This is a sum of money that you receive to reflect the pain and suffering that you have experienced and the impact the injury or illness has had and will continue to have in the future. The sum of money that you may receive will depend on various factors including the seriousness of the injury and whether a recovery has been made. General damages are generally calculated upon the level of pain and suffering you experience.

In relation to general damages, independent medical evidence will be obtained to support this part of your claim. Personal injury damages can also include the psychological impact that may have developed because of an accident or industrial illness. Edwards Duthie Shamash will arrange for such independent medical evidence to be obtained on your behalf.

The second type of damage or monetary award in personal injury compensation claims is known as special damages. These losses cover any out-of-pocket expenses that you may have incurred as a direct result of the accident or will continue to incur in the future. These will include loss of earnings and all financial losses such as potential loss of pension, all medication expenses such as prescriptions, painkillers and medical treatment, and travelling expenses to hospital/GP/physiotherapy. 

Within a claim for special damages, it is also possible to recover an element known as care and attendance. This relates to any care and attendance you may have required because of your ongoing symptoms. For example, you may need assistance from family members to perform basic household and domestic chores and activities. Potential adaptations that may need to be made to your home can also be included in a special damages claim. 

The amount of special damages you recover may depend on your ability to return to work or whether you require any rehabilitation, care or medical treatment in the future. 

In some cases, you may be entitled to claim a sum of money to reflect the fact that your injuries have left you at a disadvantage on the open labour market.  Therefore, you may be able to recover compensation to reflect the fact that if at some stage in the future you lost your present job, you may be at a disadvantage because of your injuries in obtaining alternative employment.  This is known as a Smith v Manchester award.