Claim amounts vary significantly depending on the severity of the injuries received but they awards are always viewed in two parts.
General Damages
This is the award for pain and suffering which varies depending upon the injury sustained and the effect it has on an individual's lifestyle. A figure is set for General Damages based loosely on previously decided cases and it is best to gain advice from your solicitor on past cases. The amount is either agreed with the defendant’s Insurers or set by the Court at the end of the case.
Special Damages
This is the term used to describe the various losses and expenses which may have occurred because of the injury sustained and may include such items as vehicle damage (uninsured) or damage to clothing, cost of car hire (as long as the amount is deemed reasonable), cost of public transport, prescriptions and medication and perhaps most importantly any loss of earnings caused through inability to work because of the injuries (again as long as it can be shown that the length of time taken away from work was reasonable).
It is important to keep your losses to a minimum as only those which are considered to have been directly caused by the accident can be reclaimed. We recommend that you try to keep a list of expenses incurred along with all receipts and repair bills.
