General Damages

The term General Damages Compensation covers amounts awarded to an injured person which cannot be calculated in financial term eg. compensation for physical injuries, pain and suffering, loss of amenity and certain other items.

The amounts awarded are assessed by the trial judge taking into account various factors including of course the nature and seriousness of the injury and any ongoing pain, suffering or discomfort.

Personal factors such as age and occupation are considered including how the injury affects or interrupts employment. General Damages Compensation can sometimes be awarded if it considered that the injured person has been disadvantaged in the labour market. This situation arises where, although the claimant may not have lost his job as a result of his injuries, it is considered that should he lose his job in the future, the injuries would make it more difficult for him to find alternative employment.

The impact of the injuries on hobbies, leisure activities and domestic responsibilities would also be taken into account.
The judge will consider amounts awarded in previous similar claims although no two claims are the same. When using precedents in this way inflation has to be taken into account.

Obviously compensation claims can be very complicated and it would be unwise to attempt to pursue a claim without professional assistance which should be provided by a solicitor with expertise in this field. Excalibur Solicitors is a specialist personal injury practice dealing with all types of injury claims such as road accidents, accidents at work, accidents in public places, medical negligence. If you have been injured in the last three years and require advice on your potential compensation claim we can provide a free legal assessment of your case if you complete our Application Form. We operate on a "No Win No Fee" basis at no cost to you.

The information in this article is designed to provide general information only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, it does not constitute legal or other professional advice.