Head Injury Claims — Compensation

Understanding Head Injuries

Head injuries are classified on a spectrum from mild to severe based on measures such as duration of loss of consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia and neuroimaging findings. Even mild traumatic brain injuries — previously sometimes dismissed as "just concussion" — are now recognised to cause persistent symptoms including headaches, fatigue, memory difficulties, concentration problems and emotional changes that can significantly affect quality of life and the ability to work.

At the serious end of the spectrum, severe traumatic brain injury can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, epilepsy, motor deficits, and the need for long-term care. The consequences may extend not just to the injured person but to their family and close relationships.

Causes of Head Injuries in Compensation Claims

• Road traffic accidents — impact with steering wheel, windscreen or other structure; thrown from a vehicle or motorcycle
• Falls from height — workplace falls from scaffolding, ladders or elevated work platforms
• Slips and falls — striking the head on a floor, fixture or other surface
• Being struck by falling objects — on construction sites or in warehouses
• Sports accidents — where inadequate safety measures or rules were in place
• Assaults — criminal injury compensation may be available via the CICA
• Medical negligence — delayed diagnosis or treatment of a brain haemorrhage or other intracranial condition

Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Head Injury

Head injury effects can include:

• Headaches and migraines
• Memory impairment and difficulty learning new information
• Poor concentration and attention
• Fatigue — often profound and poorly understood by employers and others
• Changes in personality and behaviour — irritability, impulsivity, social disinhibition
• Depression, anxiety and PTSD
• Epilepsy — post-traumatic seizures affect a significant minority of brain injury survivors
• Motor deficits — weakness, balance and coordination problems
• Sensory changes — visual or hearing disturbances

Building a Head Injury Claim

Head injury claims require careful expert evidence. For moderate to severe injuries we typically instruct a neurologist or neurosurgeon to address the physical injury, a neuropsychologist to quantify cognitive deficits, a care expert to assess current and future care needs, and an employment consultant where career capacity is affected. We work with some of the country's leading medico-legal experts in this field.

Interim Payments in Head Injury Cases

In serious cases where liability is admitted or likely to be established, it is often possible to obtain an interim payment from the defendant's insurers to fund rehabilitation, care or accommodation needs before the claim is finally resolved. We will advise whether an application for an interim payment is appropriate in your case.

Typical Compensation Amounts

The figures below are indicative brackets for the injury itself (general damages), based on the Judicial College Guidelines used by courts and insurers in England and Wales. Financial losses such as lost earnings, treatment costs and care (special damages) are claimed in addition, and in serious cases often exceed the injury award.

These brackets are a guide only — the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury, your prognosis and your financial losses. We cannot promise or predict a specific outcome. See our full guide to compensation amounts or contact us for a free assessment of your claim.

No Win, No Fee Head Injury Claims

We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. If the claim fails, you pay nothing. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation.