What is the personal injury claims time limit?

In England and Wales the limitation period is 3 years from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge, whichever is later. For clinical negligence claims the 3 years runs from the date of knowledge of the negligence. Children have until 3 years after their 18th birthday. For injuries from criminal acts, the CICA has a 2-year limit. Always seek advice promptly, courts rarely extend time.

What is the difference between general and special damages?

General damages compensate for non-financial harm: pain, suffering, loss of amenity, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological impact. These cannot be precisely quantified, courts use the JCG ranges as a guide. Special damages compensate for actual, quantifiable financial losses that can be evidenced with receipts, payslips, and medical reports. Both are recoverable in a personal injury claim.

Can I make a no win, no fee personal injury claim?

Yes. Most personal injury solicitors offer conditional fee agreements (CFAs), commonly called no win, no fee. You pay nothing upfront; if you win, a success fee (capped at 25% of your general and past special damages) is deducted from your compensation. After-the-event (ATE) insurance typically covers the defendant's costs if you lose. Get advice from a specialist solicitor.

Does contributory negligence reduce my personal injury payout?

Yes. If you were partly at fault for your accident, your compensation is reduced by the proportion of your contributory negligence. For example, if a court finds you 30% responsible, you receive 70% of the assessed damages. Contributory negligence commonly arises in road traffic accidents (not wearing a seatbelt) or industrial accidents (ignoring safety instructions).

What is the Whiplash Reform and fixed tariff?

From May 2021, minor whiplash injuries from road traffic accidents (worth up to £5,000 general damages) are assessed under a fixed tariff scheme via the Official Injury Claim portal rather than the JCG ranges. The tariff provides fixed amounts depending on injury duration. Other personal injury claims, including workplace injuries, slipping accidents, and clinical negligence, continue to use JCG ranges.

Updated 1 May 2026

Personal Injury Calculator · Free UK Compensation Guide 2026

Estimate your personal injury compensation using Judicial College Guidelines, covering general damages (pain and suffering) and special damages (financial losses).

✓ Free to use✓ JCG 17th edition✓ General + special damages✓ No win, no fee guide

Personal Injury Calculator

Select injury type, enter your losses, compensation estimate appears instantly

Injury type and severity

Lost earnings (£)

Medical costs (£)

Other expenses (£)

Estimated total compensation

£2,450.00 – £11,730.00

General damages: £2,450.00–£11,730.00 + Special damages: £0.00

Injury selected

Back (minor)

General damages: JCG low

£2,450.00

General damages: JCG high

£11,730.00

Lost earnings

£0.00

Medical & treatment costs

£0.00

Other expenses

£0.00

Total special damages

£0.00

Total estimated (low–high)

£2,450.00 – £11,730.00

JCG 17th edition ranges only. Actual awards depend on medical evidence, contributory negligence, and court discretion. This is not legal advice, consult a qualified solicitor.

How Personal Injury Compensation Works

Quick Answer: Personal injury compensation = general damages (JCG range for pain and suffering) + special damages (lost earnings, medical bills, travel, care). General damages range from £240 for minor soft tissue injuries to over £400,000 for catastrophic injuries. Special damages are based on your actual, evidenced losses.

Types of Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury claims in the UK arise from road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, slipping and tripping on public or private land, clinical negligence, and criminal injuries. The JCG ranges apply to most claims except minor whiplash (where a fixed tariff now applies). The 3-year limitation period applies to most claims, start the process as soon as possible.

JCG Injury Ranges: Quick Reference

Injury	Severity	JCG range
Neck / whiplash	Minor	£240–£4,350
Back	Minor	£2,450–£11,730
Back	Moderate	£11,730–£38,780
Shoulder	Moderate	£7,540–£19,200
Knee	Moderate	£14,840–£26,190
PTSD	Moderate	£8,180–£23,150
Brain / head	Moderate	£43,060–£219,070
Tetraplegia	Severe	£324,600–£403,990

JCG 17th edition (2024). Awards vary significantly based on medical evidence and individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

UK personal injury compensation has two components. General damages compensate for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity, assessed using the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). Special damages compensate for actual financial losses: lost earnings (past and future), medical and rehabilitation costs, care costs, and travel expenses. A solicitor or court adds both elements together for the total award.