What can I claim for when making an injury compensation claim?

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 28, 2025

If you have been injured in a work accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim financial compensation for your injury and any related costs or losses. But what exactly can you claim for?

At a glance

Compensation is divided into general damages (pain, suffering, loss of amenity) and special damages (financial losses) under the Judicial College Guidelines (Source: Judiciary UK)
General damages are based on Judicial College Guidelines and reflect the severity and impact of your injuries.
Special damages can include loss of earnings, care costs, medical treatment, home and car adaptations, travel expenses and damaged property.
You will need evidence such as receipts, invoices and medical records to prove your financial losses.
Most claims are settled by insurers out of court. Interim payments may be available if you need urgent financial support.

Two types of compensation

Personal injury compensation is designed to put an injured person back in the position they would have been in had the accident not happened. Financial compensation cannot erase the pain and distress, but it can ease the financial impact.

Compensation is divided into two parts: general damages and special damages.

General damages

General damages compensate for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA) resulting from an accident.

They are awarded for physical injuries, psychological harm, physical impairments, loss of mobility and visible scarring. If your quality of life has been reduced. For example, affecting your family life, social activities or hobbies will also be reflected in the award.

When calculating general damages, solicitors, insurers and courts rely on the Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases.

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Special damages

Special damages cover financial costs and losses caused by your accident, including anticipated future expenses. Examples include:

Loss of earnings – salary, commission, bonuses, overtime, pensions, and potential promotion opportunities. Future loss of earnings can also be claimed if you cannot return to your job or must take lower-paid work.
Care and assistance – costs of professional care or support provided by friends and family, even if unpaid.
Medical treatment – physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropracty, counselling or other private treatments.
Home and car modifications – ramps, wider doorways, adapted bathrooms, or vehicle adjustments such as hand controls.
Travel and accommodation – travel costs to appointments, parking, public transport and hotel stays.
Damage to property – clothes, phones, laptops, vehicles or other personal property damaged in the accident.
Other quantifiable losses – such as cancelled holidays or activities you could not attend due to your injury.

How long will it take to receive my compensation?

Most compensation is paid through an out of court settlement with the employer’s liability insurer. Straightforward claims where liability is admitted can be resolved within a few months. Complex or disputed claims can take much longer.

If you need urgent financial support, you may be able to apply for an interim payment to cover immediate expenses such as medical treatment.

Find out more about interim payments.

How do I prove my losses?

Special damages will only be awarded if you can provide evidence. Keep copies of:

Receipts and invoices
Medical bills
Travel tickets and parking receipts
Payslips and bank statements

This evidence will form part of a Schedule of Special Damages, a document your solicitor prepares to support your claim.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.

Find out more about making a work accident claim:

Do you qualify?
How much compensation could you get?
How does No Win, No Fee work?