Working out the value of a claim
The value of your compensation settlement will depend on a number of factors, including the type of injury, the severity of the injuries, and the extent and value of the losses caused by those injuries.
How are compensation awards broken down?
Compensation settlements are broken down into various categories. These include:
- Solatium - Compensation for your pain and suffering.
- Lost earnings - Including lost future earnings if you are unable to return to work or carry on doing the job you were previously doing.
- Care costs - Including sums for help provided by family, friends and other parties.
- Specialist equipment and household modifications - For example, the cost of installing a stair lift or buying a wheelchair.
Furthermore, the amount of compensation you will receive will also depend on whether the injured party is deemed to bear any portion of responsibility of their injuries - e.g. if they were 50% responsible for the accident, their award will be reduced by 50%.
How much compensation for your injuries?
The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the individual circumstances of your claim. However, the following sums may serve as a useful guide. (Remember though, these only account for the injury itself, not for losses, expenses and equipment needs.)
Serious head injury: when there is sensory impairment, reduced ability to communicate, reduced life expectancy and the need for daily assistance, sums typically range from between £220,000 and £325,000.
Serious arm injury: without amputation, likely to be settled for up to £105,000, with amputation, up to £240,000.
Serious wrist injury: when there is significant disability, typically settled for between £20,000 and £48,000.
Hand injury compensation: typically settled for up to £49,000.
Severe back injuries: when there is permanent pain and disability, sums typically range between £30,000 and £130,000.
Severe chest or internal organ injury: Depending on whether there is serious damage to the lungs, heart or other organs, settlement will range between £80,000 to £120,000.
Severe hip or pelvis injury: likely to be settled for between £31,000 and £105,000
Severe leg injuries: typically compensated for up to £108k.
Severe knee injury: if it causes debilitation and reduced mobility over the long-term, may be settled for up to £77,000.
Fatal injury
Compensation amounts awarded to families following a fatal injury will depend on various factors, including the value of lost earnings. However, cases of this nature are typically settled for six-figure sums.
Talk to Thompsons for sensitive and practical advice
Thompsons' serious and fatal accident solicitors in Scotland can help you identify the important issues in your case so that you can proceed with confidence. We always seek to secure the maximum sum possible and when appropriate will try to secure interim payment for your most pressing needs.
Thompsons is widely regarded as the leading serious and high-value personal injury law firm claim in Scotland and can offer you the support you need through every step of the claims process.
For more information, contact us today.
