Understanding Concussion Claims
Concussions are among the most misunderstood injuries, often dismissed as “minor” despite causing debilitating symptoms like chronic headaches, cognitive fog, and balance issues. In the UK, over 200,000 hospital admissions annually involve head injuries, with workplace accidents, road collisions, and slips in public spaces being leading causes.
Undiagnosed or poorly managed concussions can spiral into life-altering conditions—depression, post-traumatic epilepsy, or even early-onset dementia. Many victims face insurer pressure to accept low settlements or encounter employers denying responsibility, leaving them financially strained and medically vulnerable.
This guide cuts through the confusion, outlining how to prove negligence, secure fair compensation, and access specialist medical support. Partnering with a No Win No Fee solicitor ensures you pay nothing upfront while maximising your payout for both immediate and long-term needs.
Eligibility Criteria for Concussion Claims
You qualify for compensation if:
- Negligence directly caused your injury: Examples include employers failing to provide safety gear, drivers ignoring traffic laws, or councils neglecting icy pavements.
- The accident occurred within the last 3 years: Exceptions apply for minors (claims can be filed until age 21) or those lacking mental capacity.
- Medical evidence confirms the concussion: GP notes, hospital scans (CT/MRI), or neurologist reports linking symptoms to the incident are critical.
Common Claim Scenarios:
- Workplace accidents: Falls from unsecured ladders, head strikes from collapsing shelving.
- Road traffic collisions: Whiplash-induced concussions from rear-end crashes.
- Public liability incidents: Slips in supermarkets with uncleaned spills or trips on uneven pavements.
Settlement Valuation: Breaking Down Compensation
Concussion compensation reflects both immediate impact and long-term consequences. Settlements comprise two main elements: general damages for pain and suffering, and special damages for financial losses.
General damages
General damages for concussion injuries typically follow clear valuation bands. Mild concussions with full recovery within three months attract settlements between £2,000 and £6,000. Moderate cases, where symptoms persist for 6-12 months, generally secure between £10,000 and £30,000. Severe cases involving permanent symptoms like chronic headaches, memory problems, or personality changes can exceed £100,000.
Special damages
Special damages cover all financial losses directly related to the injury. These include lost earnings, private medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and travel expenses to medical appointments. When post-concussion syndrome prevents return to previous employment, claims often include substantial future loss calculations. Additional costs might include home adaptations, care support, and cognitive rehabilitation programs.
Factors Influencing Compensation Amounts
Several factors influence final settlement values. The claimant’s age significantly impacts compensation, as younger victims face longer periods of potential disability. Pre-existing conditions can affect valuations, though they don’t prevent claims. Psychological complications like anxiety or depression typically increase settlements by 15-25%. Professional status also matters – high earners often secure larger settlements due to greater lost earning capacity.
Maximising Your Concussion Claim: Evidence and Strategy
While concussion claims can appear straightforward, their complexity often lies in proving long-term impacts. Though initial medical reports can only show mild symptoms, diligent documentation of ongoing issues over the coming months may secure additional compensation for lost career progression, for example.
Three critical evidence types differentiate successful claims:
- Medical Chronologies: Detailed timelines from initial A&E visits to ongoing specialist treatments
- Lifestyle Impact Proof: Diaries showing reduced parenting capacity or missed social events
- Expert Projections: Neurologist predictions about future symptom development
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Guide
- Initial Medical Assessment
- Visit A&E or GP immediately after the accident
- Request detailed medical records documenting symptoms
- Follow all treatment recommendations
- Report and Record
- Log the incident in accident books (workplace/public venue)
- Take photographs of the accident scene and visible injuries
- Collect witness contact details
- Preserve CCTV footage requests
- Legal Consultation
- Free initial assessment of claim viability
- Discussion of evidence requirements
- Explanation of compensation calculation methods
- Evidence Gathering
- Medical reports from treating physicians
- Employment records showing lost earnings
- Receipts for expenses (travel, medication, therapy)
- Expert witness statements if needed
- Claim Processing
- Solicitor submits formal claim to responsible party
- Negotiation with insurers begins
- Most cases settle without court attendance
- Complex cases may require litigation
No Win No Fee: What’s Involved?
Making a concussion claim shouldn’t add financial stress to your recovery. No Win No Fee agreements, technically called Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs), eliminate upfront costs and financial risks. Your solicitor only receives payment if your claim succeeds.
Key Benefits:
- Zero upfront fees: Start your claim without any initial payment
- No hidden charges: All costs are transparent and explained at the outset
- Success fee cap: Maximum 25% deduction from your compensation under LASPO 2012
- Insurance protection: After The Event (ATE) insurance covers court fees if your claim fails
- Peace of mind: Focus on recovery while experts handle complex legal procedures
The agreement covers solicitor fees, court costs, medical reports, and expert witness fees. If your claim fails, you won’t pay a penny, ensuring risk-free access to justice.
What To Do Next
If you have suffered a concussion injury and want to know if you can make a claim for compensation, contact us today. You can start your claim online or , and one of our expert team will be in touch to offer help. Alternatively, call us on 01225 430285.
At Direct2Compensation our expert team know your rights and can quickly help you identify whether or not you can make a successful claim. Whether your concussion injury was caused in an accident at work, a fall from height, a road traffic accident, a slip on a wet floor or an accident in any other location, we’re here to help you get a just outcome.
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