Compensation has two parts
damages for the injury itself, and compensation for the money you have lost or spent.
Injury values start with the Judicial College Guidelines.
The 18th edition was published on 9 April 2026 and increased the figures by roughly 8% to reflect inflation. The Guidelines are a starting point for judges and solicitors, not a fixed price list.
Most whiplash claims from road accidents use a fixed tariff
instead. See our whiplash page.
Compensation is generally not taxed,
but it can affect means-tested benefits.
Our success fee is capped by law
at 25% of your damages for the injury and past financial losses.
Be wary of early offers.
Once you accept, you usually cannot ask for more.
How are general damages valued?
The Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases are published by the Judicial College and used by courts and insurers across England and Wales. They set out typical ranges for different injuries, from minor to catastrophic. They are updated regularly: the 17th edition came out in 2024 and the 18th in April 2026. The latest edition also adds a bracket for miscarriage and revises sections on abuse and epilepsy.
No two injuries are identical, so a judge treats the ranges as guidance rather than rules. Your age, your symptoms, your recovery and the way the injury affects your daily life all count. We will explain where we think your injury sits and why, and we will show you the evidence behind that view.
The two parts of a claim
| Element | What it covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| General damages | The injury itself and how it affects your life | Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, psychological harm |
| Special damages | The money you have lost or spent because of the accident, now and in future | Lost earnings, medical and travel costs, care, equipment, home adaptations, damaged property |
This table is only a guide. Time limits are technical, and the right answer depends on your dates and circumstances, so please speak to us rather than relying on this page alone.
What affects the value of your claim?
- How serious the injury is, and how long it lasts
- How it affects your daily life, including work, hobbies, relationships and independence
- Whether you will fully recover, or have permanent effects
- Psychological effects, such as anxiety, flashbacks or depression
- Your financial losses, including future loss of earnings, care and equipment
- Your own part in the accident: if you were partly to blame, a court may reduce compensation by a percentage
- The strength of the evidence: medical reports, photographs, witnesses and records
For serious injuries, future losses are often the largest part of the claim. They are worked out using official tables and a discount rate set by the Lord Chancellor, and we instruct independent experts to make sure nothing is missed.
Can I get money before my claim ends?
They are not there to help you. You do not have to give a recorded statement or accept an early offer, and you should be careful about doing either before you have advice. You do still need to tell your own insurer about the accident, as your policy requires. Once you accept an offer, you cannot go back for more, so a quick payment now can cost you a great deal later.
Will compensation be taxed or affect my benefits?
It is the question we hear most, and it is a fair one. Your claim is made against your employer’s insurer, and it is a perfectly lawful thing to do. Employers must not treat you unfairly because you made a genuine claim. If something changes at work after you speak up, tell us at once. We will explain your rights and, where it falls outside what we do, point you to the right employment advice.
Why you should be wary of early offers
It is the question we hear most, and it is a fair one. Your claim is made against your employer’s insurer, and it is a perfectly lawful thing to do. Employers must not treat you unfairly because you made a genuine claim. If something changes at work after you speak up, tell us at once. We will explain your rights and, where it falls outside what we do, point you to the right employment advice.
How No Win, No Fee affects what you keep
It is the question we hear most, and it is a fair one. Your claim is made against your employer’s insurer, and it is a perfectly lawful thing to do. Employers must not treat you unfairly because you made a genuine claim. If something changes at work after you speak up, tell us at once. We will explain your rights and, where it falls outside what we do, point you to the right employment advice.
Your claim in four simple steps
Talk to us
Call or complete the form for a free, no-obligation chat about what happened.
We assess your claim
We tell you honestly whether you have a strong case, and what to expect.
We build your case
We gather evidence, arrange medical reports and deal with the other side.
You receive your
compensation
We negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court if needed.
Compensation: your questions answered
Can you tell me over the phone what my claim is worth?
Usually three years from the date of the accident, or from when you realised your injury was linked to it. Different rules can apply to children and to people who lack mental capacity.
Does compensation cover future losses?
Usually three years from the date of the accident, or from when you realised your injury was linked to it. Different rules can apply to children and to people who lack mental capacity.
What if my injury gets better or worse after I settle?
Every case is different. It depends on the severity of your injury, your recovery and any financial losses.
How long until I get my money?
Every case is different. It depends on the severity of your injury, your recovery and any financial losses.
What if I was partly to blame?
Most claims settle without a court hearing. If yours does not, we will prepare you fully.
Will I have to pay anything if I lose?
You can claim for lost earnings, and we will help you gather the evidence.
Talk to a solicitor today
Tell us what happened. It costs nothing, there is no obligation, and we will call you back within 2 working hours.