awarded to claimants can be predicted with reasonable accuracy in most cases.

The British legal system provides courts with general guidelines for awarding compensation. Although damages can be awarded by judges, more or less, or agreed among the parties involved in a claim, the figures do not often stray far from expectations. So, how much compensation can be expected by a personal injury claimant?

Head Injury

A head injury can be extremely serious, if not fatal or at least life changing. Often the result of a fall from height or vehicle collision, a head injury is sometimes very difficult to diagnose and may take the form of a physical injury or psychological impairment.

A relatively minor head injury, one that results in obvious physical injury but no brain damage, can be worth up to £7,000 for the claimant, who may suffer from a variety of symptoms. If the claimant has sustained temporary brain damage, it is not inconceivable that they might be awarded damages of around £23,000. Minor brain damage often gives rise to short-term memory problems.

A head injury causing moderate brain damage might attract damages up to £120,000, whilst a severe brain injury can be worth much more. Negligence claims involving head injury often involve a degree of dependency if brain damage has been caused, so substantial compensation may be awarded to cover the costs of ongoing medical expenses, 24/7 treatment, specially adapted homes and so on.

Lower Limb Injury

Leg injuries are especially common among claimants who have suffered slips, trips or falls from height in the workplace. Ankle injuries are particularly common, with dislocations, strains and sprains accounting for many slips and falls. A serious ankle injury involving a fracture might attract compensation up to £45,000, but most cases settle for less, in the region of £3,000 for a relatively minor injury.

Fractures of the fibula or tibia can be worth around £5,000, whilst a severe injury affecting the femur might attract double the compensation. Leg injuries resulting in permanent disability or loss range from £25,000 to £150,000 in the most serious cases. Meanwhile, an injury to the foot could attract damages up to £37,000, whilst any injury requiring or resulting from a hip replacement might be valued at around £13,000.

Upper Body Injury

Claimants who have lost a limb due to the negligence of others can expect around £60,000 to £75,000 in compensation in some cases, whilst serious fractures to the arms can be worth half as much. Lung conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma can settle in excess of £100,000, but payouts often range from £25,000 to £60,000. Broken noses, lost teeth, shattered jaws, dislocated shoulders, repetitive strain injury (wrist, elbow, etc.) and other such injuries or conditions can attract compensation in excess of £2,000.