There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to the definition of a minor, moderate, or severe whiplash injury. The aim of this article is to explain how it works.
Different Definitions
First things first – if your doctor tells you that you have a moderate or severe whiplash injury, that doesn’t mean that you will fit within the legal bracket of moderate or severe. Our definition of minor, moderate and severe are based on the official JC Guidelines which are guidelines used to value claims for whiplash injury compensation.
The vast majority of people will fall within the minor category, and this is even the case for people suffering for up to two years or so. Generally speaking, an 8 month whiplash injury is likely to fall within the legal definition of “Minor” – irrelevant of what your doctor or another medical professional might tell you.
Medical Evidence
It is all circumstantial though. The value of your claim us based on the length and severity of the suffering that you endure, and the effect this has on your lifestyle. We will send you to see a medico-legal expert who is qualified to provide a proper report that us lawyers can use to value the claim.
In addition you can claim for losses and expenses like lost earnings, travel expenses, medical expenses, or care and assistance expenses.
Official Brackets
Minor whiplash injuries typically attract awards of around £1,000 – £5,000. Moderate injuries can attract up to around £15,000. Where you fit on this rather large scale is down to your own individual suffering and the opinion of the expert we instruct to examine you.
I recently settled my whiplash claim for £6,500. I put a lot of that down to the fact that my lawyer fought for a good amount. Call me biased as I (rather obviously) claimed using my employer; but I stand by the fact I got a great result because we as a firm are dedicated to fighting for the maximum amount of compensation possible.
You can contact us for free advice regarding whiplash injury claims on 0800 634 75 75 or if you prefer you can talk to us live by using our chat facility to the right or if you haven’t got time to speak just now then why not get us to call you back by filling in the quick form below.
