Your injury claim is usually worth general damages (for pain, suffering and loss of amenity) plus special damages (lost earnings, care, treatment, travel and other out-of-pocket costs). Courts use the Judicial College Guidelines (17th ed., 2024) for non-tariff injuries and a fixed whiplash tariff for most road-traffic whiplash lasting up to two years. Exact figures depend on your medical evidence, recovery time and financial losses.
How much is my injury claim worth in the UK?
Valuation starts with what you suffered and how it affects your life. We then add proven financial losses. Courts in England & Wales look to two frameworks:
- Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) – broad compensation brackets for almost every injury. The 17th edition (April 2024) uplifted most brackets by around 22% to reflect inflation. They’re guides, not caps, but courts follow them closely.
- Statutory whiplash tariff – fixed sums for most RTA-related whiplash (0–24 months). Two tables now apply: one for accidents 31 May 2021–30 May 2025, and an uprated tariff for accidents on/after 31 May 2025.
Typical compensation ranges (2025)
Non-tariff examples (JCG – general damages only)
- Minor injuries (full recovery within 3 months): £1,680–£2,990.
- 12-month elbow injury: about £4,310.
- 12-month wrist injury: about £5,790.
- Moderate ankle injury: roughly £16,770–£32,450.
- Very severe brain injury: around £344,150–£493,000.
These are guideline brackets before adding your financial losses.
Whiplash tariff (RTA)
Accidents 31 May 2021–30 May 2025
- 6–9 months: £840 (whiplash only) / £895 (with minor psychological injury).
Accidents on/after 31 May 2025
- 6–9 months: £965 (whiplash only) / £1,025 (with minor psychological injury).
The tariff is set by law and hinges on medical prognosis length.
What else adds to the value?
- Lost earnings (past and future): based on net pay, taking account of any sick pay/SSP received. Current SSP is £118.75 per week (2025/26).
- Care and assistance: help from family or paid carers, if reasonably needed.
- Medical, rehab and travel: physio, prescriptions, splints, mileage/parking.
- Damaged items: clothing, glasses, phone, specialist kit.
- Long-term impact: restrictions at work, hobbies, independence and mental health.
Time limits (don’t miss these)
In most personal injury cases you have three years from the accident or from your date of knowledge of injury. For children, time runs from their 18th birthday; for protected parties, it can be paused. Get advice early so limitation isn’t an issue.
Two worked examples (illustrative only)
Example A – Post-31 May 2025 RTA whiplash (with minor travel anxiety)
- Medical prognosis: symptoms 7 months → tariff £1,025.
- Lost earnings: off 4 weeks; net wage £500/week; received SSP £118.75/week → £(500−118.75)×4 = £1,525.
- Physio and travel/meds: £370 total (receipts).
Indicative total: £2,920 (tariff £1,025 + losses £1,895).
Example B – Slip/trip fractured wrist; full recovery in ~12 months
- JCG general damages for a 12-month wrist injury: ~£5,790.
- Lost earnings: off 8 weeks; net wage £600/week; SSP £118.75/week → £(600−118.75)×8 = £3,850.
- Treatment/travel: £420.
Indicative total: ~£10,060 (JCG £5,790 + losses £4,270).
Reality check: every case turns on its medical evidence, recovery, work pattern and provable expenses.
People also ask
Q1. Do you value multiple injuries together?
We assess each injury by the JCG, consider overlap, then set one overall figure for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
Q2. What if I’m partly to blame?
Your compensation can be reduced by a percentage for contributory negligence (for example, not wearing a seatbelt). Courts decide the fair reduction.
Q3. Do I need a medical report?
Yes. A medico-legal report underpins valuation. For RTA whiplash, the tariff requires a prognosis from an accredited expert.
Q4. Can I claim for overtime, bonuses and pension loss?
Often yes, if you can show the loss is injury-related. We use payslips and employer evidence to calculate it.
Q5. What if my accident was years ago?
You may still claim if you’re within three years of your date of knowledge, or if the limitation period was paused (for children/protected parties).
Fast estimate checklist (have these handy)
- Date, place and cause of accident.
- All injuries and current symptoms.
- Time off work and net weekly pay.
- Receipts for treatment, travel and care.
- Photos, witness details and any incident reports.
Ready to find out what your claim could be worth?
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