whiplash claim

tshirtsuntan

hi
my self and my partner were involved in a car accident about a month ago.
we suffered mild whiplash and decided to put in a personal injury claim last week our solicitor phoned up to let us know that the third party would like to settle the claim for a 1000 for each of us.just wondering if anyone could give me advice on wether to accept or not it seems reasonable but never done it before.many thanks

Hapless_2

Have you lost any time off work?
Have you had any problems doing day to day tasks?
Have you been able to do things you would normally do for enjoyment?

If the answer is no, then the money is plenty.

tshirtsuntan

thanks hapless have not suffered any thing apart from a very sore neck and my partner suffered lower back pain as a result but we are both ok now

mattymoo

It is a reasonable offer in that case.
The scale for whiplash is a bit of an odd one. For instance:-

1 week of pain = £1000 or therabouts.
1 year of pain = £1500 - £1750
2 yrs of pain = £2500 - 3000

As you can see, the money does not rise in relation to the length of time you suffer. If you are happy that you have both fully recovered then I would be inclined to accept the £1000 each.

tshirtsuntan

thanks mattymoo i think i will. to be honest i didnt think we would get half that much.

scheming_gypsy

whether you take it is totally up to you but that will be full and final payment. If you start getting pains later on then you can't claim any more, you need to be sure that any injuries sustained have fully cleared up.

Mr_Bear_2

your valuations are a little off mattymoo

a week or two injury - you would be lucky to get £3-500

whiplash up to 1 year - £2250 - £2500

up to 2 years £4500 - £5000

The awards generally go up every year

tanith

A bit off topic but where can I find a scale of injury payments? (not sure if this is accessible) as I have a claim that is still ongoing after 2yrs..

Mr_Bear_2

erm there is a book called Judical Studies Board (JSB)

That has scales but they are very vague and wide at times

Whats the injury?

tanith

Not serious, cracked rib heavy bruising sternum and chest and shoulder, burns to chest and and shoulder caused by seat belt. But I was in hospital for 3 days and complications due to breathing difficulties resulting in chest infection lasting 2mths. Needed physio also as muscles in my shoulder were affected... I ended up off work for 3mths as my job involved heavy lifting which was impossible... sorry to go on....

Mr_Bear_2

How long before you made a full recovery?

your case is a little more complex

dont forget to claim your loss of earnings and future loss!