The aim of general damages is provide compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. Damages are awarded depending on the severity of the injury and its impact upon the Claimant’s enjoyment of life.
The Court will look at all the circumstances in order to award an amount that is fair and reasonable. The main source of evidence will be your medical notes and medico-legal report(s) obtained from specialist medical practitioners.
The starting point for assessing general damages is the Judicial College Guidelines. The table below sets out the range of damages available under the Guidelines for some common injuries and conditions.
The Court will consider all the relevant factors to decide which end of the range is appropriate. Factors relevant to all cases include the extent and duration of the pain, time taken for recovery, any permanent effects, previous state of health, age and domestic circumstances. The Court will also take into account any invasive treatment undergone.
It should be emphasised that these ranges are just a starting point and a Court will look at all the circumstances surrounding each individual case. The table does not cover the full range of injuries and complications.
| Injury | Starting Point for Damages | Relevant factors |
| Injuries affecting the senses | ||
| Total blindness and deafness | Around £326,700 | |
| Total blindness | Around £217,250 | |
| Total loss of sight in one eye | £39,820 to £44,330 | |
| Partial loss of sight | £7,370 to £31,625 | Extent of sight loss Risk of further deterioration |
| Minor eye injuries | £3,190 to £7,040 | |
| Total deafness | £73,315 to £88,660 | Effect on speech Tinnitus |
| Deafness in one ear | £25,300 to £36,850 | |
| Total loss of taste and smell | Around £31,625 | |
| Loss of smell | £20,185 to £26,620 | |
| Loss of taste | £15,510 to £20,185 | |
| Injuries to limbs | ||
| Arms | ||
| Loss of both arms | £194,700 to £242,550 | Place of amputation |
| Loss of one arm | £77,715 to £110,880+ | |
| Severe fracture resulting in permanent disability | £31,625 to £48,400 | |
| Simple fractures | £5,390 to £15,510 | |
| Moderate or minor Injuries to elbow | Up to £10,175 | Time taken to resolve injury |
| Loss of both hands | £113,575 to £162,800 | |
| Loss of one hand | £77,715 to £88,660 | |
| Loss of index finger | Around £15,125 | |
| Loss of thumb | £28,710 to £44,330 | |
| Legs | ||
| Loss of both legs | £194,700 to £227,975 | Severity of phantom pain Success of prosthetics Side Effects |
| Above-knee amputation of one leg | £84,700 to £111,100 | |
| Below-knee amputation of one leg | £79,200 to £107,525 | |
| Serious compound fractures or injuries to joints | £31,680 to £44,330 | Time taken to resolve injury Scarring |
| Simple fracture | Up to £7,370 | Time in plaster Length of recovery period |
| Knee injury | Up to £77,770 | Severity |
| Ankle injury | Up to £56,320 | |
| Hard Arm Vibration Syndrome | £2,420 to £31,075 | Number of hands/fingers affected Extent of effect Frequency and duration of painful episodes Effect of symptoms on work, domestic and social life |
| Serious Neck Or Back Injury | Up to £130,130 | Severity Permanence Nerve damage |
| Paralysis | ||
| Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia | £262,350 to £326,700 | Extent of pain Effect on senses Ability to communicate |
| Paraplegia | £177,100 to £229,00 | Extent of pain Degree of independence Age and life expectancy |
| Head Injury | ||
| Brain damage | £12,375 to £326,700+ | Life expectancy Extent of physical limitations Degree of dependence Ability to communicate Epilepsy Personality change Effect on intellect Effect on senses |
| Minor head injury | £1,788 to £10,340 | Initial severity Period of recovery Presence of headaches |
| Psychiatric Damage | £1,238 to £93,500 | Effect on relationships Possibility of treatment Future vulnerability Prognosis |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | £3,190 to £81,400 | Severity Prognosis |
| Facial Injuries | ||
| Broken nose | £1,375 to £18,700 | Extent of recovery Damage to nerves or tear ducts |
| Broken cheekbone | £1,870 to £12,760 | Lasting disfigurement |
| Broken jaw | £5,225 to £36,850 | Extent of pain Restriction of eating Extent of recovery |
| Loss of several front teeth | £7,040 to £9,240 | |
| Loss of one front tooth | £1,782 to £3,190 | |
| Facial scarring (female) | £1,375 to £78,650 | Severity of scarring Age of victim Cosmetic effect Psychological Effect |
| Facial scarring (male) | £1,375 to £53,075 | |
| Dermatitis | £1,375 to £15,510 | |
| Minor Injuries | Up to £1,980 | |
| Broken rib | Up to £3,190 | Extent of pain |
| Internal Organs | ||
| Breathing difficulties | £25,300 to £44,330 | Seriousness of symptoms Prognosis |
| Bronchitis and wheezing | £16,830 to £25,300 | |
| Breathlessness | £8,580 to £16,830 | Seriousness of symptoms Prognosis |
| Impotence | £34,760 to £119,900+ | Age Psychological Reaction Existing children |
| Infertility | £5,390 to £136,950 | Age Psychological Reaction Existing children |
| Failed sterilisation leading to unwanted pregnancy | Around £8,250 | |
| Loss of one kidney | £24,860 to £36,300 | |
| Loss of both kidneys | £136,950 to £169,950 | |
| Food poisoning | £3,190 to £15,510 | Severity and duration Long-term impacts |
| Hernia | £2,750 to £19,525 | |
| Asbestos-related | ||
| Mesothelioma | £56,650 to £101,750 | |
| Lung cancer | £56,650 to £78,650 | |
| Asbestosis | £12,210 to £85,580 | Likelihood of progression Impact on mobility Quality of life Life expectancy |
Please contact us today for a free no obligation telephone discussion by calling either our London, High Wycombe or Marlow offices or by email: personalinjury@curzongreen.co.uk
