Compensation Calculator

Head Injury:

Compensation where the injured person has brain damage may attract an award of £180,000 to £270,000 for severe brain damage. Where there is less severe brain damage but substantial dependence and the need for constant personal care, a figure of between £140,000 and £190,000 might be appropriate. For more moderate brain injury where there is risk of epilepsy and memory and concentration are affected, between £30,000 and £140,000 can be given. A minor head injury where there is a recovery and the effect is minimal can attract an award of between £1500 and £8500.

Brain Injury:

Minor brain injury compensation where there is a head injury that fully recovers can attract an award of up to £8400. Disabilities from brain injury can be physical or cognitive, causing impairment of intellect or personality. In 2009 Lord Woolman awarded Sean Milligan personal injury compensation for a brain injury of £200,000. He was in hospital for 9 months after a road traffic accident and the brain injury caused a personality disorder leaving him with mental impairment, a risk of epilepsy and impaired vision. He needed 24 hour care for life. The total compensation award amounted to £3,301,053.

Paralysis:

Injuries involving paralysis (together with head or brain injuries) attract the highest level of personal injury award; the current guidelines for quadriplegia give a figure of £212,000 to £265,000; for paraplegia the figure is £144,000 to £186,000. The range of figures ends on the extent of residual movement, age and life expectancy and the degree of independence.

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome):

Compensation for personal injury for PTSD will depend on the level of injury as assessed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–IV–TR). The level would also be related to whether there is any effect on basic functions. The highest awards attract £40,000 to £60,000 where the injured claimant is no longer able to work; whether there is virtually full recovery within a year or two and minor symptoms left a figure might be £2000 to £5000.

Psychological Injury:

Compensation for psychological injury is similar to that for post-traumatic stress. The award will depend on the ability of the injured person to cope with life and work, their relationships, the prognosis, the extent of affective treatment; for severe cases up to £75,000 will be given and for minor psychological damage where there is temporary anxiety and a recovery between £1000 and £3000; where there are on-going problems but a good prognosis the figure can be £3000 to £12,000.

Blindness:

Personal injury compensation depends on whether one or both eyes are affected. Total blindness is given an award in the region of £170,000; loss of sight in one eye with reduced vision in the other eye between around £60,000 and £120,000; total loss of one eye up to £45,000 with loss of sight in the eye up to around £36,000. A minor impairment of vision in one eye can be given between £8000 and £14,000 with a minor eye injury where the claimant has recovered in a few weeks up to £2600.

Eye Injury:

Figures have been given for personal injury compensation under “Blindness”; an injury involving complete loss of sight in one eye where there is a risk of sympathetic ophthalmia will attract compensation of between £32,000 to £36,000 depending on scarring.

Facial Injury

£20,000 to £30,000 can be given where there is substantial disfigurement and residual scarring; the compensation depends on the age and sex of the accident victim and the situation of the disfigurement; where there is a scar visible at conversational distances an award of £6000 to £11,000 may be given for a male, with less visible scarring of between £2000 and £6000.

Hearing Injury:

These injuries often relate to noise induced deafness. Where there is total deafness a figure of between £60,000 and £72,000 is awarded; more minor hearing problems affecting one ear can attract an awarded of between £4000 to £8000 depending on whether there is tinnitus. Where there is severe tinnitus (a ringing in the ear) a figure of £20,000 to £30,000 would be appropriate depending on the extent of the hearing loss.

Jaw Injury:

A claimant for personal injury with a fracture of the jaw where recovery is complete but initial immobilisation was necessary might receive £4000 to £6000; if there has been multiple fractures with prolonged treatment including severe pain and effect on eating, this can rise to £20,000/£30,000.

Sight Injury:

Personal injury compensation for sight injury depends on whether there is blindness in one or both eyes, whether if there is loss of sight in one eye it might affect the other eye whether the injury will be permanent or not; a minor injury affecting sight where there is recovery in a few weeks can attract an award of £1000 to £3000; minor eye injuries such as being struck in the eye or exposed to fumes or smoke can attract an award of between £2000 and £6000; loss of sight in one eye with reduced vision in the remaining eye can attract an award of £60,000 to £120,000.

Smell:

An injury involving impairment of smell and taste where there is a significant and permanent impact can attract an award of £20,000 to £25,000. If there is temporary loss of smell or taste with a recovery in a year or two the figure may be £1000 to £5000 depending on the severity of the condition.

Back Injury:

Compensation for serious injuries with fractures of discs and on-going pain and discomfort, depression, personality change or risk of arthritis may attract figures of between £25,000 and £55,000; more moderate cases where there is on-going back ache with continuing ligament disturbance or exacerbation of an existing back condition where there is some permanent or chronic disabilities will be given between £8000 to £20,000; more minor injuries where there is a recovery within about 5 years can attract an award of between £5000 and £8000; if the recovery is within 2 years up to around £5000 is the personal injury award. Mr Morrison, a worker with Morrison Supermarkets, received a personal injury compensation award of £5000 in the Court of Session in 2010 for a back injury that caused him work absence and stopped him weight lifting.

Asthma:

Severe asthma with a major impact on the enjoyment of life can be compensated with an award of up to £40,000; mild asthma is compensated with around £7000 to £13,000. In 2008 Mrs Joyce Robson contracted occupational asthma in a chicken hatching unit. She took inhalers and was unable to swim. The judge awarded in Edinburgh compensation for her personal injury of £17,500.

Chest Injury:

A compensation award will depend on the age and gender of the claimant, whether there is any scarring and the effect on the capacity to enjoy life; with lung and heart damage an award of £40,000 to £100,000 would be appropriate; a single penetrating wound such as a stab wound where there is no long term effect might have a compensation figure of around £10,000; a fracture of the rib causing pain and discomfort for several weeks might attract a compensation award of £2000 to £3000. A higher figure would be given if there are on-going problems.

Rib Injury:

Compensation for a fracture of the rib where there is recovery after a few weeks can attract an award of £2000 to £3000.

Arm:

Compensation for a straight forward arm fracture depending on the extent of recovery would attract an award of between £4000 and £12,000; for an injury with permanent disablement a figure of up to £40,000 may be appropriate; for a below elbow amputation compensation can be up to £72,000 and for loss of both arms the figure might be up to £200,000.

Elbow Injury:

Compensation for a simple fracture where there is an eventual recovery and no permanent damage will be given up to £8000; this can include tennis elbow syndrome and lacerations. A serious injury resulting in disablement might be give £25,000 to £35,000.

Shoulder Injury:

Compensation for a shoulder injury (which is often associated with the neck) and involving damage to the Brachial Plexus can attract an award of £12,000 to £32,000 depending on the extent of the disability; for less serious shoulder injuries where there is a soft tissue injury and a recovery in less than 2 years a figure is given of up to £5000; a fracture of the clavicle can attract £3000 to £8000 depending on the severity of the injury. The Brachial Plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand. Brachial Plexus injuries are caused by damage to these nerves. The symptoms can be severe. In 2008 the Appeal Court in Edinburgh accepted the judgement of a sheriff that a figure of £30,000 was appropriate for a shoulder injury to Mrs Henry involving her brachial plexus.

Wrist Injuries:

Compensation for a fracture if the recovery is complete can attract an award of up to £6000. An uncomplicated colles fracture will receive around £4000 and a serious wrist injury resulting in the loss of function of the wrist with an arthrodesis will attract a figure of up to £40,000.

HAVS (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome):

Compensation for this condition which is caused by excessive vibration depends on the number of fingers involved and the degree of the disability and whether it affects every day work. The condition has either a vascular or sensorineural component which is graded according to severity. Compensation for severe conditions can attract an award of up to £25,000 with a minor HAVS compensation claims attracting compensation of £2000 to £6000.

Hand Injury:

A minor hand injury with a recovery in a few months or up to a year might receive £750 to £3000; a more serious hand injury with a 50% disability between £20,000 to £40,000. Factors taken into account would be whether there has been any amputated fingers, the extent of disability; the extent of on-going pain and discomfort and the cosmetic impact of the injury on the hand.

Finger Injury:

Compensation for a fracture or amputation of a finger or part of a finger might be give £2000 to £8000; the awards vary depending on the finger affected and whether there is on-going sensitivity, scarring and restriction of movement. Loss of a thumb attracts an award of up to £36,000 with amputation of a little finger being given between £5000 and £8000; if more than one finger is affect i.e. amputation of the index of middle and ring fingers leaving very little grip in the hand might receive £40,000 to £60,000.

VWF (Vibration White Finger):

Vibration white finger compensation will depend on the number of fingers involved, whether there is a vascular or sensorineural component and the impact on work and daily life. In 2005 the Court of Session in Edinburgh considered the cases of John Burke, William McCafferty and Bernard Gough. All had VWF resulting from employment with Glasgow City Council. The awards made to each of the claimants depended on the severity of the symptoms. Mr Burke was awarded personal injury compensation of £9000 for the effect of the condition on both hands which went white and became discoloured. He had pins and needles and had to have help with tasks such as gardening and car washing; Mr McCafferty and Mr Gough had less severe conditions with Mr McCafferty being awarded £2000 for on-going discomfort including pins and needles in the finger tips. He was diagnosed as having mild hand arm vibration syndrome. Mr Gough who was aged 53 had minor symptoms and was awarded £3000 by the judge.

Hip Injury

An injury with extensive fractures involving residual disability such as lack of bladder or bowel control and spinal fusion can attract between £51,000 and £90,000; where there is a significant hip injury but no permanent disability and the risk of arthritis in the future is not great a figure of £17,000 to £25,000 might be awarded; where there is a minor injury with complete recovery up to £3000 will be given and where there is on-going disability but this is not significant, up to £8500.

Pelvic Injury:

Extensive fractures of the pelvis which result in dislocation of a back joint and damage to the bladder or resulting in hip deformity making the use of a calliper necessary can attract £50,000 to £90,000; less serious pelvic injuries where the disability is not significant and future risk not great can attract between £8000 and £26,000; minor injuries with a complete recovery will receive up to £3000.

Leg Injury:

A severe leg injury which results in extensive de-gloving of the leg, a gross fracture or shortening of the leg may attract an award of £60,000 to £90,000; below knee amputations of the leg attract an award of £60,000 to £90,000; a less serious leg injury where there is a fracture and incomplete recovery can attract £11,000 to £18,000 and a simple fracture of soft tissue injury where there is a recovery will be given an award of up to £6000 depending on whether there is any minor on-going disability or cosmetic impact.

Knee Injury:

Compensation for a serious knee injury with a major disruption of the joint and ligament resulting in loss of function and arthrodesis can attract an award of £45,000 to £65,000; for a less severe injury with on-going pain and discomfort and limitation of movement a figure might be £17,000 to £29,000; a moderate injury with twisting or bruising where there is a recovery might attract up to £4000 and where there is on-going aching or discomfort the compensation can be up to £9000.

Ankle Injury:

The compensation for a fracture or sprain or damage to the ligament which recovers in about a year will attract a personal injury award of up to around £3500; if the ankle still gives away and there is scarring or osteoarthritis a figure of up to about £9000 could be made. For more severe injuries with a risk of possible below the knee amputation or fractures of both ankles resulting in arthrodesis figures can range up to £45,000.

Foot Injury:

A fracture of the foot with rupture ligaments and on-going pain and discomfort may receive an award of between £4000 and £9000; where there has been a fracture and a complete or near complete recovery up to around £4500 would be considered with a more serious foot injury where there is amputation of a foot between £50,000 and £75,000.

Toe Injury:

An amputation of the great to can attract an award up to £20,000; less severe toes injuries where there are on-going symptoms will receive up to £12,000 and a figure of up to £3600 will be given for a straight forward fracture with complete resolution within a reasonably short period of time.

Achilles Tendon:

Injury compensation levels depend on whether the tendon has been successfully repaired. Where there is on-going restricted ankle movements up to about £25,000 will be awarded; where the tendon has been divided (but there has been a good repair) between about £9000 to £11,000; where there has been a more minor injury with a small amount of damage a figure of about £4000 to £6000 might be appropriate.

Asbestos:

Compensation for pleural plaques are subject to current review in Scotland, awaiting the outcome of the AXA Litigation in the Appeal Court. Once the courts have confirmed the Scottish legislation for pleural plaques is not subject to legal challenge awards may be made of several thousand pound for provisional damages and up to £10,000 for full and final settlement (based on court awards before the current legal challenges); asbestosis where there is a disability of between 10% and 20% can attract an award of up to £50,000; pleural thickening of the lung may attract a compensation figure of around £25,000 or more depending on the severity; lung cancer and mesothelioma can attract compensation awards of £50,000 to £80,000.

Burns:

Compensation levels will depend on the area and extent of the injury. Burn injuries are painful and disfiguring and the level of injury will depend on the extent of any scarring. A single noticeable scar can attract an award of between £1000 and £5000 depending where on the body the scar is situated. A male with severe scarring may receive between £19,000 and £45,000 and a female with very severe scarring between £30,000 and £65,000. Awards in between will depend on whether the scars are visible at conversational distances, how many scars there, the age of the injured person and psychological affect.

Dermatitis:

Personal injury compensation for dermatitis depends on whether one or both hands are affected, whether other parts of the body have skin problems and whether the condition has resolved. Compensation may be given in addition for creams to treat the condition. A compensation figure for dermatitis of both hands would be up to £13,000 with itching on one or both hands but a condition clearing up in a few months to a year, £1000 to £3000.

Fatal Accidents:

Current awards in Scotland for fatal injuries are under review following the recent jury trials in Nimrod cases where £90,000/£100,000 was awarded to parents for the loss of their sons when a Nimrod plane exploded over Afghanistan. Fourteen on board the plane died after the aircraft caught fire. The awards for compensation were higher than previous court reported decisions. Previous reported Scottish cases relating to loss of a husband or wife range in the sums between around £20,000 and £45,000. For a brother or sister the figure might be around £10,000 or £15,000. Awards before juries have had a major impact on the levels of compensation and these will continue to be under review. Lawford Kidd will provide clients with expert advice on the appropriate levels of damage for bereavement and loss of a member of the family.

Scarring:

Compensation for scarring will depend on the area of the body affected by the injury; the extent of the disfigurement and the length of any treatment and the pain and discomfort involved; a single disfiguring scar on the leg, arm, hand, back or chest for a male can attract an award of between £5000 and £15,000. For a female the figure will be higher and if there is only a minor cosmetic scar an award can be given of £1500 to £5000.

Whiplash Injuries:

Compensation for personal injury for whiplash injuries is a constant source of dispute with insurance companies. The Scottish Courts are regularly called on to make whiplash awards. Insurers very often won't make a proper offer for a whiplash injury when they come to settle the claim. For a minor soft tissue and whiplash injury where there is a full recovery up to about 2 years the figure might be £3850 to £5150. Where a full recovery takes place from a few weeks to a year the figure is £875 to £2850. In 2007 a senior Scottish judge in the case of Symington v Milne awarded £2250 for a period of pain and suffering lasting 6 months for a young mother with children. For a whiplash injury with pain and suffering lasting 6 or 7 months an award might be about £2000; if the effects last for a year the figure could be £2500 to £3500. Your personal injury specialist at Lawford Kidd will advise on a suitable figure.