Head injuries can have a severe impact on a person’s life, ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Research from the Centre for Mental Health estimates that traumatic brain injuries cost the UK economy around £15 billion annually, highlighting the severe financial and personal impact these injuries can have.
If you have suffered a head injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This guide explores head injury compensation claims, covering eligibility, the claims process, legal considerations, and potential compensation amounts.
Our solicitors at CEL are here to help you if you need to claim for a head injury. Whether it be due to a workplace accident, road traffic collision, slip and fall or an injury from a falling object, we have the expertise to support each claim, so no matter how small or large your injury, we can help.
To see if we can assist with your head injury claim, call us at 0330 822 3753 or fill out our online enquiry form to get free, no-obligation legal advice about your case.
Understanding Head Injuries
Head injuries vary in severity and can occur in various ways. Common types of head injuries include:
Concussion – A mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can result in temporary cognitive impairment, dizziness, and headaches.
Skull Fractures – These can be severe and may require surgical intervention.
Brain Contusions – Bruising of the brain tissue, which can lead to swelling and complications.
Diffuse Axonal Injury – Damage to the brain cells that can result in long-term cognitive impairment.
Intracranial Hemorrhage – Bleeding within the skull that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Even minor head injuries can lead to persistent symptoms, meaning it is important to seek medical attention and legal advice if the injury was caused by another party.
Who Can Make a Head Injury Compensation Claim?
You may be eligible to claim compensation if your head injury resulted from:
Workplace Accidents – Unsafe working conditions, lack of proper protective equipment, or employer negligence.
Road Traffic Accidents – Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, cycling incidents, or pedestrian injuries.
Slips, Trips, and Falls– Accidents caused by wet floors, uneven pavements, or poorly maintained premises.
Medical Negligence – Misdiagnosis or improper treatment of a head injury.
Assault or Criminal Injury – Being the victim of an attack that resulted in head trauma.
Sports Injuries – Head injuries sustained due to negligence during sporting events or inadequate safety measures.
The Process of Making a Head Injury Compensation Claim
1. Seek Medical Attention
Before making a claim, ensure that you receive proper medical treatment. Not only is this important for your safety, but we will also need this as evidence for a case.
2. Gather Evidence
Collect relevant evidence to support your claim, including:
- Medical records and doctor’s reports.
- Photographs of the accident scene and injuries.
- Witness statements.
- CCTV footage (if available).
- Police or accident reports.
3. Consult a Personal Injury Solicitor
An experienced head injury solicitor can assess the merits of your case, guide you through the claims process, and make sure you receive the maximum compensation.
The CEL Solicitors personal injury team are on hand to help you every step of the way.
4. Establish Liability
To make a successful claim, it must be proven that another party was responsible for your injury. This involves:
- Demonstrating a duty of care owed to you by the responsible party.
- Proving that the duty was breached due to negligence.
- Establishing that the breach directly caused your injury.
We will help walk you through the process and figure out what went wrong and led to the accident.
5. Determine Compensation Amount
Compensation depends on the severity of the injury, long-term effects, financial losses, and pain and suffering.
Our experts will make sure to fully understand the injury and your circumstances, helping to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
6. Negotiate a Settlement or Go to Court
The majority of claims are settled through negotiations, without a court trial. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to court for a judge to determine compensation.
This will be decided by you and your solicitor, and will only be recommended if we believe you have a strong chance of winning.
Time Limits for Head Injury Claims
In the UK, the standard time limit for making a head injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions apply:
- Children – If the injured person is under 18, the three-year time limit starts from their 18th birthday. You can bring a claim at any time before their 21st birthday.
- Mental Incapacity – If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to handle their legal affairs, there may be no time limit.
- Criminal Injuries – Claims through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) have a two-year time limit.
If you are unsure whether you can still make a claim, it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our team will be more than happy to help you understand if you have a case.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
Compensation amounts for head injury claims are calculated based on:
Severity of the Injury – The more serious the injury, the higher the compensation.
Impact on Quality of Life – Includes physical, emotional, and cognitive effects.
General Damages– This Covers pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
- Minor head injuries: £1,500 – £10,000
- Moderate brain damage: £40,000 – £200,000
- Severe brain damage: £250,000 – £500,000+
These are estimates and the actual amount will depend on your specific circumstances.
Special Damages – Includes financial losses such as:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost earnings and future loss of income
- Costs of ongoing care and support
Long-Term Effects – Cognitive impairments, emotional trauma, and permanent disability can increase compensation.
Legal Guidelines & Precedents – Past cases and legal frameworks help determine a fair amount.
Medical Assessments – Expert opinions provide evidence for the claim.
Each case is unique, and an experienced solicitor will help you estimate the potential compensation based on past settlements and legal guidelines.
No-Win, No-Fee Head Injury Claims
Our head injury claims are pursued on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning:
- You do not pay legal fees upfront.
- If your claim is unsuccessful, you do not owe any legal costs.
- If successful, a percentage of your compensation is deducted as a success fee.
No-win, No-fee agreements reduce financial risk and allow injured individuals to pursue claims without concern over costs.
Head injury solicitors
Choosing the right solicitors to look after your head injury claim can be difficult – but making the right decision is important. We recommend looking for a company that has experience in a variety of cases as this improves your chances of winning. It can also make a big difference to the amount of compensation you receive.
If you’ve suffered a head injury due to someone else’s negligence, CEL Solicitors are here to help. With experience handling a range of cases including workplace accidents, road traffic collisions, slips and falls, and medical negligence claims, our expert team will guide you through every step of the process.
We operate on a No-Win, No-Fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to you. Call us today at 0330 822 3753 or fill out our online enquiry form for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve. Visit CEL Solicitors to learn more.
