Serious and Catastrophic Injury

What makes a serious injury claim different

Serious injury claims involve injuries with lasting or permanent consequences, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, severe burns or multiple complex fractures. They often involve significant future needs, including care, therapy, adapted housing, specialist equipment and loss of future earnings.

Because the consequences may last a lifetime, these claims often take longer to resolve. It can be important not to settle until the long-term picture is clearer, so that future needs are properly reflected.

Rehabilitation is often a priority. In suitable cases the parties may agree to an assessment of rehabilitation needs early in the claim, so that treatment and support can begin before the claim is finished.

Common situations

• Brain or head injuries, including injuries affecting memory, behaviour or concentration
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations or the loss of use of a limb
• Severe burns or scarring
• Injuries resulting in sight or hearing loss
• Multiple or complex injuries requiring long-term care

Your options and next steps

In serious injury cases, it may be possible to request interim payments during the claim, where liability is admitted or clear, to help with immediate costs such as care, rehabilitation or loss of income.

Compensation may be paid as a lump sum, as periodical payments, or as a combination of both. Periodical payments provide regular, index-linked income, which can give security where long-term care is needed.

Where a person lacks the mental capacity to manage their own affairs, a litigation friend can act for them in the claim, and any settlement must be approved by the court. Arrangements may also be needed for managing compensation, such as a deputyship or a trust.

Documents and evidence that may help

You do not need to have everything before you contact us, but the following can help us understand your situation more quickly:

• Hospital discharge summaries and treatment records
• Details of current care and support, including help provided by family
• Information about pre-accident work and earnings
• Records of rehabilitation, therapy or equipment already arranged
• Any assessments of housing, mobility or care needs
• Contact details for any treating consultants

How we assess your enquiry

1. Tell us what happened. Use the enquiry form, call or email with a short summary.
2. We review the details. We may ask a few questions or request key documents.
3. We explain your options. Including whether your matter is one we can help with.
4. You decide. Nothing goes further until you have agreed the scope of any work and any fees, confirmed in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Please note: this page gives general information based on the law of England and Wales. Different rules can apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on for your particular situation. Every matter depends on its own facts, and no outcome or level of compensation can be guaranteed.