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.

The amount of compensation received depends upon how serious your injuries are and what other losses you have incurred, including:

• Loss of earnings, including overtime and bonuses
• Travel to and from medical appointments
• Any medication
• Cost of any special equipment or adaptations
• Care given by members of your family or others
• Damage caused to any of your personal effects

There are many other items for which you are entitled to claim compensation, including damages to compensate for having to give up a job you enjoy because of your injuries, and we will deal with  these for you.

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.