Compensation Calculator
Estimate the value of a UK personal injury claim using Judicial College guideline brackets, plus an allowance for lost earnings and expenses. A free guide to general and special damages.
Compensation estimator
A guide to personal-injury claim value. Not legal advice.
A rough guide only — not legal advice or a valuation. Speak to a qualified solicitor for your case.
How is personal injury compensation worked out?
A UK personal injury claim is made up of two parts. General damages compensate for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself. Special damages reimburse the financial losses flowing from it — lost earnings, treatment costs, care, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses. Add them together and you have the claim's value.
General damages are guided by the Judicial College Guidelines, which set bracket ranges for every type of injury. For example, minor whiplash that fully recovers within a year typically falls in the hundreds to low thousands; a serious leg fracture can reach £20,000–£40,000+. Your financial losses are then added on top.
The Judicial College Guidelines
Courts and solicitors value the "pain and suffering" element using the Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages. These publish evidence-based ranges for injuries from minor sprains to catastrophic brain and spinal damage. The exact figure within a bracket depends on factors like recovery time, lasting symptoms, scarring, and the impact on your daily life and work — all supported by an independent medical report.
Whiplash and the official tariff
For most road-traffic whiplash injuries in England and Wales lasting up to two years, compensation is now set by a fixed government tariff under the Whiplash Injury Regulations, rather than the full Judicial College range. This calculator uses indicative values; a solicitor will tell you whether the tariff or the guideline brackets apply to you.
Important. This estimator is a starting point for understanding scale, not a valuation. Real awards depend on medical evidence and the specific facts of your case. Strict time limits apply — usually three years from the date of injury — so seek advice promptly.
No win, no fee
Many UK personal injury claims run on a Conditional Fee Agreement ("no win, no fee"). If your claim succeeds, a success fee (capped at 25% of certain damages) is deducted; if it fails, you usually pay nothing for your solicitor's time. Always read the agreement carefully before signing.
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation will I get for my injury?
It depends on the injury's severity and recovery time (general damages, guided by Judicial College brackets) plus your financial losses (special damages). The estimator above gives an indicative range — a solicitor and medical report give the real figure.
What are general and special damages?
General damages compensate for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. Special damages reimburse financial losses such as lost earnings, care, travel and treatment costs.
How much is a whiplash claim worth?
Most road-traffic whiplash injuries lasting up to two years are now valued under a fixed government tariff, typically a few hundred to a few thousand pounds. Longer-lasting or more serious injuries may fall under the wider guidelines.
Is there a time limit to claim compensation?
Usually yes — three years from the date of the accident or from when you became aware of the injury. Different limits apply for children and some other cases, so seek advice early.
What does 'no win, no fee' mean?
It's a Conditional Fee Agreement: if you win, a capped success fee is taken from your damages; if you lose, you generally pay nothing for your solicitor's time. Check the terms before signing.