In addition to being painful, whiplash often affects a victim’s ability to carry tasks at work and enjoy day to day activities. So really we should be asking how much is your pain and discomfort worth financially?
The amount of compensation received is dependent on a number of variables, and your claim is categorised accordingly.
The initial variable to be considered is the method through which you make your claim for whiplash , either directly against the insurer or via a solicitor. If you take direct action against the insurance company you will be compensated in line with the settlement agreement made with that insurer.
If you decided to use a solicitor, then you can claim for two types of damage: general damages, or special damages.
General damages are awarded in relation to the physical suffering and pain incurred as a result of the accident, i.e. the tangible damage, such as a neck injury relating to whiplash. Under general damages you are also able to claim for any reduction in quality of life or emotional pain, alongside a claim for physical injury. Also where these factors lead to suffering from psychological disorders such as depression, then these may also contribute to your settlement.
