At The Injury Lawyers we are often able to give approximate figures for which your claim for whiplash may be centred around; however, valuations for whiplash injuries are dependent on a number of factors which I go on to explain below:
Medical Report
Once liability has been admitted on your case, a medical examination will be arranged for you at a time and place convenient for you. The purpose of this examination is to produce a medical report which assesses your injuries, as well as detailing the effects the condition has had on various aspects of your life – this can include your domestic, social, and professional life. At The Injury Lawyers we advise our clients to ensure they inform their medical professional as fully and as accurately as possible on all these various effects, as the medical report forms a foundation for the valuation of your claim.
Judicial Studies Board Guidelines
The JSB Guidelines categorise whiplash injuries into bands for reasons of a valuation. I have set out these bands below:
- Minor injuries – £875 to £5,150
- Moderate Injuries – £5,150 to £16,400
- Severe Injuries – can increase up to £97,000
- Minor Whiplash claims on average are worth around £2,500
The factors that are considered when placing your injury in a specific band are the severity of the injury, the effects it has had on all aspects of your life, whether you have suffered psychologically, and the length of your suffering.
In addition to your injury compensation, it must be borne in mind that you are also entitled to recoup the losses you suffered as a result of your injury as well. A common item of loss which is recovered, which can make up a large portion of a person’s claim, is a loss of earnings.
How to maximise this compensation…
So – from reading the above, you may have gained an idea of what your claim may be worth. However, in order to get the best amount for your claim possible you should choose your solicitor wisely. When entering into a no win, no fee agreement, ensure that you get 100% of your compensation with no deductions, and no hidden charges. Also, ensure that you will not have to pay any of your solicitor’s costs – by paying solicitors costs, you could be reducing whatever compensation you have received as you then end up paying part of it back. Choose a specialist personal injury law firm with experience in your type of claim, as this can make all the difference.
