Expert claims lawyers will categorise compensation awards into general damages and special damages. Understanding the difference can help you make a stronger claim. Gathering key evidence for both will help you secure the correct level of compensation in your whiplash injury claim.
If you suffer from a jolt to the neck during a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland, then you are familiar with the pain, discomfort, and nauseating feelings associated with damage to your spinal cord.
Whiplash injuries after a road traffic accident are commonly easy to recover from, but once in a while this injury can change your whole life. Damage to your spine, neck, and back could be permanent for the unlucky few.
Pursuing a compensation claim for whiplash is the best recourse to ensure your medical expenses are paid for. However, there are other types of expenses – and damages – associated with bringing your claim.
Frequency of Whiplash Injuries in Northern Ireland Causes Concern
From Ballyclare to Carrickfergus, whiplash injuries are a common encounter. The cause? Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs). Between 2023-24 there were a worrying 7,833 injuries sustained while travelling on Northern Irish roads. The UK government’s synopsis of whiplash symptoms and whiplash treatment record 250,000 insurance claims are made annually within the UK for this health condition.
What are General Damages for Car Accident Compensation Claims?
General damages compensate you for the physical and psychological impact of your injury. In Northern Ireland, it is your responsibility to prove the nature and severity of your whiplash injury. Courts will consider:
- Medical evidence from your GP, consultant, or physiotherapist
- Duration and severity of symptoms
- Impact on daily life, including work, hobbies, and personal relationships
- Psychological effects such as anxiety, stress, or depression
The more unfortunate, severe and long-lasting your injury, the higher the general damages awarded. These damages are designed to reflect your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity rather than financial losses.
What are Special Damages in Whiplash Cases in Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland you may also bring a compensation claim for the special damages caused by whiplash. Special damages refer to any expenses that have left you out of pocket due to your injury.
Special Damages Include:
- Medical and Rehabilitation costs
- Travel costs to and from appointments
- Loss of earnings due to whiplash injuries
- Household care or additional care costs due to whiplash injuries
- Any other costs surrounding your injury
It is essential to keep receipts, invoices, and records of any losses to support your claim. A personal injury solicitor can help calculate these damages accurately and ensure you are reimbursed for all costs.
Why Choose Lacey Solicitors for Your Whiplash Claim?
To ensure your claim is handled accurately and fairly, you need a solicitor with experience in personal injury claims in Northern Ireland. Lacey Solicitors specialise in road traffic accidents, whiplash claims, and personal injury matters. Our team will:
- Assess your injury and guide you on your potential claim
- Gather all necessary evidence for general and special damages
- Represent you professionally in negotiations or court
If you or a loved one has suffered a whiplash injury, don’t wait. Contact Lacey Solicitors in Belfast for a free consultation to discuss your whiplash compensation claim. We aim to help you recover what is fair and appropriate for your circumstances, covering both your pain and suffering and any financial losses.
