What Is the Average Payout For Whiplash Claims?
Whiplash is, by far, the most common injury sustained in a car accident. However, it can also be caused by other accidents, such as falling from height. When it comes to calculating a settlement figure for whiplash, a solicitor will review all evidence available to them, or more specifically, the medical evidence that describes the whiplash injury.
You see, the amount of compensation you are awarded for whiplash depends on the extent of your whiplash, your recovery period and your prognosis for the future. The bigger the affect your injuries have had and will have on your life, the more you can claim – and the only way a solicitor can prove these is through medical evidence. That’s why as part of the personal injury claims process, you must attend a medical examination.
So how is compensation calculated?
The following three things are considered when calculating compensation:
- The extent of your whiplash;
- Your recovery period from your whiplash;
- Your prognosis for the future.
These three things will be used to determine the amount of general damages you claim i.e. the compensation for your injuries. However, you can also make a claim for special damages i.e. any financial losses that are relevant to your injuries. Special damages can make up as much as 30 per cent of a claim, so it is well worth considering.
The payout average for whiplash claim depends on the grade of whiplash, too. Whiplash is graded on a scale of 1-4. Grade 1 whiplash is minor, grade 2 whiplash is moderate, grade 3 whiplash is moderately severe, and grade 4 whiplash is severe. Obviously, grade 4 whiplash has a much higher average pay-out than grade 1 whiplash.
Whiplash pay-out averages
Whenever compensation for whiplash is calculated, it is done so on the basis that the claim value must be fair and proportionate to the three criteria listed above. If you or your solicitor asks for too much, the claim value may be contested by the other side. That is why most pay-out estimated provided are conservative.
With that in mind, here are some average pay-outs for whiplash:
- Grade 1 whiplash: Between £1,000 and £4,000;
- Grade 2 whiplash: Between £4,100 and £8,000;
- Grade 3 whiplash: Between £8,500 and £15,000;
- Grade 4 whiplash: Up to a value of £30,000, and sometimes more.
These averages are just estimates. You may be owed more, depending on your individual circumstances. For a more accurate estimate, you should speak with a claims advisor or a lawyer. You can do this from the comfort of your own home, by calling an accident advice helpline that is operated by a reputable law firm.
