Personal Injury Compensation Amount?

PinkSmurf

Hi,

Im new to boards - well I read it a lot but its my first time to post.

How much would a person expect to get in compensation for whiplash (neck, back and shoulders) after a car accident? If this person was a student (no missed income) - it was affecting their results and social life as well as sports (can no longer horse ride - was done regularly before accident) as well as most other sport.

If this was to heal with in 6-12 months?
Or if it was to heal with in 12-18 months?

The reason for the two different time frames is because the doctor says 6-12 months and the physio says 12-18 months. The accident happened 3 months ago.

I know every case is different but Id just like some idea or even just what the average person would be awarded.

There is a solicitor but is reluctant to give any estimation.

subrosa

Have a look at the PIAB Book of Quantum which lists the type of sums the Injuries Board considers fair.

Be careful though. Every case has unique facts. Just because there is an amount listed for your injury does not mean that you will receive that amount. There are many factors which will determine quantum.

PinkSmurf

Thanks,

I had a look at that already. I took a guess by it that I would get 12,000 if it lasted over a year and about 10,000 if under, but I dont know.

I also suffered some hearing loss and tinnitus from it, and it doesn't seem to cover that in the book.

valleyoftheunos

Your Solicitor won't give you an estimate because they don't want to get your hopes up or put you off making a claim. There are many factors that go into deciding the amount of compensation (if any) that you will receive and there is really no way of knowing how it will go, especially at this early stage.

kennM

PinkSmurf wrote: »

Hi,

Im new to boards - well I read it a lot but its my first time to post.

How much would a person expect to get in compensation for whiplash (neck, back and shoulders) after a car accident? If this person was a student (no missed income) - it was affecting their results and social life as well as sports (can no longer horse ride - was done regularly before accident) as well as most other sport.

If this was to heal with in 6-12 months?
Or if it was to heal with in 12-18 months?

The reason for the two different time frames is because the doctor says 6-12 months and the physio says 12-18 months. The accident happened 3 months ago.

I know every case is different but Id just like some idea or even just what the average person would be awarded.

There is a solicitor but is reluctant to give any estimation.

Hey Pinksmurf,

Welcome aboard.... lesson number 1 I've learnt unfortunately is patience. You have 2 years from the time of accident to lodge your claim with injuries board. Your best bet is to also wait until all your symptoms have cleared before starting...... or until you have a clear definite answer on long term prognosis. Your solicitor won't really give you an estimation until there is this clarity (and rightly so in my opinion, I would have shared your viewpoint a couple of years back).

I've read about cases where people have rushed in with either piab or negotiated settlement for their injuries to turn out more long lasting or profound than originally understood...... they ended up going through their settlement money for further treatment with long term impacts that were not factored in. Once its settled its settled.

One of the injuries I suffered..... one consultant expected one of my injuries to heal within 12 months. 18 months later I had a further 2 surgeries, 3 months off work and have long term impact because of it. Unfortunately the human body isn't black and white and everyone reacts differently to different injuries.

Assuming just whiplash with good recovery the ranges you mention are circa what I've seen (through research). Nearside of 10K ranging up to 15K or so assuming good recovery.

We'll probably be seeing you around the PIAB threads for a while

SB2013

You shouldnt base your decision on the amount but on the likelihood of sucess. The possible compensation amount is irrelevent really. Your medical bills and stuff are assessed seperately to pain and suffering. If your solicitor tells you you have a strong case then go for it.

SunnyDub1

From my own similar experience anything from €8,000 - €15,000. But everyones case is different.
bare in mind, you will have solicitor bills, medicals bills, legal fees etc etc.

Just make sure you keep everything on record: Doctor receipts, medical bills, medical reports, etc.
Anything your doctor advises you to do - do it.
Same applies with your physo.

It's not a quick process so don't expect to get a large sum of money over night, it can be very time consuming and stressful and can take months, even years for it to be settled. If you want to get the ball rolling start doing something about it now, a solicitor is a good start and will point you in all the right directions.

It might be no harm making sure your solicitor is taken your case on a "no win, no fee" agreement in the event of losing the case. You don't want to be left with medical bills as well solicitor fees in the end to be paid (have seen this happen before)