If you've injured your head due to the negligence of another person or party, in a road traffic accident, at work or in a fall on another person's land, our solicitors for head injury claims in Scotland can discuss your circumstances and what compensation you may be able to claim. It goes without saying that these injuries are almost always in need of serious medical attention. It is also vital that you get legal advice as soon as possible: call us today for an initial consultation free of charge.
Skull and facial fractures are taken seriously by the courts, and settlements reflect that. Typical compensation ranges look like this:
- Cheekbone fracture: £2,040 – £13,340
- Nasal fractures: £1,500 – £20,280
- Jaw fractures: £5,660 – £39,940
- Le Fort fracture: £20,330 – £32,200
- Multiple facial fractures: £13,080 – £21,000
When the skull itself is fractured, compensation can be as high as £95,000 depending on the extent of the fracture, how long the treatment lasted, and what long-term problems persist. For more serious traumatic head injuries that cause brain damage, awards of over £265,000 will be sought if appropriate. Your solicitor will claim for 'general damages' for pain and suffering and also 'special damages' for expenses incurred, earnings lost, care received, and rehabilitation.
Stephanie Young
Stephanie Young
"Anyone who has suffered a brain injury as a result of an accident that wasn't their fault can proceed with a claim for a brain injury."
What is facial disfigurement compensation?
Disfigurement as a result of a skull or facial fracture can be worth in excess of £85,000, depending on the extent of the scarring. The courts now make no distinction between the sexes in these awards, and a younger claimant is most likely to receive more as the psychological impact stretches over a longer period.
What are the types of skull fractures?
The type of fracture is useful in assessing how serious the situation is:
- Linear: A relatively minor break that normally heals without surgery.
- Depressed: Bone pushed inward, pressing on the brain and surgery is usually needed.
- Diastatic: A fracture along the joins between skull bones; more common in children.
- Basilar: A break at the base of the skull, often linked to brain or spinal cord damage, particularly after road accidents.
How can you recognise head injury symptoms that need medical attention?
Our head injury lawyers have dealt with cases where what was at first superficial was later found to be far worse. One problem with head injuries is that it can take a long time for any permanent brain damage to come to light. If you have been hit in the head, you should always get yourself checked out rather than assume that you are fine.
How should you manage minor bruises and lacerations?
A small head bruise can typically be dealt with at home; just hold a cold cloth or an ice pack to the area for ten-minute intervals. If the swelling begins to spread, particularly if you notice bruising around the eyes, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
Cuts and scratches on the scalp bleed heavily, and even a small wound can seem alarming. Usually simple first aid is all that is needed. See a doctor if the bleeding will not stop, the wound is noticeably deep, or if there is a concern that a fractured skull may be present.
What are head injury symptoms in children post-injury?
It is more difficult to recognise a serious head injury in a young child than in adults. Signs to look out for include continuous crying, difficulty walking, pain in the head and neck, and unresponsiveness or drowsiness where the child cannot be woken. These should all be taken as reasons for urgent hospital attendance.
What signs require urgent medical assistance?
Seek medical advice urgently — adult or child — if there is obvious bleeding or wounds to the skull, there is a discharge from the ears or nose, there is difficulty speaking, there is visual disturbance, the person has lost consciousness, the pupils are unequal, or the person has paralysis or a progressively worsening headache.
How should minor head injuries be treated?
The NHS states that headaches, nausea, and some confusion for up to two weeks after a head injury is normal and usually nothing to worry about. It is best to rest and keep calm without any additional stress. Paracetamol can be taken for pain. Return to usual activities only when you feel ready.
Avoid playing contact sports and driving for at least a few weeks. The NHS also advises against drinking alcohol or taking drugs, including sleeping tablets, unless directed to do so by a doctor.
Why should you prioritise safety after head trauma?
Not all damage is obvious. Bleeding or swelling in the brain can develop hours after a seemingly trivial blow to the head. The actress Natasha Richardson died two days after what appeared to be a simple fall on a ski slope which is a reminder that it is always wise to be checked out, even when you are feeling all right at first.
Thompsons' head injury claim solicitors
We deal with all head injury claims throughout Scotland from skull fractures and concussion cases to traumatic brain injuries. Our solicitors only act for injured people, never for an employer or an insurer, and we win about nine out of ten cases we take on.
You have three years from the date of the accident to start a head injury compensation claim in Scotland. We work on a no win no fee basis, so there is nothing to pay unless your claim succeeds. Get in touch today and we'll let you know where you stand.
Emma Wheelhouse
Emma Wheelhouse
"The compensation figures for brain injuries vary vastly from case to case. Generally speaking, they are very high value cases. However, the figures very much depend on the severity of the brain injury, whether it's mild, moderate, moderately severe or severe, and also the prognosis and the recovery for that."
