Please click to find out more information about head injuries
Injuries involving paralysis are amongst the most serious claims. Factors affecting the size of the award include the presence and extent of pain; the extent of remaining movement and therefore the level of independence; depression, age and life expectancy. In the most serious cases brain damage may also be involved.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Quadriplegia | £212,500 | to | £265,000 |
| Paraplegia | £144,000 | to | £186,500 |
Awards involving amputation of an arm will depend on how much of the limb remains, whether the dominant arm is affected and the presence and extent of phantom pains. The cost of future prostheses (artificial limbs) may also be a large factor in the overall award.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation of both arms | £158,000 | to | £197,000 |
| Amputation of one arm at shoulder | Not less than £90,000 | ||
This category covers a wide range of elbow injuries from severely disabling injury down through broken elbows to inflammation of the elbow joint such as occurs in either golfers’ elbow or tennis elbow. Higher awards will be justified if both elbows are affected.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Severely disabling | £25,750 | to | £36,000 |
| Less severe | £10,300 | to | £21,000 |
| Moderate or minor | Up to £8,500 | ||
Awards involving amputation will be influenced by whether the dominant arm is affected and the presence and intensity of any phantom pains. For other lower arm injuries such as a broken forearm, relevant factors will be the significance of the remaining disability, whether it is permanent and whether the injuries are functional only or whether there is also any scarring.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation of both arms | £158,000 | to | £197,000 |
| Amputation below the elbow | £63,000 | to | £72,000 |
| Simple fracture of the forearm | £4,350 | to | £12,600 |
Due to the importance of the hand both in terms of looks and function the loss of a hand is valued not far short of awards for total loss of an arm. At the top of the range both hands will have been affected and no effective artificial limbs can be used. If only one hand is involved the award will be higher if it is the dominant hand. In terms of comparing awards for fingers and thumbs because of its functional importance thumb injuries tend to attract higher awards than finger injuries.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total loss of both hands | £92,000 | to | £132,000 |
| Loss of one hand | £63,000 | to | £72,000 |
| Total loss of index finger | In the region of £12,250 | ||
| Severe dislocation of thumb | £2,600 | to | £4,450 |
At the top end of the scale there will be complete loss of function e.g. where an arthrodesis (joint fusion operation) has been or is likely to be necessary. Going down the scales the relevant factors will be the extent of any loss of movement, the permanence of the disability and the degree of any persisting pain and stiffness
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe | £31,000 | to | £39,300 |
| Significant | £16,100 | to | £25,750 |
| Very minor fracture | £2,300 | to | £3,125 |
Whilst shoulder injuries often involve fractures (e.g. of the collar bone) or dislocations these injuries are sometimes associated with damage to the nervous system in particular the brachial plexus as found in conditions such as Erb’s Palsy. Awards will be influenced by the level of continuing pain and discomfort but in particular limitation of movement.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe | £12,600 | to | £31,500 |
| Frozen shoulder | £5,150 | to | £8,400 |
| Fractured clavicle | £3,400 | to | £8,000 |
Awards involving amputation of an arm will depend on how much of the limb remains, whether the dominant arm is affected and the presence and extent of phantom pains. The cost of future prostheses (artificial limbs) may also be a large factor in the overall award.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation of both arms | £158,000 | to | £197,000 |
| Amputation of one arm at shoulder | Not less than £90,000 | ||
This category covers a wide range of elbow injuries from severely disabling injury down through broken elbows to inflammation of the elbow joint such as occurs in either golfers’ elbow or tennis elbow. Higher awards will be justified if both elbows are affected.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Severely disabling | £25,750 | to | £36,000 |
| Less severe | £10,300 | to | £21,000 |
| Moderate or minor | Up to £8,500 | ||
Awards involving amputation will be influenced by whether the dominant arm is affected and the presence and intensity of any phantom pains. For other lower arm injuries such as a broken forearm, relevant factors will be the significance of the remaining disability, whether it is permanent and whether the injuries are functional only or whether there is also any scarring.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation of both arms | £158,000 | to | £197,000 |
| Amputation below the elbow | £63,000 | to | £72,000 |
| Simple fracture of the forearm | £4,350 | to | £12,600 |
A relevant factor will be whether just one or both hands are affected. At the top end of the scale there will be cracking and soreness affecting both employment and the ability to do household tasks with perhaps some psychological consequences.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe dermatitis both hands | £9,000 | to | £12,600 |
| Moderate dermatitis both hands | £5,700 | to | £7,500 |
| Minor dermatitis one or both hands | £1,125 | to | £2,600 |
At the top end of the scale there will be complete loss of function e.g. where an arthrodesis (joint fusion operation) has been or is likely to be necessary. Going down the scales the relevant factors will be the extent of any loss of movement, the permanence of the disability and the degree of any persisting pain and stiffness
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe | £31,000 | to | £39,300 |
| Significant | £16,100 | to | £25,750 |
| Very minor | £2,300 | to | £3,125 |
Whilst shoulder injuries often involve fractures (e.g. of the collar bone) or dislocations these injuries are sometimes associated with damage to the nervous system in particular the brachial plexus as found in conditions such as Erb’s Palsy. Awards will be influenced by the level of continuing pain and discomfort but in particular limitation of movement.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe | £12,600 | to | £31,500 |
| Frozen shoulder | £5,150 | to | £8,400 |
| Fractured clavicle | £3,400 | to | £8,000 |
Please click to find out more information about internal injuries
Lots of chest injuries relate to industrial disease cases rather than accident claims. The worst cases will involve total removal of one lung and/or serious heart damage with prolonged pain and suffering and permanent significant scarring. In cases involving traumatic chest injury the relevant factors will include the extent of continuing physical disability and any reduction in life expectancy.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Very serious | £66,000 | to | £98,500 |
| Serious | £43,000 | to | £66,000 |
| Fractured ribs | Up to £2,600 | ||
At the higher end pelvis/hip injuries will involve extensive fractures of the pelvis/hip as well as damage to internal organs often resulting in loss of bladder or bowel control. The level of award will also be affected by the future risk of arthritis and e.g. the likelihood of hip replacement surgery.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe | £25,750 | to | £86,000 |
| Moderate | £17,500 | to | £25,750 |
| Very minor | Up to £2,600 | ||
Clearly whether the injury involves only one or both legs will be a significant factor. With amputations the higher up they are the more difficulty there may be using a prosthesis (artificial limb). Other relevant factors include the existence and severity of phantom pains; whether there are other side effects such as depression or back ache and whether there have been numerous unsuccessful operations to save the leg. At the lower end of the scale relevant factors will include whether an implant has been necessary, whether there is impaired mobility including a limp and the extent of any continuing upper leg pain and / or sensory loss.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total loss of both legs | £158,000 | to | £185,000 |
| Amputation one leg above knee | £63,000 | to | £92,000 |
| Fractured femur | £6,000 | to | £9,200 |
The most serious injuries are likely to involve knee ligament damage, lengthy treatment, considerable pain and loss of function. If there is a bone fracture extending into the knee joint extensive on going knee pain and limitation of movement will be relevant as will any risk of future arthritis. At the lower end of the scale the injuries will involve a dislocated knee, torn cartilages or cases where a pre-existing condition has been made worse by the accident.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Very severe | £45,750 | to | £63,000 |
| Leg fracture extending into knee joint | £34,250 | to | £45,750 |
| Moderate | £9,000 | to | £17,450 |
Whether both or only one leg is involved will be significant. At the top of the range for a below knee amputation of one leg will be cases where following a devastating accident the victim remains fully conscious or cases where there have been numerous unsuccessful operations before the lower leg is then amputated several years after the accident. At the lower end of the scale relevant factors will in include whether any sort of implant has been necessary; whether there is impaired mobility including a limp; the extent of any continuing lower leg pain and / or sensory loss. If the accident has simply made a pre-existing condition worse the award will be reduced.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation both legs below knee | £132,000 | to | £177,500 |
| Amputation one leg below knee | £60,000 | to | £86,000 |
| Simple fracture of the lower leg | Up to £6,000 | ||
Relevant considerations here will include the length of the treatment period (including the amount of time spent in plaster), whether pins and plates have been inserted and the extent of any residual disability in particular ankle instability which affects walking. Regular sleep disturbance and unsightly scarring and any need to wear special footwear will also be relevant. The latter in particular may have a considerable effect on the value of special damages. Moderate injuries will involve fractures and ligament tears which may still give rise to difficulties walking on uneven ground or going up and down stairs. Other relevant factors will include whether the ankle has a tendency to give way and the possibility of osteoarthritis in later life.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Very severe | £32,750 | to | £45,750 |
| Severe | £20,500 | to | £32,750 |
| Moderate | £8,700 | to | £17,500 |
For severe injuries falling short of amputation there will be a significant risk of a full amputation in future and grossly restricted mobility. Other factors may include heel fusion, osteoporosis, ulceration or any other disability preventing the wearing of ordinary shoes. A drop foot deformity for example may require a corrective brace. The extent of any continuing pain, prolonged treatment and the future risk of osteoarthritis will also play a part in the assessment of the award.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation of both feet | £111,000 | to | £132,000 |
| Amputation of one foot | £55,000 | to | £72,000 |
| Displaced metatarsal fracture | £9,000 | to | £16,400 |
Relevant considerations here will be whether the amputation was traumatic and the long term effect on mobility. Other severe injuries include severe crush injuries falling short of amputation. At the lower end of the scale consideration will need to be given to the extent of continuing pain and discomfort and the sensitivity of any scarring.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation of all toes | £24,000 | to | £37,000 |
| Amputation of big toe | In the region of £20,500 | ||
| Other serious toe injuries | £6,300 | to | £9,000 |
| Simple fractured toe | Up to £3,600 | ||
Clearly whether the injury involves only one or both legs will be a significant factor. With amputations the higher up they are the more difficulty there may be using a prosthesis (artificial limb). Other relevant factors include the existence and severity of phantom pains; whether there are other side effects such as depression or back ache and whether there have been numerous unsuccessful operations to save the leg. At the lower end of the scale relevant factors will include whether an implant has been necessary, whether there is impaired mobility including a limp and the extent of any continuing upper leg pain and / or sensory loss.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total loss of both legs | £158,000 | to | £185,000 |
| Amputation one leg above knee | £63,000 | to | £92,000 |
The most serious injuries are likely to involve knee ligament damage, lengthy treatment, considerable pain and loss of function. If there is a bone fracture extending into the knee joint extensive on going knee pain and limitation of movement will be relevant as will any risk of future arthritis. At the lower end of the scale the injuries will involve a dislocated knee, torn cartilages or cases where a pre-existing condition has been made worse by the accident.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe | £17,500 | to | £63,000 |
| Moderate | £9,000 | to | £17,450 |
Whether both or only one leg is involved will be significant. At the top of the range for a below knee amputation of one leg will be cases where following a devastating accident the victim remains fully conscious or cases where there have been numerous unsuccessful operations before the lower leg is then amputated several years after the accident. At the lower end of the scale relevant factors will in include whether any sort of implant has been necessary; whether there is impaired mobility including a limp; the extent of any continuing lower leg pain and / or sensory loss. If the accident has simply made a pre-existing condition worse the award will be reduced.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation both legs below knee | £132,000 | to | £177,500 |
| Amputation one leg below knee | £60,000 | to | £86,000 |
Relevant considerations here will include the length of the treatment period (including the amount of time spent in plaster), whether pins and plates have been inserted and the extent of any residual disability in particular ankle instability which affects walking. Regular sleep disturbance and unsightly scarring and any need to wear special footwear will also be relevant. The latter in particular may have a considerable effect on the value of special damages. Moderate injuries will involve fractures and ligament tears which may still give rise to difficulties walking on uneven ground or going up and down stairs. Other relevant factors will include whether the ankle has a tendency to give way and the possibility of osteoarthritis in later life.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Very severe | £32,750 | to | £45,750 |
| Severe | £20,500 | to | £32,750 |
| Moderate | £8,700 | to | £17,500 |
For severe injuries falling short of amputation there will be a significant risk of a full amputation in future and grossly restricted mobility. Other factors may include heel fusion, osteoporosis, ulceration or any other disability preventing the wearing of ordinary shoes. A drop foot deformity for example may require a corrective brace. The extent of any continuing pain, prolonged treatment and the future risk of osteoarthritis will also play a part in the assessment of the award.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation of both feet | £111,000 | to | £132,000 |
| Amputation of one foot | £55,000 | to | £72,000 |
Relevant considerations here will be whether the amputation was traumatic and the long term effect on mobility. Other severe injuries include severe crush injuries falling short of amputation. At the lower end of the scale consideration will need to be given to the extent of continuing pain and discomfort and the sensitivity of any scarring.
| Low | High | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amputation of all toes | £24,000 | to | £37,000 |
| Amputation of big toe | In the region of £20,500 | ||
| Other serious toe injuries | £6,300 | to | £9,000 |
| Simple fractured toe | Up to £3,600 | ||