The Two Main Categories Of Whiplash Claims Explained: General Damages And Special Damages

If you have sustained a whiplash injury, we would like to wish you a speedy recovery. Such an injury is highly debilitating and can have a direct impact on our personal and professional lives. The good news for you though is that you could be eligible to make a claim for compensation, which may be just what you need to get your life back on track.

The two main categories of compensation

When you make a whiplash claim for financial compensation, the payout you may receive is split into two types of compensation: general damages and special damages. It’s important to consider each type, because together they make up your total amount of compensation.

Let’s go through each type of compensation and see what’s what.

General damages

General damages can simply be defined as the compensation awarded for your injury.

The amount of general damages you may receive is generally calculated by the following:

•         The severity of your injury;
•         The recovery period from your injury;
•         Your prognosis for the future;
•         The acceleration of any medical conditions.

The more serious the injuries the higher the amount of general damages should be. But cases vary, and it’s important for a law firm like www.accidentadvicehelpline.co.uk to come up with a general damages figure that’s fair and proportionate. Whiplash injuries are split into grades 1, 2, 3 and 4. The higher your grade, the higher your payout will be.

Special damages

Special damages can simply be defined as the compensation awarded for financial loss.

The amount of special damages you may receive is generally calculated by the following:

•         Loss of work, overtime and hours;
•         Medical bills associated with your injury;
•         Travel expenses associated with your injury;
•         Any out-of-pocket expenses associated with your injury.

Special damages is awarded to ensure that you experience no financial hardship as a result of your accident. For example if you were involved in a car accident and you sustained grade 2 whiplash and this lead to 3 months off work, your accident solicitor would seek 3 months wages from the other party, plus any other expenses mentioned above.

Combining general damages and special damages

The total amount of compensation you receive will include general damages and special damages. They won’t come separately. Rather, they will come in the same cheque. By doing so, it is easier for the claimant to cash their compensation and it simplifies the process.