Neck injury claims are a type of personal injury claim made after damage to the neck that was caused by a third party acting negligently. Owing to the presence of your spinal cord, as well as muscles and tendons used for head movement, any injury to the neck can have significant consequences and lead to conditions like paralysis. So, it is crucial to get immediate medical attention for any suspected damage to the discs or tissues in your neck. Of course, the fallout from a neck injury can affect many areas of life, including mobility, quality of life, and finances. If you’re considering pursuing compensation, expert legal representation is available to provide the support you deserve.
At No Win No Fee Lawyers Direct, our panel of expert solicitors know their way around a personal injury claim. With years of success for clients nationwide and millions of pounds in compensation already won, why not find out if you could be eligible today? Our advisors will ask a few quick questions and let you know within a few minutes whether your case is valid. You’ll then be put through to a solicitor from our panel who can support you from start to finish. Whether it’s helping you assemble the right body of evidence or communicating with defendants on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery, the solicitors on our highly experienced panel provide a bespoke service that is built around clients.
Get in touch today using the details provided here:
- Call us on 020 8050 4194.
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Select A Section
- Can I Claim Compensation For An Injured Neck?
- The Common Examples Of Neck Injury Claims
- What Neck Injuries Could Be Sustained?
- How Much Neck Injury Compensation Can I Claim?
- What Can Special Damages Help With After Sustaining A Neck Injury?
- How Can I Prove Fault In A Neck Injury Claim?
- Is There A Neck Injury Claims Time Limit?
- Why Choose Our Panel Of Solicitors To Claim For A Neck Injury
- No Win No Fee Neck Injury Compensation Claims
- More Information
Can I Claim Compensation For An Injured Neck?
Yes, you could claim for an injured neck if you can show that a third party who was responsible for your safety failed to take reasonable measures to protect your safety and prevent injury. These responsibilities are known as duties of care, and different parties owe different duties depending on the exact circumstances: at work, on the roads, or while out and about in public.
We will cover all this with a few illustrative examples in the next section, but the general eligibility requirements have been summarised here:
- You were owed a duty of care. A third party had a responsibility for your safety and was required by law to take the necessary steps to protect your health and wellbeing.
- That duty of care was breached. When those steps are not taken, such as through ignoring health and safety regulations or failing to address hazards within a reasonable timeframe, this is called a breach of duty.
- You suffered a neck injury. In order to claim, the neck injury must have been the result of the third-party breach. Your claim can also extend to any other physical and psychological harm you suffered in the same incident.
To check your eligibility to claim for free, or ask any questions about the neck injury claims process you might have, speak to one of our friendly advisors today.
The Common Examples Of Neck Injury Claims
Below are a few common examples of neck injury claims, ranging from minor soft tissue damage to more severe harm in the form of permanent paralysis. The duties of care owed by employers, those in control of public areas, and road users have all been set out to provide context for each scenario, although you can see our specific guide for each type of claim for further information.
Neck Injuries At Work
Accident at work claims for injuries to the neck can be made following incidents arising from an employer’s failure to take reasonable steps to ensure an employee’s health, safety, and well-being. In particular, the duty of care established by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 could be met by providing protective equipment, conducting regular inspections and maintenance, and ensuring staff have the necessary training and supervision to do their jobs safely.
As an example:
- Due to a lack of manual handling training, you attempted to lift a load that was too heavy for a single person to carry. You subsequently tore a tendon in your neck, as well as damaging your shoulder.
Road Accident Neck Injuries
When it comes to road accident neck injuries, every single party on the road owes a duty of care to each other. In order to uphold this, they must do everything within their reasonable control to navigate safely and avoid causing harm. They must also follow the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.
An example of a situation where a road traffic accident claim could be made for neck injury is:
- While stopped at a red light, a speeding vehicle crashed into the back of your car while it was being driven by someone under the influence. The impact fractured 2 discs and damaged the nerves, leaving you partially paralysed.
Neck Injuries In A Public Place
A party in control of a public area is referred to as an “occupier” in accordance with the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. Occupiers are required to put practical measures in place to ensure that visitors to the areas they control are reasonably safe. What counts as a public area is a broad category, but most commonly it refers to business premises such as shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as parks. If a premises is not made safe, visitors could sustain significant injuries and may, therefore, be eligible to make a public liability claim.
For example:
- A broken pavement in a busy city centre street had been reported, but the council had failed to take timely remedial action. While walking to work, you tripped on the broken pavement and fell, resulting in severe soft tissue damage in your neck.
A free assessment of your eligibility to claim for your particular accident can be sought by chatting to one of our advisors. Our advisors are available 24 hours a day via the contact information given below.
What Neck Injuries Could Be Sustained?
Various neck injuries could be sustained in an accident, from whiplash to fractures and damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis. A few examples of such injuries have been provided here:
- Whiplash, which typically damages the ligaments and muscles. It commonly occurs in road traffic accidents.
- Damage to the soft tissues in the neck, such as tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
- Slipped discs, which can also lead to pinched nerves.
- Vertebral fractures in the neck can severely limit mobility and cause back pain.
- Conditions such as paralysis and epilepsy can result from severe damage to the neck.
This section is intended to provide guidance on the types of incidents for which compensation may be sought. Our advisory team can provide further information about claiming in your specific circumstances. You can find out everything you need to know about claiming for your particular neck injury by reaching out to them through the contact options listed in this guide.
How Much Neck Injury Compensation Can I Claim?
You may be able to claim £9,630 all the way up to £181,020 in neck injury compensation if your case succeeds. These numbers were taken from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), a publication often used by solicitors to help them determine the value of injuries. Legal professionals may do so because the document pairs its suggested brackets of compensation with various injuries.
There are 2 heads of loss for which compensation may be awarded in successful neck injury claims. These are:
- General damages are paid out for actual injury to your neck and can be calculated using your medical documents alongside the JCG.
- Special damages cover the financial harm caused by the neck injury, and various documents will be used to show what losses have been incurred. You can see more information on this head in the next section.
Below is a table outlining the JCG brackets for neck injuries. We should emphasise that the top figure was not taken from the JCG.
Compensation Table
Please be aware that these figures are intended to act as guidance only.
Type of Injury Guideline Notes
Multiple Very Severe Injuries with Special Damages Up to £1,000,000 + Where there are multiple very serious injuries alongside substantial financial losses including medical bills, care expenses and lost earnings.
Paralysis - Quadriplegia (a) £396,140 to £493,000 Cases where persons have a life expectancy of at least 25 years, are not in pain and have full awareness will be compensated towards the middle of this bracket.
Paralysis - Paraplegia (b) £267,340 to £346,890 Paraplegia payouts depend on the life expectancy of the claimant, pain levels, impact on sexual function, and psychological effects.
Epilepsy - Established Grand Mal (a) £124,470 to £183,190 Epilepsy payouts depend on the success of medication in controlling attacks, the impact on work and social life and the prognosis of the condition.
Neck Injuries - Severe (a)(i) In the region of £181,020 Injuries associated with incomplete paraplegia where despite wearing a collar constantly for a number of years, there is little or no neck movement.
Neck Injuries - Severe (a)(ii) £80,240 to £159,770 Serious fractures or disc damage giving rise to serious disability such as loss of limb function and neck movement.
Neck Injuries - Severe (a)(iii) £55,500 to £68,330 Fractures, dislocations and soft tissue damage leading to chronic conditions and significant permanent disabilities.
Neck Injuries - Moderate (b)(i) £30,500 to £46,970 Injuries which cause severe immediate symptoms, potentially requiring spinal fusion.
Neck Injuries - Moderate (b)(ii) £16,770 to £30,500 Soft tissue damage, wrenching injuries and disc lesions leading to movement limitation, stiffness and discomfort, potentially requiring future surgeries.
Neck Injuries - Moderate (b)(iii) £9,630 to £16,770 Injuries that accelerate or exacerbate pre-existing conditions over a short period, typically less than 5 years.
Learn more about claiming in your particular circumstances today by speaking to one of our dedicated advisors using the contact information given below.
What Can Special Damages Help With After Sustaining A Neck Injury?
After sustaining a neck injury, special damages can help with covering various costs and monetary losses resulting from your injuries. Before we get into some examples of these costs, it is worth mentioning that special damages can be paid out for past and future losses, which include ongoing expenses such as care and medical bills.
This means that the figure awarded for special damages can be significantly higher than its general damages counterpart. Remember, claiming special damages will require supporting documentation, so make sure you keep a paper trail. Your payslips, care bills, travel tickets, and purchase receipts can all be used to show what costs have been incurred.
Lost Income
A loss of earnings can be substantial depending on how your neck injury affects your ability to work. If the injury to your neck has resulted in you being away from your job for some time, you can be reimbursed for your lost income.
Future Loss Of Earnings
A neck injury can keep a person off work for extended periods. Furthermore, if your mobility has been long-term, your ability to perform your job may be affected, leading to reduced hours. Special damages can therefore encompass a loss of future earnings as well.
Care Costs
Injuries to the neck can seriously impede mobility, even when the damage is relatively mild. You may therefore require care and support within your home, including assistance with cleaning, childcare, meal preparation, DIY and maintenance, and personal care if you cannot complete these tasks safely on your own. Compensation that covers the cost of this care can be paid out.
Medical Costs
Medical expenses such as prescriptions, counselling or talking therapies, and private treatments are often paid out of pocket. Such expenses can be factored into your overall claim for special damages. The financial impact of spinal injuries can be quite significant over the long term, so having these costs covered as part of your compensation can be a major help.
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation support are crucial for helping those who have suffered neck injuries overcome or adapt to the harm they have sustained. For certain injuries to the neck, you may only need a few weeks of exercises to regain mobility. However, in the most extreme examples, rehabilitation may involve learning how to walk again. Whatever your level of injury, your compensation can cover the cost of these therapies.
Home Adaptations
Following directly from the 3 sections above, if your ability to walk or care for yourself or your home is reduced, accessibility installations in the house will likely be required. This can include features such as wheelchair ramps, additional handrails in hallways, stairlifts, or accessible bathroom features such as walk-in showers.
Car Adaptations
Car adaptations help disabled persons (whether temporarily or permanently) maintain their independence. These modifications may include hand-operated accelerators, additional mirrors, and cameras.
Travel Costs
If your neck injury means you cannot drive yourself to work or to and from your hospital appointments, travel expenses can form part of your compensation. This might include rail fares, bus tickets, or specialised services if you require additional support.
Damaged Belongings
Special damages in neck injury claims can also account for personal property damaged in the incident, such as the cost of repairing or replacing your glasses and clothing.
We appreciate that there’s a lot of information, and not every cost raised may be relevant to your particular claim. So to learn more about claiming in your specific circumstances, and for more details on the various factors which may influence how much compensation for serious neck injuries (or less severe harm) might be awarded, speak to one of our advisors today.
How Can I Prove Fault In A Neck Injury Claim?
You can prove fault in a neck injury claim by ensuring you provide the right supporting evidence, such as obtaining copies of CCTV footage or other video recordings. You could also get the contact information of potential witnesses for them to provide statements to a solicitor, which is a great way to show how the accident unfolded and who was to blame. Additionally, your medical records can be used to confirm the extent of your neck injury.
Further information on what evidence is needed for a personal injury claim is available in our guide on the topic, or you can reach out to our advisors today using the contact details given below.
Is There A Neck Injury Claims Time Limit?
In most cases, the neck injury claims time limit will be 3 years from the accident date, although certain exceptions may apply. Claims where the injured person is a child or lacks the mental capacity to claim for themselves will have the time limit extended. That said, an eligible adult can pursue compensation on their behalf before time limits take effect by acting as a litigation friend. To learn more about the time limits, as well as potential exceptions to them, speak to our advisors using the details provided below.
Why Choose Our Panel Of Solicitors To Claim For A Neck Injury
Our panel of expert solicitors have been in legal practice for years, with some careers spanning decades. All that time supporting clients in their pursuit of compensation has taught them one thing above all else: each claim is a unique undertaking.
So, our panel strives to provide a service that is built around the specific needs of every client. Here are just a few of the ways they can assist you and the services that they could provide:
- Assisting you with collecting and preparing evidence.
- Connecting you with the right medical specialists to get the care, rehabilitation, and other treatment you require.
- Keeping you informed of the claim’s progress.
- Calculating a potential compensation figure that reflects both the injuries sustained and any financial losses.
- Communicating with the defendant’s solicitors.
- Ensuring all court instructions and deadlines are met.
- Negotiating a settlement that fairly reflects how your neck injury has impacted you.
There are, of course, many other ways the expert solicitors on our panel can help clients like you. To learn more about how they work their hardest to guide clients throughout the claims process, talk to one of our advisors today.
No Win No Fee Neck Injury Compensation Claims
Our panel can take on any neck injury compensation claims on a No Win No Fee basis, and you can find out if you are eligible for their support in as little as a few minutes by speaking to one of our friendly advisors today. After a quick assessment, you can be put through to one of our panel’s expert personal injury solicitors if you have a valid claim.
The type of contract our panel of solicitors can offer eligible claimants is called a Conditional Fee Agreement or “CFA.” By working with a solicitor under a CFA, you will not have to pay them any service fees at the start of or during the actual claim. Since this is a No Win No Fee arrangement, you also will not owe a service fee if the claim fails.
Compensation will be paid out if the claim is won. The solicitor will deduct a success fee from this before transferring the remainder to you. An important aspect of the arrangement is that the percentage solicitors charge for a success fee is capped by The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, so all the advantages are well and truly with the claimant.
Contact Our Team To Make A Claim
So there’s a lot of information here, and we fully appreciate that you’re going to have a lot of questions. Our advisors maintain a 24/7 presence across various channels, so whenever and however it suits you to contact us, there will be someone on hand to answer your queries.
Get in touch today, and find out if you could make a neck injury claim, using the details provided here:
- Call us on 020 8050 4194.
- You can also contact us online by completing a callback form.
- Or, open the live chat on your screen now.
More Information
You can read some of our other personal injury claims guides by clicking below:
- Find out more about head injury claims.
- Read our guide to making cycling accident claims and find out how compensation is calculated.
- Learn all you need to know about serious injury claims with this guidance.
We have also provided these external resources that we hope you’ll find useful:
- The NHS has published guidance on neck pain.
- Learn more about the work of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) on their website.
- See the advice on reporting a health and safety issue to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
We’d like to thank you for taking the time to read our guide to neck injury claims, but please get in touch at any time for additional information, free advice, and a no-obligation eligibility consultation.