Every personal injury claim is different, and compensation depends on the specifics of your injury. Your solicitor should take into account the full extent of any physical injuries, psychological harm and financial losses to maximise the compensation you are entitled to receive.

Compensation is generally split into general damages and special damages, each of which is based on a different aspect of the injury:

• General damages cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity. Your solicitor will consider the severity of your injury and the duration of any symptoms, as permanent injuries will result in more compensation. If your condition limits work, hobbies or personal relationships on an ongoing basis, this will also entitle you to more in damages. Solicitors and judges refer to the Judicial College Guidelines, which set out bracket figures for different types of injuries.
• Special damages cover financial losses and expenses incurred because of the injury, both past and future. They are calculated on actual evidence and can include:
• Loss of earnings if you are unable to work during your recovery or must change roles. This is based on payslips, employment records and projections of future income if your earnings capacity is permanently reduced.
• Medical expenses, including for treatment, private therapy, medication and equipment.
• The costs for care you needed during recovery or may need going forward, whether provided by family members or professionals.
• Travel expenses for journeys to hospital, GP appointments or rehabilitation.
• Damage to property and the costs for repairing or replacing clothing or personal items damaged in the incident. For example, if you were injured in a road traffic accident while cycling, this could include the cost to repair your bike
• Adaptations to your home or car to accommodate a disability, if your injury has permanent effects on your life.

This part of the calculation will be based on invoices, receipts and any other forms of evidence you can provide that shows your financial losses.

If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you might be wondering if making a personal injury claim is worth the effort. At Switalskis, we believe it's not just about the compensation; it's about closure and preventing the same thing from happening to someone else. Here's why you should consider making a claim:

• Financial re-imbursement: Medical bills, loss of earnings and other expenses can pile up after an injury. Compensation help recover those costs.
• Accountability: Making a claim holds the responsible party accountable for their actions. This can often lead to changes that prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
• Emotional closure: The claims process can provide a sense of closure, helping you come to terms with what happened. It's a way of affirming that you were wronged and deserve to be made whole again.
• Access to rehabilitation: Some cases, compensation can cover the cost of rehabilitation services like physiotherapy, counselling and other forms of treatment that you might not have been able to afford otherwise.
• Empowerment: Taking action empowers you, turning you from a victim into an advocate for your own wellbeing. It's a step towards regaining control over your life.

If you're still on the fence about making a personal injury claim, we're here to answer any questions you may have. We'll help you weigh up the pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision that's right for you.