Yesterday it was been confirmed that general damages in personal injury claims heard after 1 April 2013 will be increased by 10%.

Yesterday it was been confirmed that general damages in personal injury claims heard after 1 April 2013 will be increased by 10%.

General damages is the legal term for an award to compensate pain, suffering and loss of amenity in personal injury cases.  Loss of amenity includes the inability to take part in hobbies or leisure and sporting activities. 

This head of loss is measured by reference to judicial guidelines and previously decided cases.  The Court of Appeal has today rules that the amounts awarded will be uplifted by 10%.

Many would be surprised to know that general damages in this country are frequently criticised for being too low.  In particular, when an injury resolves within a short period of time, general damages are modest.  

The high value settlements often hyped in the media are such because the injuries attract substantial special damages.  Special damages are the financial losses sustained because of an injury including treatment costs, care, loss of earnings and travel expenses.  Where an injury has long term effects, for example a Brain Injury or Spinal Injury, these expenses can recur throughout a person’s lifetime.  Under English law as it currently stands, these costs can be recovered from a negligent defendant and can make a huge difference to an injured persons future quality of life.   

If you or a member of your family has suffered an injury as a result of an accident and would like some advice about your entitlement to compensation contact our personal injury solicitors online or freephone 0800 0384 384 during business hours to learn more about your legal options. A specialist personal injury lawyer can review your compensation claim for free whilst you are on the phone.

Contact: Jennifer Maloney

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