A serious injury can change far more than your health. It can affect your ability to work, look after your family, live independently and plan for the future. For loved ones, the practical and financial consequences can be overwhelming.
Compensation may help meet the costs of those changes where another person or organisation is legally responsible. A carefully prepared claim looks beyond immediate expenses to the support you may need for years to come. Learn more about our personal injury solicitors in Manchester and the support available.
This guide is for readers across the UK, but the civil claims procedure and time-limit examples below focus on England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate legal systems: seek advice for the place where your claim belongs.
What is a serious or catastrophic injury?
These terms commonly describe injuries with substantial or lasting effects. “Catastrophic” is often used where an injury causes profound disability or a need for long-term assistance. There is no single compensation amount attached to either label.
Examples can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, severe burns, loss of sight and multiple complex injuries. The effect on the individual matters: two people with a similar diagnosis may have very different care, work and rehabilitation needs.
When might you be able to claim?
Serious injuries can arise from road collisions, workplace incidents, unsafe premises or negligent medical treatment. An injury alone does not establish a civil claim. Depending on the circumstances, you will generally need evidence that another party owed you a legal duty, breached that duty and caused your injury or made it worse.
Responsibility may be disputed or shared. If your own actions contributed to the harm, compensation can be reduced. A solicitor can assess the evidence and explain the issues that may affect your case.
Violent crime may involve a different route through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. That scheme has its own eligibility rules and usually a two-year application deadline for adults, with exceptions. It should not be confused with a negligence claim. See the official CICA guide.
What can serious injury compensation cover?
A civil damages claim may include compensation for pain, suffering and the effect of injury on everyday life, together with financial losses and reasonable injury-related expenses. The recoverable items depend on the evidence and the circumstances.
In a serious injury case, it is useful to investigate:
- Earnings already lost and the effect on future work and pension income.
- Treatment, therapy and rehabilitation needs.
- Paid care, support workers and assistance provided by family members.
- Mobility equipment, prosthetics and other specialist equipment.
- Necessary accommodation adaptations or other housing needs.
- Additional travel and everyday expenses arising from the injury.
Future costs need particular care. Equipment may require replacement, support needs may change and a return to work may look different from the career originally planned. Keep receipts, wage records and a diary of the help you receive so these issues can be explored.
How much compensation could you receive?
There is no reliable standard payout for a catastrophic injury. Valuation depends on the medical prognosis, the impact on daily life, the strength of the claim and the financial evidence. A headline award from another case is rarely a useful prediction.
In a complex claim, solicitors may need independent medical evidence and input from specialists in care, employment, accommodation or equipment. A sound valuation should explain both the assumptions being made and the needs the proposed settlement is intended to meet.
Avoid making a final decision on settlement before you understand the likely long-term consequences. Ask what happens if recovery is slower than expected or your support needs increase.
Rehabilitation and early financial support
Recovery needs should be considered early. Depending on the injury, support might involve physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological treatment or help with daily activities. The Personal Injury Pre-Action Protocol encourages early consideration of rehabilitation and refers parties to the Serious Injury Guide where applicable.
It may also be possible to seek an interim payment before the claim is finally resolved. This is an advance towards compensation, rather than an extra award, and may help meet urgent costs. It is not automatic: agreement or the relevant court conditions are required. The court’s powers are set out in Civil Procedure Rules Part 25.
What is the time limit for making a claim?
In England and Wales, personal injury proceedings generally need to be started within three years of the injury or the relevant date of knowledge, if later. Exceptions and special rules can change the position. Simply notifying an insurer or contacting a solicitor does not itself start court proceedings.
For children, the ordinary limitation clock generally starts at 18, commonly giving them until their 21st birthday. Different rules can apply where a person lacks the relevant mental capacity. The court also has discretion in certain circumstances to allow a claim outside the usual period.
Do not rely on an exception without advice. Claims involving other jurisdictions or particular transport regimes can have different, sometimes shorter, deadlines. Seek advice promptly even if you think you may be out of time. The starting legislation for England and Wales is the Limitation Act 1980.
What happens during a serious injury claim?
The process will depend on the case, but commonly involves:
- An initial assessment: discussing what happened, possible responsibility, deadlines and funding.
- Gathering evidence: obtaining relevant records, witness accounts and expert opinions.
- Investigating needs and losses: assessing recovery, care, employment and future costs.
- Putting the claim to the other party: addressing liability and exploring early support.
- Working towards resolution: considering negotiation, mediation or court proceedings where needed.
There is no fixed completion time. Disputed responsibility and an uncertain prognosis can affect how quickly a case can be resolved. Ask for updates that explain the next milestone and what is still needed to reach it. The Personal Injury Pre-Action Protocol sets out an important framework for exchanging information and considering resolution before proceedings.
Can a family member help with a claim?
Relatives can often help by keeping records and supporting discussions. Bringing proceedings on someone else’s behalf is a separate legal question. In England and Wales, children and adults who lack capacity to conduct proceedings generally require a litigation friend, subject to the rules. Settlements for children and protected parties require court approval. See Civil Procedure Rules Part 21.
How are legal fees paid?
Funding should be explained before you commit. Depending on the circumstances, options may include existing legal expenses insurance or a conditional fee agreement, often called “no win, no fee”.
Ask for a written explanation of any success fee, insurance premium, expenses and circumstances in which you could owe money. Also ask how deductions would affect the compensation you receive. Do not assume that the phrase “no win, no fee” answers every costs question. GOV.UK explains using a solicitor for an injury claim.
Practical steps to take now
Prioritise treatment and follow clinical advice. If possible, preserve photographs, incident details and witness contact information. Keep records of expenses, missed work and assistance from family or carers. Ask a solicitor to check the deadline and funding options early.
Before accepting an offer, make sure you understand how your future needs have been assessed. If you receive means-tested benefits or need help managing a substantial award, raise those issues before compensation is paid so appropriate specialist advice can be arranged.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fixed payout for a catastrophic injury?
No. The value depends on the evidence, the effect on your life and your current and future needs. An award in another case does not predict your own outcome.
Can I receive money before the claim finishes?
An interim payment may be available, by agreement or where the court’s conditions are met. It is an advance towards the final compensation and is not guaranteed.
How long do I have to start a claim?
In England and Wales, the general period is three years from injury or the relevant date of knowledge, if later. Exceptions and different deadlines may apply, so seek advice promptly.
Can the claim include help provided by my family?
Assistance provided by family members may form part of the claim, depending on the circumstances and evidence. Keep a record of who helps, what they do and how long it takes.
Where can I find out about MWG’s personal injury services?
Visit our Personal Injury page for more information and to discuss whether the firm can assist.
Meet our Personal Injury experts
Justin Jones and Jon Dixon are Personal Injury experts at MWG Solicitors. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, contact MWG to discuss your circumstances and the support available.
Read their profiles to find out more, or visit our Personal Injury page.
Speak to MWG Solicitors
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, contact MWG Solicitors about a personal injury claim to discuss the circumstances and ask whether the firm can assist. Early advice can help you understand the possible next steps, the evidence required and the deadlines that need attention.
This article provides general information, not advice on an individual case. The applicable law and procedure depend on the circumstances and jurisdiction. Information checked on 20 October 2026.
