Our dedicated cycling accident claims department includes some of the most respected personal injury claims solicitors in the country, many of who are dedicated cyclists themselves.
With our own semi-pro cycling team and many of our staff avid cyclists, we understand the road from a cyclist’s point of view.
This insight makes our firm unique in how we represent you if you’ve been in a cycling accident.
Key Points When Claiming For A Cycling Accident
Find our your legal rights to claiming compensation
Speak to our award winning legal team now by calling 01625 415 850 or request a call back.
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When Can I Claim For A Cycling Accident?
If you’ve been involved in an accident on your bike when someone else was either partly or fully at fault, there is a good chance you will be able to claim compensation. This is because, in many cycling accidents involving cars, it is rare for motorists not to be at least partly responsible.
Claiming For Bike Accidents Caused By Other Road Users
The most common cause of bicycle accidents involves a motor vehicle such as a car or lorry failing to leave sufficient room between themselves and your bike, turning across a cyclist’s path, emerging from a junction, or changing lanes on a roundabout.
However, there does not have to be contact with a motor vehicle for you to be able to claim. We have represented many cyclists who have had to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
Also, we have recovered significant compensation for “dooring” incidents, where a person in a parked motor vehicle opens their door into the path of a cyclist.
More Information
Help With Claiming
Claiming For Bike Accidents Caused By Poor Road Conditions
You may also be able to claim if your accident was caused by a poor road surface, such as a pothole. In addition, faulty traffic lights or missing road signs can lead to a bike accident that was not your fault.
Claiming For Bike Accidents Caused By Defective Equipment
You may be able to claim compensation if your equipment leads to an accident. For example, this could be an issue with your bike or if your helmet was faulty.
Why Choose Bott and Co?
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A History of Success
We have helped our clients claim over £120m in compensation over the last twenty years
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Expert Legal Advice
Recognised not just within our industry but also by Martin Lewis as “pioneers” in our field.
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On Your Side
Completely independent, our only focus is helping you claim for what you are legally entitled to.
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Fully Regulated
We are members of the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Your claim is in safe hands
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For A Cycling Accident?
The amount of compensation you could claim for a cycling accident depends on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of your injuries, how long it may take for you to recover, and the financial impact it may have on your life.
Compensation amounts are calculated by combining the total amount of general damages and special damages you may be able to claim for.
General damages are calculated from guidelines published by The Judicial College, a part of the Ministry of Justice for all types of injuries. The amount of compensation claimable depends on the type and severity of your injury.
Bicycle Accident Claims Calculator
Our interactive calculator below will help you find out how much compensation you may be able to claim for your injury.
Try Our Cycling Claims Calculator To See How Much You Could Claim
Injuries may include
Additional Compensation
The above figure, known as 'general damages' only relates to the compensation you may be able to claim for your injuries. You may also be able to claim for 'special damages' which includes your out of pocket expenses, medical costs, and loss of earnings. Contact our legal team to discuss the specifics of your accident and how
much you might be able to claim.
The amounts listed are based on average settlement figures awarded by Judges at Trial and are intended to ensure a fair settlement is reached.
Please be aware that compensation amounts vary on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, these figures are intended only as a guide for what your claim may be worth.
As part of claiming with us, you will undergo an independent medical assessment. Following this assessment, we will know an accurate amount of compensation we may be able to claim for you.
In addition to general damages, you can claim any out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred because of your accident. These are known as special damages.
Looking Out For Your Best Interests
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No Win No Fee
Our No Win No Fee promise means you are at no financial risk if you decide to make a claim
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Claim More With Us
Unlike most firms, you will receive all of the compensation due for your out-of-pocket expenses with us
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Interim Payments
We can provide an advance compensation payment where applicable.
What Can I Claim For After A Cycling Accident?
The Judicial College guidelines on the amount of compensation you can claim can vary substantially depending on the severity of your injury.
For example, a wrist injury can be valued between £2,300 and £39,300 – so the skill and experience of our solicitors in negotiating the best settlement ensures you receive the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Equally important is claiming the correct amount of special damages, both already incurred and what you may incur in the future. As long as such costs are related to your accident, you could claim for;
For very serious injuries, we also recover compensation to cover additional costs from your accident, including; loss of future earnings, a lifetime of care and treatment, help with chores, medication, state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs and custom-built accommodation.
We take pride in securing the maximum possible compensation for you with a successful track record in recovering millions of pounds over the last 25 years.
Can I Make A No Win No Fee Cycling Accident Claim?
Yes, you can. Our legal services are offered on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you are not at any financial risk if your claim is unsuccessful.
Like every firm, we will deduct a fee if your claim is successful. However, we offer reduced fees depending on the specifics of the accident and will never deduct any fees from the compensation you’ll receive for your bike or equipment.
Because of these two significant differences, the compensation payout you receive from us could be thousands of pounds more than with another firm.
See Why You'll Claim More With Us
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Unlike many firms, which will take 25% of the total amount of compensation, based on the specifics of your accident, we are happy to discuss our fees.
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Apart from making sure your bicycle and equipment aren’t undervalued, we will never take any fees from the compensation recovered. 100% of your compensation can go towards getting a replacement.
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Likewise, we don’t think it’s right that firms deduct from this part of the compensation, so we don’t. Combined with our approach to all of our fees, you could claim significantly more with us.
The example below shows how you could claim thousands more with us.
Deductions
Replaced Item Bott and Co Other Firms Loss Of Earnings (£4,000) £0 £1,000 (25%) Your Bike (£5,000) £0 £1,250 (25%) Helmet & CLothing £0 £125 (25%) Electronic Equipment (Garmin) (£100) £0 £25 (25%) ATE (£140)* £140 £500 Total Deductions £140 £2,900 Total You'll Receive £9,460 £6.700 How Much More You'd Receive With Us £2,760.00 *The £140 deduction for ATE (After the Event Insurance) includes Insurance Premium Tax.
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In many cases, we can secure part of your compensation in advance to help with the expenses you have incurred, help you replace the loss of earnings and help to cover medical costs or essential bills.
Is There A Time Limit To Claim For A Cycling Accident?
In most cases, you will have up to three years from the date of the accident or the date you discovered your injuries to make a claim.
We recommend that you start your claim as soon after your accident as possible, as it makes it easier to gather evidence and speak with potential witnesses while events are still fresh in everyone’s mind.
You can claim on behalf of a child any time before their 18th birthday or up to three years after their 18th birthday.
There is no specific time limit for claiming on behalf of someone who does not have the mental capacity to make their own claim.
If your loved one has sadly passed away, you have three years from the date of passing or from receiving their post mortem results to start your claim.
Looking Out For Your Best Interests
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No Win No Fee
Our No Win No Fee promise means you are at no financial risk if you decide to make a claim
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Claim More With Us
Unlike most firms, you will receive all of the compensation due for your out-of-pocket expenses with us
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Interim Payments
We can provide an advance compensation payment where applicable.
How To Make A Cycling Accident Claim
We recognise the trauma you may be feeling after your accident and that this can make you unsure of what to do next.
Our award-winning, highly experienced legal team are on hand to speak with you about your accident and let you know of your legal rights.
When you contact us, you’ll be speaking to a team member who is also a cyclist, so we will understand more than most what has happened and give you the expert advice you’re looking for.
In addition to explaining your legal rights, we can discuss your options to access immediate physio and rehabilitation services and arrange to repair or replace your bike.
Any discussions about your claim are completely confidential, and there is no obligation to claim with us.
How Long Does A Cycling Accident Claim Take?
Every cycling accident claim is unique, and therefore, the length of time it takes for each claim to be settled is different.
Generally, the easier it is to prove who was at fault for your injury, the quicker the claim may be settled. Once fault is established, responsibility is accepted, the correct settlement amount can be negotiated and paid.
It may take longer for accidents where injuries are more serious.
Your injuries will need to be evaluated carefully to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation to reflect the medical care you may need in the future.
In most claims, compensation is settled out of court. However, the process may take longer for those few cases that go to court.
Please speak to our solicitors about the option of receiving an interim payment. This is where we can secure part of your settlement early. The payment can help with lost expenses you may have incurred, such as lost earnings medical and travel costs.
What You Can Expect When Claiming With Us
Our dedicated cycling accident claims legal department has over 1000 years of combined legal experience. Many solicitors have a history of successfully claiming over £1million in compensation for cyclists.
Our expertise and experience are needed to take on the insurance company who may be interested in settling for the lowest figure they can.
Insurers may want to limit the amount they payout. They may attempt to settle at the earliest opportunity and before all relevant medical evidence is available. We are experienced in handling such situations for our clients.
Completely independent, we work for you, and our job is to make sure you receive the highest possible compensation amount.
We have worked very hard to make the claims process as simple and easy as possible for you while we do all the legal work to recover the maximum compensation and let you concentrate on getting back on your bike.
Our numerous awards, including for customer service and innovation, have elevated us to one of the leading consumer law firms in the UK.
The claims process usually consists of a number of specific parts:
We take the time to obtain all evidence regarding the liability and forensically review the circumstances of the accident.
Our medical experts will provide the evidence needed to value your claim correctly, and our expert team will study all the evidence to maximise the damages recoverable.
Your claim evaluation could include information and evidence from a number of sources, such as;
We are very familiar with reviewing Strava data if this was in use at the time of the accident.
Why Should You Contact Us Today?
Speak to our award winning legal team now by calling 01625 415 850 or request a call back.
Who Pays For My Compensation?
Compensation is awarded through an insurance company, so no one person is responsible for paying your compensation. For example, if you were hit by a car on your bike, the person driving the car’s insurance company would pay the compensation.
How Much Does It Cost To Make A Claim?
We provide our legal services on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that you are not financially responsible if your claim is unsuccessful. However, like all firms, we will deduct a fee for our services if your claim is successful. The amount is discussed and agreed at the start of the claim process.
Can I Claim On Behalf Of Someone Else?
Yes, you can claim on behalf of someone else if the person you may be claiming for is unable to. For example, you can claim on behalf of a child or if the person lacks the mental capacity to claim for themselves.
Can I Claim If The Other Vehicle Didn’t Stop?
Yes, you can. The claim goes through the Motor Insurers Bureau for these “hit and run” type claims. You can also claim through the MIB if the person at fault for the accident is untraceable or did not have insurance.
Average Compensation Claim Amounts For Cycling Accidents (Updated August 2022)
| Part of Body | Level of Injury | Compensation Amount | Injuries May Include |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Injury | Severe | £247,280 – £354,260 | Badly disabled, brain damage with little or no response. Includes people in a vegetative state in need of full time nursing. At the lower end, cases resulting in minimally conscious state with life expectancy of less than 15 years. |
| Head Injury | Serious | £192,090 – £247,280 | Serious physical symptoms or a significant change to your intellect or personality. It could cause substantial dependence on others, paralysis and reduced life expectancy. |
| Head Injury | Moderate | £13,430 – £192,090 | Symptoms can range from minor personality change, depression, poor concentration, and a small risk of epilepsy. At the top end of the bracket, symptoms could result in permanent vegetative state, high risk of epilepsy and some intellectual deficit. |
| Head Injury | Minor | £1,940 – £11,200 | In these cases, if there has been any brain damage, there is likely to have been a recovery within a few weeks. Awards can be influenced by the presence or absence of headaches. |
| Eye Injury | Severe | £56,070 – £354,260 | Injuries leading to complete blindness, or blinded in one eye and/ or severely reduced vision in other. |
| Eye Injury | Serious | £7,990 – £57,590 | Injuries leading to the loss of an eye, lost sight in one eye or suffering some but not total visual impairment. |
| Eye Injury | Minor | £1,930 – £7,650 | Minor injuries, such as being struck in the eye, explosion to fumes, or being splashed by liquids. In the majority of cases, recovery is within a few weeks. |
| Ear Injury | Severe | £79,560 – £123,310 | Injury leading to complete deafness. If injured as child, higher compensation may apply is there is a loss of speech. |
| Ear Injury | Serious | £27,450 – £39,940 | Loss of total hearing in one ear, amounts dependent on additional symptoms such as dizziness and tinnitus. |
| Ear Injury | Moderate | £11,040 – £26,040 | Compensation amount apply for those suffering from partial hearing loss to mild or severe tinnitus. |
| Ear Injury | Minor | Up to £6,140 | Very slight or occasional tinnitus, possible NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss). |
| Facial Injury | Severe | £26,120 – £85,340 | Facial disfigurement, very serious multiple fractures to the jaw, (resulting in eating restrictions and risk of arthritis in the joints) chronic tooth pain, or scarring, amounts depending on how seriously affected. Men could receive less for facial disfigurement than women with same injury. Typically teens to early 30s, those psychologically damaged receive higher awards. |
| Facial Injury | Serious | £15,750 – £42,460 | Facial fractures such as broken jaw or nose. Amounts dependent on severity. Also apply to broken, damaged or lost teeth. |
| Facial Injury | Minor | £1,500 – £7,650 | Facial injury that didn’t include broken bones and left only very light or no scarring. Cases may include loss or damage to two front teeth or less, simple fractures of the jaw and nose with full recovery. |
| Neck Injury | Severe | £39,870 – £130,060 | Neck injuries involving serious fractures, damage to discs and partial paraplegia. Cases also include severe soft tissue damage, leading to chronic pain conditions and significant disability of a permanent nature. |
| Neck Injury | Moderate | £6,920 – £33,750 | Injuries such as fractures or dislocations which may result in spinal fusion. Cases may include disc lesion, cervical spondylosis, serious limitation of movement, permanent recurring pain. Also injuries which have accelerated a pre-existing condition. |
| Neck Injury | Minor | £2,150 – £6,920 | Soft tissue or whiplash injury but with recovery within three months to two years of incident. Amounts vary on severity of injury, level of pain and effect on restriction of ability to take part in your usual activities. |
| Back Injury | Severe | £34,000 – £141,150 | Back injury usually requiring surgery such as damaged spinal cord leading to partial paralysis, loss of bowel/bladder function and psychological issues. Cases may include nerve root damage, disc lesions, fractures, impaired agility, personality change and arthritis. |
| Back Injury | Moderate | £10,970 – £34,000 | Compression or crushed fracture of the lumbar spine causing a large risk of osteoarthritis and constant pain. May include spinal fusion, prolapsed disc requiring surgery and prolonged acceleration or exacerbation of a pre-existing back condition. |
| Back Injury | Minor | £2,150 – £10,970 | Soft tissue injuries, including less serious strains and sprains and disc prolapses. Full recovery takes place between 3 months and 5 years. |
| Shoulder Injury | Severe | £16,830 – £42,110 | Injuries associated with damages to the neck and the brachial plexus resulting in significant disability. |
| Shoulder Injury | Serious | £4,520 – £16,830 | Serious injuries may include fractures to the humerus, fractures to the clavicle and rotator cuff tears leading to surgery. |
| Shoulder Injury | Minor | £2,150 – £6,920 | Suffered pain from a soft tissue injury lasting 3 months to less than 2 years, but have eventually had a full recovery. |
| Injury To Pelvis and Hips | Severe | £34,340 – £114,810 | Severe hip or pelvis fractures that have led to bowel damage or have required a spinal fusion. Amounts depend on long-term effects (e.g. child-birth complications) and likelihood of more surgery. Injuries include minor fractures resulting in hip replacement. |
| Injury To Pelvis and Hips | Moderate | £11,040 – £34,340 | Injury that required a hip operation / replacement (or may lead to you requiring one in the future), but are unlikely to suffer from any serious disability as a result. |
| Injury To Pelvis and Hips | Minor | £3,460 – £11,040 | Minor soft tissue injuries with complete recovery, where there is little or nor residual disability within 2 years. |
| Arm Injury | Severe | £114,810 – £263,060 | Amputation of one or both arms. Amount awarded depends on where amputation is, age and the effect the operation has on life and whether there are phantom pains. |
| Arm Injury | Serious | £34,340 – £114,810 | Arm injury not resulting in amputation, but has a serious effect on ability to use arm(s) resulting in disability. |
| Arm Injury | Moderate | £16,830 – £34,340 | If there is a degree of disability for a period of time (such as a broken arm) but are expected to make a complete (or almost complete) recovery. |
| Arm Injury | Mild | £5,810 – £16,830 | Simple fractures of the forearm. Awards at the top end of the scale will include longer than usual recovery periods and other extenuating factors. |
| Elbow Injury | Severe | £34,340- | Amounts could apply if injury has required surgery or resulted in severe disability. |
| Elbow Injury | Serious | £13,720 – | Elbow injuries that did not require surgery or lead to a disability, but has resulted in restricted movement. |
| Elbow Injury | Moderate | Up to £11,040 | The majority of elbow injuries fall under this category. These amounts apply to injuries like tennis elbow, deep cuts or simple fractures that don’t lead to permanent damage. |
| Hand Injury | Severe | £25,430 – £176,660 | When a person has had one/both hands amputated, or had their hand rendered almost useless by amputation of more than one finger. Also cases where several fingers have been amputated but re-joined, leaving it clawed, clumsy and unsightly. |
| Hand Injury | Moderate | £3,810 – £25,430 | Injuries like deep cuts and soft tissue damage that have resulted in impaired function of the hand that may require surgery. At the bottom end of the scale, this will cover crush injuries, penetrating wounds and any permanent but non-intrusive symptoms. |
| Hand Injury | Minor | £800 – £3,810 | Soft tissue injuries with a recovery time of 6 months or less. Less serious injuries include crush injuries and laceration. |
| Wrist Injury | Severe | £21,480 – £52,490 | Wrist injuries resulting in complete loss of function and significant permanent disability. |
| Wrist Injury | Serious | £11,040 – £21,480 | Injuries include broken wrist or soft tissue damage, resulting in some permanent disability. |
| Wrist Injury | Moderate | £3,090 – £8,970 | Injuries including minor undisplaced fractures and an uncomplicated Colles fracture requiring the use of plasters, but recovery expected between 12 months and 2 years. |
| Finger Injury | Severe | £7,990 – £32,210 | One or more finger completely amputated. Amount depends on which finger(s) had to be removed and the level of disability the person suffers as a result. This includes total and partial loss of index finger and fractures of the index finger. |
| Finger Injury | Moderate | £3,460 – £14,330 | At the top end of the scale, amputation or loss part of the little finger. On the lower end, If you have suffered from a broken finger but have had a complete (or almost complete) recovery. |
| Finger Injury | Minor | Up to £4,160 | Injuries such as fractured fingers that have healed fully within 12 months. At the bottom end of the scale, there will be minor scarring. |
| Thumb Injury | Severe | £11,040 – £48,080 | Injuries include having part or all of your thumb amputated, suffering nerve damage, fractures, or losing your ability to grip properly. May also involve the insertion of wire. |
| Thumb Injury | Moderate | £3,460 – £11,040 | Injuries including fractures, recovering within six months and at the higher end of the scale, damage to tendons or nerves, causing impairment of sensation. At the higher end of the scale, cosmetic deformity of the thumb. |
| Thumb Injury | Minor | Up to £1,930 | These injuries may have caused severe pain for a short time, but will have resolved completely within 3 months. |
| Leg Injury | Severe | £48,080 – £247,280 | Injuries would usually include either a single or double amputation (the higher awards reserved for above the knee amputations), extensive degloving including bone grafting, and in most cases a permanent future mobility restriction. |
| Leg Injury | Moderate | £15,750 – £48,080 | Injuries including a broken leg, multiple fractures or crushing injuries, generally to one leg. Compound fractures or ligament injuries resorting in instability with a near-certainty of arthritis . Minor fractures with an incomplete recovery or serious soft tissue injury. |
| Leg Injury | Minor | Up to £12,350 | Injuries that resolve within a few months, including soft tissue injuries, cuts, bruising, contusions. At the top end of the scale, simple fractures of femur, tibia and fibula. |
| Knee Injury | Severe | £22,960 – £84,360 | Joint injury that has resulted in serious disability, constant pain or muscle wastage. Compensation amounts would depend on whether you are likely to need surgery in the future and the effects your injury will have on your life. |
| Knee Injury | Moderate | £13,010 – £22,960 | Serious damage to the kneecap, ligaments or muscles, resulting in some disability with continued pain and discomfort. Also included are injuries involving dislocation, torn meniscus or acceleration type injuries over a prolonged period of years. |
| Knee Injury | Minor | Up to £12,050 | Injuries involving twisting, lacerations or bruising, where there is continuous aching or discomfort. At the bottom end of the scale, soft tissue injuries resolving in a few months. |
| Ankle Injury | Severe | £43,900 – £61,110 | Severe ankle injury leading to serious deformity, disability or even the possibility of amputation in the long-term. |
| Ankle Injury | Moderate | £12,050 – £43,900 | Ankle injury requiring operation/plaster. Amount depends on if injury affects ability to work and if you need special footwear. Fractures, ligamentous tears, which lead to less serious disabilities when walking/standing, risk of future osteoarthritis. |
| Ankle Injury | Minor | Up to £12,050 | Minor or undisplaced fractures, sprains and ligamentous injuries where there is an element of scarring. At the bottom end of the scale, injuries where recovery is complete without scarring and within a year. |
| Achilles Injury | Severe | £21,910 – | Muscles have been severed and this has led to restricted ankle movement. Injuries include a limp and residual scarring, and where further improvement is unlikely. |
| Achilles Injury | Moderate | £11,040 – | Cases involving partial rupture or significant injury to the tendon. At the top end of the scale, injuries involving disability and permanent scarring. |
| Achilles Injury | Minor | £6,800 – £11,040 | Tendon damage to the ankle, resulting in minor instability. At the top end of the scale, cases may involve scarring. |
| Foot Injury | Severe | £73,620 – £176,600 | Amputation of one or both feet, including traumatic amputation of the forefoot where there was a significant risk of the need for full amputation. |
| Foot Injury | Moderate | £12,050 – £61,410 | Fractures of both heels with restriction on mobility, including degloving, heel fusion and deformity. At the bottom end of the scale, injuries will include metatarsal fractures, resulting in permanent deformity and continuing symptoms. |
| Foot Injury | Minor | Up to £12,050 | Injuries include ruptured ligaments, puncture wounds where symptoms include a permanent limp, pain or aching, minor fractures, lacerations or contusions from which a complete recovery has been made within 2 years. |
| Toe Injury | Severe | £12,050 – £49,180 | Amputation of all of your toes or your big toe. Amount depends on whether you lost your toe(s) in an incident or had them surgically removed. Severe crush injuries leading to amputation of one or two toes, but not the big toe. |
| Toe Injury | Moderate | £8,420 – £12,050 | Injuries include multiple fractures or crush injury to two or more toes including the big toe. At the top end of the scale, there will be some permanent disability, and there will have been a number of unsuccessful operations. |
| Toe Injury | Minor | Up to £8,420 | Injuries include one or more broken toes. Compensation amounts will depend on how quickly you recover and whether or not you will suffer long-term symptoms. Injuries at the bottom end of the scale will have resolved completely within a short space of time. |
| Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | Severe | £52,490 – £88,270 | Cases will involve permanent effects which prevent the injured person from working at all, or at least from functioning at the pre-trauma level. Cases arising as a result of a traumatic event/accident. |
| Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | Moderate | £22,290 – £52,490 | This category involves the same type of symptoms as the severe category, but there is a much better prognosis, with a likely recovery with professional help over a number of years. |
| Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | Minor | £3,460 – £7,170 | At the top end of the scale, the injured person will have largely recovered, and any continuing effects will not be grossly disabling. At the bottom end of the scale, virtually a full recovery will be made within 2 years. |
| Scarring (not facial) | Severe | £6,870 – £19,930 | A number of noticeable laceration scars or single disfiguring scars. |
| Scarring (not facial) | Moderate | Up to £7,580 | At the top end of the scale, the injured person will have largely recovered, and any continuing effects will not be grossly disabling. At the bottom end of the scale, virtually a full recovery will be made within 2 years. |
| Scarring (not facial) | Minor | £2,080 – £6,870 | A single noticeable scar, or several superficial scars of leg, arm or hand, with some minor cosmetic deficit. |
Speak to our award winning legal team now by calling 01625 415 850 or request a call back.