Personal Injury General Damages

Considering Making A General Damages Claim For Personal Injury?

Compensation settlements can be vital in cases where families have had to pay for extensive medical treatment out of their own pockets. No matter what your circumstances, First Personal Injury lawyers will aim to get you the compensation you are entitled to with minimum delay.

What Are General Damages?

Personal Injury General Damages refers to the pain, suffering and loss of amenity that a person has experienced through no fault of their own. Pain and suffering equate to physical and psychiatric symptoms and a loss of amenity takes into account loss of quality of life, convenience and comfort and how this has impacted on someone’s lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If it can be proven that the long-term chances of a claimant getting work in the open labour market, have been hindered then there is room for a separate damages element in your claim, this is called a Smith v Manchester award.

Other Damages In Compensation Cases

Other parts of damages in a compensation case include:

• Loss of use i.e. if items or possessions were damaged during the accident, e.g. a car in a road accident, then this can be considered in a claim in some cases
• Loss of enjoyment considers if you have been prevented from enjoying a hobby or interest because of the accident
• Loss of prospects e.g. if, because of the accident you are now unable to live your life as planned, e.g. getting married and having a family
• If you cannot perform your usual tasks in the home this will also be taken into account under general damages
• Congenial employment loss refers to being unable to continue working in a field that brought you enjoyment and satisfaction e.g. nurse or a teacher
• In addition, if there was a period where a claimant suffered following an accident that was not their fault, then later died, then a claim can still be made by his/her family, so long as that period of suffering can be evidenced
• Some personal injuries can exacerbate an existing condition or accelerate it in some cases even if the illness or condition was likely to happen anyway

Proving Your Negligence Case

As with all personal injury claims, you will need to prove that the accident which caused your loss of amenity and pain and suffering, was not your fault. Proving negligence is crucial to the success of your personal injury claim.

Medical evidence is often used to prove liability. It forms part of the general damages element of your claim and helps to clarify what you are saying about your injuries. Sometimes medical notes from your GP are used to gain more understanding of your condition and sometimes, it may be necessary to have a medical examination. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions you must disclose what these are, even if these conditions appear to be separate from the injury you are claiming for.

Making A Compensation Claim For General Damages

If you would like to know more about making a compensation claim for personal injury general damages then please get in touch with First Personal Injury lawyers. We are a team of no win no fee solicitors who handle a full range of compensation claims including claims against the council, occupational illness claims and car accident claims. Call us on 0800 808 9740 for more information and advice.

Personal Injury Claims with First Personal Injury

First Personal Injury has built up a reputation across the United Kingdom for their approach to accident and personal injury claims. Working with members of the public who have had personal injuries, we continually exceed our clients’ expectations.

Contact First Personal Injury’s accident claims solicitors free today by calling 0800 808 9740 or by completing our online enquiry form.