Using the guidelines set out in Northern Ireland’s recently updated Green Book coupled with past cases, we can estimate how much your personal injury compensation claim may be worth.
Although we can never put an exact monetary value on a personal injury, we can give you an estimate of roughly how much similar claims to yours have been worth in the past. Remember: each personal injury claim brought before the court in NI is individual, differs, and if successful gains a different monetary award.
Guidelines from the Green Book for Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Claims in Northern Ireland
The Green Book guidelines are guidelines only. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to personal injury cases.
That being said, the following are examples of figures which may be applied to your injury should you suffer a trip or fall, accident at work, an assault, or a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland.
Personal Injury Award Examples for Minor Neck Injuries
Minor injuries such as neck injuries like whiplash, depending on the severity of the case, are judged based upon the severity of the injury, the amount of pain experienced, and whether or not the injury has an impact on other parts of the body. For example, a neck injury might cause back problems.
Judges will always consider the medication taken, any rehabilitation needed, and any impact the injury has had on your ability to work. They will also take your recovery time into account.
Where a full recovery is made quickly and within 6 months you might achieve up to £5000.00 in compensation.
Where a full recovery takes place within a period of 6 to 12 months a court is likely to award up to £7,500.00.
Where full recovery takes place within a period of 1 to 2 years, then the court is likely to award up to £17,500.00 for your neck injury.
Personal Injury Compensation Claim Awards for Minor Back Injuries
The judge will apply the same criteria as with minor neck injuries.
The Judge will be influenced by:
- The severity of the original injury
- The degree of pain experienced and the consistency of symptoms
- The presence of any additional symptoms in other parts of the anatomy
- The impact of the symptoms on the injured person’s ability to function in everyday life and engage in social/recreational activities
- The impact of the injuries on the injured person’s ability to work
- The extent of any treatment required
- The need to take medication to control symptoms of pain and discomfort.
Where full recovery of a minor back injury takes place within a period of 6 months, a court will allow up to £5000.00.
Where a full recovery takes place without surgery within a period of more than 6 months and less than 2 years a court will allow up to £22,500.00.
Example Compensation Awards for Leg and Knee Injuries
Again, each case is judged on its own merit using the processes outlined above. The judge will examine the length of the recovery time, your ability to work, the medication and rehabilitation steps taken, and your pain and discomfort.
A severe knee injury can attract an award of up to £150,000.00 whereas less serious knee and leg injuries will clearly be awarded less. This figure is appropriate to serious knee injuries where there has been disruption of the joints, damage to ligaments, lengthy treatment and considerable pain and loss of function.
Could You Have a Claim for Compensation?
If you live in Northern Ireland and you have been injured in a public place through no fault of your own, then you could make a compensation claim against those who are liable. If you would like to discuss bringing your personal injury claim to court, then contact a specialist law firm who can give you fair representation and help you get the maximum compensation amounts awarded.
Remember: the figures outlined in this article are examples only. Your case will differ in award value but our solicitors will be able to advise you on an appropriate valuation.
Contact Lacey Solicitors Firm today to discuss your personal injury case. Our experts are here to help.
