If you are reading this blog it is most likely because you have suffered a whiplash injury, and you want to know how much compensation you could be due. This comes as no surprise to us at The Injury Lawyers because it is a question we get asked every day. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer – but as experts in our field we can provide an estimate as to the value of your claim.
According to the Judicial Studies Board (JSB) Guidelines the following values for your whiplash injury apply:
Minor whiplash injuries = £875 to £5,150.00
Moderate whiplash injuries = £5,150 to £16,400
Severe whiplash injuries = £16,400 to £97.000
Here are a few further things to consider:
Length of recovery/pain and suffering: The more severe your injury the more it is worth. So, a whiplash injury lasting 9 months will be worth more than one lasting 6 months, and the same can be said for a whiplash injury that can be classed as severe as opposed to moderate.
Loss of amenity: Let’s say that you were an active person before your whiplash injury – you used to go for regular runs, used to go out often, and had various hobbies. Your whiplash injury left you unable to carry out your normal lifestyle. Your whiplash injury will be worth more than someone’s whiplash claim who was not as active as you as their life will not have been as restricted by their injuries.
Loss of earnings: The more time you have had to have off work due to your whiplash injury and the amount of wages you have lost out on as a result would suggest that your claim would be worth more than the person who did not have as much time off work or did not lose out on as much wages.
Care and assistance: Your whiplash injury may be so severe that you required help around your home, if this is the case, you could possibly receive compensation to recoup any monies you have spent on this help. Naturally, the value of your claim would increase.
What I think you will notice is that there are a whole host of factors that need to be taken into consideration when valuing your claim. As part of the claims process you will be required to get a medico-legal report (medical report) compiled. Your lawyers will be able to value your injury and will also take into account any of the above additional factors. It is only at this point that a more precise value can be given to your claim.
If you have any queries about a potential whiplash claim get in touch with us at The Injury Lawyers today for some free legal advice.
