Brain Injury Compensation
Injuries to the Brain are among the most serious of all injuries and can have far reaching and unanticipated consequences for the sufferer. Few other injury types can have such a substantial effect on the personality and quality of life as the injured party. Brain injuries can range from the severe, such as permanent brain damage to the relatively minor and superficial. The law recognises and offers a wide range of potential levels of compensation for brain injuries.
Brain Damage Compensation
Very Severe Brain Damage
£185,000 – £265,000
In these cases, the injured party will offer little, if any, response to their environment, little or no language function and there will be the need for permanent full-time care. They may nonetheless still exhibit an ability to follow basic commands.
The level of award will be influenced by the degree of ‘insight’ the person retains, their life expectancy following the injury and the extent of their physical limitations.
Moderately Severe Brain Damage
£144,000 – £185,000
Persons who fall into this bracket will be very seriously disabled. They will depend greatly on others for care, normally professional. There may be physical disabilities (eg. Paralysis of the limbs) or cognitive (e.g. impairment of intellect and personality) The court will consider, among other things: the life expectancy of the sufferer, the extent of their physical limitation, the degree to which they are dependent on others, their ability to communicate, abnormalities in their behaviour and whether or not epilepsy is a factor.
Moderate Brain Damage
Where there is moderate/severe reduction in intellect, a change in the persons personality, detrimental effect to the senses and no prospect of employment: £98,500 – £144,000
There will be a moderate/modest reduction in intellect, the sufferers ability to work is greatly reduced or removed and there is a risk of epilepsy: £59,500 – £98,500
Some effect on memory and concentration, the sufferer’s ability to work is reduced and there is a small risk of epilepsy. In these cases there is normally little or no dependence on others: £28,250 – £59,500
Minor Brain Damage
In these cases, the injured person will normally have made a good recovery and regained most of their faculties. They will be able to resume work and their social life with relative ease. There will be some minor ongoing difficulties such as poor concentration and changes in mood. These factors will interfere with the enjoyment of work, leisure and social function. The court will take into account: the severity of the injury which caused the brain damage, the extent to which any disability is permanent, the extent of any change in personality and the whether or not depression exists.
Minor Head Injury: £1,450 – £8,400
If there is no brain damage, or minimal brain damage, this will be an appropriate award. The court will take heed of the extent and severity of the initial injury, how long recovery takes and ongoing symptoms (such as headaches).
Head Injuries Resulting in Epilepsy
If epilepsy is a factor, or is a direct result of the injury, then the court can make an additional or a stand alone award.
Epilepsy Grand Mal: £66,000 – £98,500
Epilepsy Petit Mal: £36,000 – £86,000
The court will take into account: the extent to which attacks are capable of being controlled by medication; the effect this mediation has on the sufferers life, the effect the epilepsy has on their work/social life; behavioural problems and the medical prognosis.
Brain Injury Claim Solicitors for Leeds
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or damage to the brain, and someone else is to blame, contact us today. Call us on 01132 234 466^ You can also contact us online by completing our enquiry form.