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Suffering a life-altering injury can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Serious injury claims offer a legal route for individuals in England and Wales to pursue financial compensation and obtain support for rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has experienced such an injury, our experienced Personal Injury Solicitors are here to guide you through the process with care and expertise.
A serious injury, which can sometimes include catastrophic injuries, typically results in long-term or permanent disability. These include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and severe burns. Serious injury claims involve significant, long-term impacts on a claimant’s life, finances, and relationships.
Whilst many injuries warrant bringing a personal injury claim, certain types are recognised as “serious” due to their life-changing nature. These include:
These injuries often require long-term medical care, adaptations to living environments, the need for specialist equipment, and psychological support. Compensation claims reflect these needs.
Compensation in serious injury claims is assessed in several areas, often resulting in significant compensation:
Each case is unique. Tools such as the Judicial College Guidelines help solicitors estimate general damages based on the type of injury and its severity.
In England and Wales, the general time limit for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge of the injury. For children, the time limit begins at age 18. Exceptions may apply in cases involving brain injuries or where there is a lack of mental capacity.
A key benefit of pursuing a serious injury claim is access to interim payments, or if liability is admitted early, these payments can help cover costs while the claim is ongoing. Other support includes:
Fosters Solicitors recently settled a claim for a seven-figure sum for a client who was a front-seat passenger in a vehicle which left the road and hit a tree, just prior to the Covid lockdown. Our client suffered a serious head injury and will never be able to live independently again. Although in long-term care, our client is able to engage with a number of therapists including in occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and neuropsychology, who together are attempting to maintain and improve her quality of life.
Fosters’ Partner, Steve Green, who acted for our client, stressed the importance of seeking legal advice as early as possible after an accident. He said: “The sooner we are able to contact the defendant’s insurance company, the sooner we are able to obtain interim payments to fund initial supportive therapy to compliment that provided by the NHS. In this instance because our client’s family were unable to visit her in hospital, due to Covid, this meant she received an additional level of support from very early on after the accident. It is also important to consult a specialist and a firm which is a member of the Headway panel and involved with other campaigning organisations such as Brain Injury Group, as this is a further endorsement of a solicitor’s experience and knowledge.”
Legal experts handling serious injury claims in England and Wales emphasise the following:
The right legal support can significantly influence both the settlement amount and the quality of life after injury.
Despite the challenges, expert legal representation ensures your rights are protected and future needs addressed.
If you, or a loved one, have been involved in an accident that has resulted in a serious injury, please get in touch with our Personal Injury experts to discuss a potential claim. Our specialists have extensive experience in supporting clients and their families affected by serious, life-changing injuries. We also work with, and are panel members of, a number of organisations and charities who provide support to those with such injuries, and who share our aims of providing access to justice and compensation.
Contact us for more information.
A serious injury claim is a legal action pursued when someone suffers a life-altering injury, such as spinal damage or brain trauma, due to another party’s negligence. The claim seeks compensation for the injury and past and future losses and care needs.
In addition to general damages for pain and suffering, you are entitled to special damages for expenses and loss of income, and also for future care, home modifications, and therapy.
Most serious injury claims take 3 to 5 years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the injuries, whether liability is disputed, and the medical recovery timeline.
Yes, the standard limitation period is three years from the date of injury or diagnosis. Exceptions exist for children and individuals lacking capacity e.g. due to brain injury.
The amount depends on the type and severity of the injury, impact on lifestyle, care requirements, and financial losses. The Judicial College Guidelines assist in providing a guideline for awards.
| Injury Type | Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Severe Brain Injury | £240,000 – £400,000+ |
| Paralysis (Quadriplegia) | £350,000 – £450,000+ |
| Amputation (Both Legs) | £240,000 – £300,000+ |
| Severe sight impairment or partial loss | £115,000 – £200,000+ |
This article was produced on the 9th July 2025 for information purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as specific legal advice.
