Estimate potential compensation for a child's injury based on Judicial College Guidelines. Select the injury type and severity below for an indicative bracket.
Based on JCG brackets
When a child is injured through negligence, compensation is calculated under two heads of claim.
General damages account for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity the child experiences. For minors, courts pay particular attention to how the injury affects their education, social development, and future prospects.
Special damages cover quantifiable financial losses. This includes medical expenses, travel costs, specialist educational support, rehabilitation, equipment, and parental lost earnings. For serious injuries impacting long-term earning capacity, special damages can form a substantial portion of the overall award.
A parent or legal guardian can pursue a claim on behalf of an injured child by acting as a litigation friend. This role involves representing the child's best interests throughout the legal process.
Claims can be brought at any point before the child turns 18. If no action is taken, the child then has three years from their 18th birthday—until age 21—to issue proceedings independently under the Limitation Act 1980.
Starting early is strongly recommended. Evidence such as CCTV footage and witness recollections deteriorates over time, and earlier medical assessments provide a clearer picture of the child's long-term prognosis and care needs.
Compensation calculations only tell part of the story. For a full, case-specific assessment and support from SRA-regulated solicitors, visit Child Injury Claims UK to start your free consultation today.
Visit ChildInjuryClaims.co.uk