As far as claims go, personal injury is one of the most common reasons for making a claim in the UK. There are many different scenarios that can form a basis for personal injury claims. However, some of the most common forms of personal injury claims are through motor accidents (including bicycles), accidents at work, and public slips and trips. In each of these cases, if the injury was through no fault of your own, then there is often financial compensation available. This article will highlight the two distinct areas where financial compensation can be claimed.

Claims for general damages

General damages is a legal term used to determine how severe your injuries are and how these injuries have hindered your life. Therefore, claims for general damages will see the court look at both your injuries and your lifestyle, and then make an award for financial compensation that reflects the impact your injury has had on your life. Courts will often consider previous awards to others with similar injuries and reward you in a similar way.

It is worthwhile to note that you will require some evidence to strengthen your claim for general damages. You will need to acquire medical reports that highlight your injuries, the severity of these injuries, and the length of time expected for full rehabilitation. You will also need to demonstrate how these injuries have affected your life. To do this, it is a great idea to keep a diary or notebook and jot down any time your injuries come between you and your way of life. Making notes like this will give the courts plenty of evidence to substantiate your claim. It will also help them decide exactly how your injuries are likely to affect your daily life.

Claims for special damages

Special damages is the legal term used to determine how your injuries have made you out of pocket. It is an assessment of all of the expenses you have had to make as a direct result of your injuries. The main aim of special damages is to return you to the same financial position you were in before you suffered personal injury. Due to the nature of the court procedure, it can be a wise idea to keep a log of your expenses. You can simply note down the expenses and the date you incurred them, but it is also worthwhile obtaining receipts wherever possible, this will give the courts more than enough evidence to verify your expenses.

Examples of expenses you can claim for include:

Medicines and prescription, medical bills, parking and travelling expenses, repairs to vehicles or other repair costs, insurance premiums and excesses, damaged items resulting from the accident, loss of earnings and bonus and more.

As long as the expenses are considered reasonable and a result of your accident, then there is little limit on what you can claim for.