If you or a family member has suffered from a head injury through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for compensation. At Garratts, we have almost 30 years of experience successfully handling serious injury claims such as head injuries. Start your claim by contacting us online, or call us on 0161 665 350 to find out if you’re eligible to make a claim for compensation.
What is a head injury?
A head injury comprises any type of trauma of the skull, scalp or brain and may range from open wounds to bumps. Head injuries are generally categorised into two types; open and closed.
If you received a blow to the head but the skull bones did not break open, you will present with a closed head injury.
Open head injuries generally occur because foreign objects enter one or several parts of the brain by breaking the skull bones and surrounding tissue. Subsequent side effects include the build-up of excess fluids, brain bleeds or blood clotting. Patients with an open head injury are at an increased risk of temporary or permanent brain damage.
How do I know if my head injury is serious?
If your head injury is serious, you may present with several of the following symptoms;
- Loss of consciousness
- Acute pupillary dilation in one eye
- Seizure or convulsions
- Memory loss (amnesia)
- Slurred or severe speech delay
- Hearing loss
- Severe, recurring headaches
- Double vision
- Trouble staying awake
- Walking may be difficult
- Disorientation and general confusion
- Swelling may occur behind the ears or close to the eyes
- Frequent vomiting (emesis)
- Nose and/or ears may bleed or have fluid running from them
If you or a family member experience any of these symptoms, you must seek medical attention immediately; otherwise, you may risk severe and sometimes fatal consequences.
How long will the compensation claims process take?
At Garratts, we understand that serious injuries like head injuries severely impact the affected individuals and their families. Therefore our priority is guiding you through the complex claims process in a supportive, sensitive and understanding manner.
You will have three years from the date of the accident (or when you first became aware of your injury or illness). You can also claim on behalf of a relative who has sadly passed away due to an accident or injury which could have been prevented.
Throughout the claims process, Garratts’ team of personal injury solicitors will provide you with regular updates to communicate timescales, costs and answer questions you have about your claim.
How much compensation can I expect for my head injury?
Whilst the amount of compensation will vary based on the severity of your head injury and the level of impact it has had on your personal and working life, the following figures will provide a general guide.
The average compensation payouts recommended by the Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases (15th Edition) by the Judicial College are;
- Between £1,760 and £10,180 for minor brain and head injuries.
- Between £12,210 and £34,330 for less severe brain and head injuries.
- Between £34,330 to £174,620 for moderate brain and head injuries.
- Between £17,620 and £224,800 for moderately severe brain injuries.
- Between £224,800 and £322,060 for severe brain injuries.
What can I claim compensation for?
If you have suffered from a head injury, you may be eligible to claim compensation for:
- general damages,
- medical expenses,
- loss of income,
- care costs,
- and travel expenses.
