Catastrophic injuries occur in many ways
Serious injury solicitors
If you need to make a serious injury claim, Marley Solicitors can help, we specialise in complex injury cases; you might be eligible for compensation. Please contact our specialist injury solicitors, who may be able to help you. We can offer you a free face-to-face meeting; please contact our offices or use our mobile/online form, and we will get back to you within 24 hours. Our no win no fee lawyers have helped thousands of people to claim pay-outs following a life-changing severe injury.
We offer no-win-no-fee, which means you can make a compensation claim with no financial risk or hidden costs.
Experienced support when it matters most
We understand the lasting impact a serious injury can have on you and your family. Our role is to secure the support and compensation you need, now and in the future, while treating your case with care, sensitivity and respect.
What is a severe injury?
A serious injury is one that has a long-term or life-changing impact on a person’s health, independence or ability to work. These injuries often require on-going treatment, rehabilitation, care or adaptations to daily life.
Catastrophic injuries can include:
- Brain or head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Loss of limb or amputation
- Serious burns or scarring
- Multiple fractures or complex orthopaedic injuries
- Serious internal injuries
- Injuries resulting in chronic pain or permanent disability
If your injury has had a lasting effect on your quality of life, you may be entitled to make a severe injury claim.
Key factors in a severe injury claim
- The severity of the injury
Includes life-altering conditions such as:- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Multiple fractures
- Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD)
- Medical expenses and future treatment
Compensation accounts for both current and future medical costs, including:- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Psychological treatment
- Assistive devices like wheelchairs or prosthetics
- Loss of earnings and future financial impact
If the injury affects your ability to work, settlements can cover:- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Pension and benefit losses
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Claimants may receive a settlement for physical pain and emotional trauma, including:- Chronic pain
- Anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Care and support costs
A serious injury often leads to a need for on-going care, whether from professionals or family members. Compensation may include:- Home adaptations (e.g., wheelchair access)
- Professional caregiving services
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- Other financial losses
Additional costs that arise due to the injury can be included, such as:- Damage to personal property (e.g., a vehicle in a road traffic accident)
- Legal expenses associated with pursuing a claim
Client testimonial – Claim for catastrophic injury
“I would highly recommend Marley’s, the lovely lady I dealt with came to my house after being hit by a car. I lost teeth, had a broken shoulder and nose.
It was all very professional and kept me up to date with everything that was happening.
I received £20,000 compensation. Thank you again for all your help with my matter.
This will make a difference being able to replace my teeth, loss of earnings and any extra physio I will need to get my arm functioning once more.
Thank you again Marley Solicitors for helping with my serious injury claim.”
– Amy
How a catastrophic injury claim works
We understand that making a legal claim may feel overwhelming, particularly after a life-changing injury. Our role as solicitors is to handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Most serious injury claims take between 12 months and 3 years to resolve, depending on complexity. Here’s what to expect:
- An initial consultation
At Marley Solicitors we will listen to what has happened, explain your options clearly, and advise whether you have a claim. - Investigating what happened
A solicitor will gather evidence such as medical reports, witness statements and expert opinions to establish liability. - Assessing the full impact of your injury
This includes the effect on your health, work, finances, care needs and future quality of life. - Securing interim payments where possible
If liability is admitted, we may be able to obtain early payments to help cover immediate costs. - Negotiating fair compensation
Our solicitors will aim to secure compensation that reflects both your current losses and future needs. - Settlement or court proceedings
Most claims are settled without going to court, but we will fully prepare your case if court proceedings are necessary.
How long does a serious injury claim take?
Simple claims where liability is admitted early may settle within 12–18 months. Complex cases, particularly those involving brain injuries, spinal damage, or disputed liability, can take 2–4 years. We will always give you an honest assessment of your timescales at the outset.
Interim payments and rehabilitation
Serious injuries often bring immediate financial pressure. Where responsibility for the injury is accepted, we can apply for interim payments, early compensation payments to help with:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Care and support at home
- Equipment or mobility aids
- Loss of income
We also work with medical professionals and rehabilitation providers to ensure your recovery and long-term needs are properly considered as part of your claim.
How to make a compensation claim
To succeed in a pay-out claim, you must prove that another party was responsible for your injuries, whether through negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. Seeking legal advice early can help secure the maximum compensation for your case.
Determining injury severity
The severity of an injury depends on several key factors, including:
- The force of impact: Stronger impacts, such as in car accidents or falls from height, typically cause more severe injuries.
- The area of the body affected: Injuries to vital areas like the brain, spine, or internal organs are often more serious.
- The individual’s health condition: Pre-existing medical conditions can make an injury worse or slow down recovery.
- The availability of immediate medical care: Quick medical intervention can reduce the severity and long-term effects of an injury.
The 4 main types of injuries
Injuries are generally categorised into four main types:
- Soft tissue injuries: Includes sprains, strains, and bruises affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Fractures and dislocations: Broken bones and joint dislocations caused by trauma or force.
- Head and spinal injuries: Includes concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage, which can have life-changing consequences.
- Burns and lacerations: Injuries involving deep cuts, burns, or skin damage, which may require surgery or long-term treatment.
Making a serious injury claim on behalf of a loved one
If someone close to you has suffered a life-changing injury and is unable to manage their own legal affairs, due to a brain injury, loss of mental capacity, or because they are a child, you may be able to act as their litigation friend and bring a claim on their behalf.
This applies in cases such as:
- A parent claiming for a child injured in a road traffic accident
- A spouse or family member acting for someone with a serious brain injury
- A deputy appointed by the Court of Protection
Our solicitors will guide you through the process sensitively and ensure the settlement properly protects your loved one’s long-term needs, including any Court of Protection approval required.
Catastrophic injury claim FAQs
How long do I have to make a serious injury claim?
In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a serious injury claim. However, there are important exceptions:
- Children:The 3-year limit doesn’t start until their 18th birthday, meaning claims can be brought up to age 21
- Mental capacity:If the injured person lacks mental capacity, there is no time limit while that remains the case
- Industrial disease / delayed diagnosis:The 3 years runs from the “date of knowledge”, when you first became aware the injury was caused by negligence, not necessarily when the injury occurred
- Claims against public bodies:Some exceptions apply
We strongly recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible — early action protects evidence and strengthens your claim.
Who can make a serious injury claim?
You may be able to make a claim if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, including:
- Road traffic accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Accidents in public places
- Medical or clinical negligence
In some cases, you can contact a solicitor to make a serious injury claim and the claim can be made on behalf of a loved one, such as a child or someone who lacks capacity.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life. This can include damages for pain and suffering, loss of earnings, care costs and future needs.
| Injury Type | Typical Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Traumatic brain injury (moderate) | £43,000 – £219,000 |
| Traumatic brain injury (severe) | £219,000 – £379,000 |
| Spinal cord injury (paraplegia) | £219,000 – £322,000 |
| Spinal cord injury (tetraplegia) | £322,000 – £493,000 |
| Amputation (single leg above knee) | £127,000 – £183,000 |
| Severe burns (significant scarring) | £104,000 – £219,000 |
| Loss of sight (total, both eyes) | £268,000 – £334,000 |
(Figures based on Judicial College Guidelines, 17th Edition. Final settlements vary based on individual circumstances, loss of earnings, and care costs.)
If you are looking for information on serious injury compensation amounts UK then make sure to use our serious injury claim calculator to find out more.
Will I have to go to court?
Most serious injury claims are settled without a court hearing. If court proceedings are required, we will guide and support you throughout.
Can I afford to make a claim?
Our severe injury claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning there is no upfront cost.
What information do I need?
For a serious injury claim in the UK, the goal is to collect enough evidence to prove liability (who is responsible) and damages (how the injury has affected you the claimant). The stronger and more complete the information, the easier it is for solicitors to value and pursue the claim.
You will generally need the following key information:
- Personal Details
- Full name, address, date of birth
- Contact details
- Occupation and employment status
- Accident Details
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Description of what happened
- Type of accident (e.g. road traffic, workplace, public place)
- Police or accident report reference if applicable
- Liability Information
- Details of the person, company, or organisation responsible
- Insurance details if known
- Witnesses
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- Injury and Medical Information
- Description of injuries
- Hospitals or doctors who treated you
- Any ongoing treatment or symptoms
- Evidence
- Photos, CCTV, dashcam footage, or accident reports
- Financial Losses
- Loss of earnings
- Medical costs, travel expenses, care costs, or other related expenses
- Impact on Daily Life
How the injury has affected work, mobility, and everyday activities.
