Compensation

Compensation will be awarded in three distinct areas.  There will be compensation for the injury itself.  Then there will also be an element designed to give support to you and your family, in the form of rehabilitation and treatment costs.  The final part of the award covers expenses, including loss of earnings, care, medical expenses and equipment.

The award itself is split into two parts: Special Damages and General Damages.  Special Damages are for losses incurred before the date of the trial or settlement, and include loss of earnings, expenses and treatment costs.  General Damages includes compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, possible future loss of earnings and possible future costs of treatment and care.  For serious and catastrophic injuries, these costs are likely to be very high.

There is a time limit for making a claim. In most cases it is necessary to begin the claims process within 3 years of the date of the injury.  There are some notable exceptions to this rule.  If you suffer an injury in another country, any claim for compensation would have to be made under the jurisdiction of that country.  Another exception is Aviation Law, under which the time limit for making a claim is only 2 years. This includes accidents occurring in gliders or hot air balloons.  Claims can sometimes take a long time to resolve, but as long as the claim is initiated within the time limit, it can be pursued, no matter how long it takes to resolve.