Personal Injury · Serious Injury Claims
Serious Injury Lawyers in Chester
Specialist advice for clients who have suffered serious, life-changing injuries — brain injury, head injury, spinal injury, amputation, burn injury and fatal accidents.
Part of our wider Personal Injury services
No obligation — speak to us first. Costs explained clearly.
At PDA Law, our serious injury lawyers act for clients who have suffered serious, catastrophic or life-changing injuries. Our serious injury practice focuses on complex, multi-track claims — brain injury, head injury, spinal injury, amputation, burn injury and fatal accidents — where the impact on the client's life is significant and long-term.
We do not handle whiplash, minor injuries or fixed-cost claims. Every case we take on is one where we believe we can make a real difference to the client's long-term position.
Serious Injury — By Injury Type
Our specialist authority pages for each injury type
Brain Injury Claims
Traumatic and acquired brain injury compensation claims
Spinal Injury Claims
Spinal cord and vertebral injury compensation claims
Amputation Claims
Traumatic and surgical amputation injury claims
Fatal Accident Claims
Claims for families following a fatal accident
Children's Serious Injury
Serious injury claims on behalf of children
Burn Injury Claims
Serious burn injuries — whether caused by road accidents, workplace incidents, defective products or other circumstances — can result in permanent scarring, long-term medical treatment and profound psychological impact. As specialist serious injury lawyers, we handle burn injury claims as part of our serious injury practice, ensuring the full extent of the client's losses is properly quantified and claimed.
Discuss a Burn Injury ClaimSerious Injury — By Accident Type
Explore claims by how the injury occurred
Serious Road Traffic Accident Claims
Serious injuries arising from road traffic accidents — motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and vehicle occupants
Serious Accidents at Work Claims
Serious workplace injuries including industrial accidents, falls from height and machinery incidents
Serious Personal Injury Claims
Serious injuries arising from other circumstances — public liability, occupier liability and more
How a Serious Injury Claim Works
A clear, four-stage process from first contact to resolution
Initial Consultation
We listen carefully to what happened and assess the merits of your claim. We explain funding options — including no win, no fee — and what to expect at each stage. No obligation, no pressure.
Investigation & Liability
We gather evidence, instruct specialist experts and investigate the circumstances of the accident. We put the defendant on notice and pursue early admission of liability where possible.
Interim Payments & Rehabilitation
Where liability is established or likely, we apply for interim payments to fund immediate rehabilitation, care and equipment. Early support can make a critical difference to long-term recovery.
Settlement or Trial
Once the full extent of your losses is established, we negotiate a settlement that properly reflects your long-term needs. If the defendant does not make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
What Makes a Serious Injury Claim?
A serious injury claim typically involves injuries that have a significant and lasting impact on the claimant's life. These are cases that go beyond the fixed-cost regime and require specialist serious injury lawyers with the right expertise.
- Injuries requiring long-term medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Injuries resulting in permanent disability or significant functional loss
- Cases involving complex causation or multiple defendants
- Claims where future care, loss of earnings or specialist equipment are in issue
- Cases where the long-term prognosis is uncertain or evolving
Does Your Injury Qualify as Serious?
If you are unsure whether your injury falls within our serious injury practice, speak to us. We will tell you honestly whether we can help and, if not, point you in the right direction.
We do not take on every personal injury case. Our focus is on cases where we can make a real difference.
Check if your injury qualifies as seriousHow We Work
Serious cases only
We focus on multi-track, high-value claims. Not volume PI work.
Clear from the outset
We explain costs, funding and prospects honestly before any work begins.
Long-term focus
We consider the full long-term impact — care, earnings, rehabilitation.
England and Wales
Based in Chester, we act for clients across England and Wales.
Have questions about serious injury claims?
Visit our Personal Injury FAQ hub for answers to the most common questions.
Speak to a Serious Injury Solicitor
If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury, our specialist team is here to help.
No obligation — speak to us first. We'll explain costs clearly before any work begins.
Free Confidential Assessment
Request a Confidential Call Back
Complete the form below and our personal injury team will be in touch. No obligation — strictly confidential.
Your Specialist Solicitor
Jonathan Cloudsdale
Head of Military Claims & Personal Injury
Jonathan has over 10 years' specialist experience in complex personal injury, military claims, industrial disease and catastrophic injuries. He has achieved multiple six-figure settlements in high-value cases.
Judicial College Guidelines
What Is My Claim Worth?
The figures below are general damages guidelines taken from the Judicial College Guidelines (16th Edition) — the reference used by courts and insurers across England and Wales to value personal injury claims. They cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity only.
Your total compensation will also include special damages — past and future care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, equipment and adaptations — which can significantly exceed the general damages figure in serious injury cases.
Brain & Head Injuries
Very severe brain damage
£344,150 – £493,000
Permanent vegetative state or minimal consciousness; full-time care required
Moderately severe brain damage
£267,340 – £344,150
Substantial cognitive and physical disability; significant dependence on others
Moderate brain damage (i) — no employment prospects
£183,190 – £267,340
Moderate to severe intellectual deficit; no prospect of employment
Moderate brain damage (ii) — some risk of epilepsy
£110,720 – £183,190
Moderate to modest intellectual deficit; some risk of epilepsy
Moderate brain damage (iii) — limited dependence
£52,550 – £110,720
Affected concentration and memory; limited dependence on others
Less severe brain damage
£18,700 – £52,550
Good recovery but persisting symptoms affecting daily life and work
Minor brain or head injury
£2,690 – £15,580
Full or near-full recovery expected; symptoms resolve within weeks to months
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Very severe brain damage | £344,150 – £493,000 | Permanent vegetative state or minimal consciousness; full-time care required |
| Moderately severe brain damage | £267,340 – £344,150 | Substantial cognitive and physical disability; significant dependence on others |
| Moderate brain damage (i) — no employment prospects | £183,190 – £267,340 | Moderate to severe intellectual deficit; no prospect of employment |
| Moderate brain damage (ii) — some risk of epilepsy | £110,720 – £183,190 | Moderate to modest intellectual deficit; some risk of epilepsy |
| Moderate brain damage (iii) — limited dependence | £52,550 – £110,720 | Affected concentration and memory; limited dependence on others |
| Less severe brain damage | £18,700 – £52,550 | Good recovery but persisting symptoms affecting daily life and work |
| Minor brain or head injury | £2,690 – £15,580 | Full or near-full recovery expected; symptoms resolve within weeks to months |
Spinal Cord Injuries
Tetraplegia (quadriplegia)
£396,140 – £493,000
Complete loss of function in all four limbs; full-time care required
Paraplegia
£267,340 – £346,890
Loss of lower limb function; significant ongoing care and equipment needs
Severe back injury (i) — spinal cord damage
£111,150 – £196,450
Most severe back injuries with spinal cord damage
Severe back injury (ii) — nerve root damage
£90,510 – £107,910
Nerve root damage with significant complications
Severe back injury (iii) — disc lesions/fractures
£47,320 – £85,100
Disc lesions or fractures with chronic conditions and significant disability
Moderate back injury (i) — compression fractures
£33,880 – £47,320
Compression fractures with substantial disability
Moderate back injury (ii) — ligament disturbance
£15,260 – £33,880
Frequent back injuries with ligament disturbance
Minor back injury (recovery 2–5 years)
£9,630 – £15,260
Recovery expected within 2–5 years
Minor back injury (recovery 1–2 years)
£5,310 – £9,630
Recovery expected within 1–2 years
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tetraplegia (quadriplegia) | £396,140 – £493,000 | Complete loss of function in all four limbs; full-time care required |
| Paraplegia | £267,340 – £346,890 | Loss of lower limb function; significant ongoing care and equipment needs |
| Severe back injury (i) — spinal cord damage | £111,150 – £196,450 | Most severe back injuries with spinal cord damage |
| Severe back injury (ii) — nerve root damage | £90,510 – £107,910 | Nerve root damage with significant complications |
| Severe back injury (iii) — disc lesions/fractures | £47,320 – £85,100 | Disc lesions or fractures with chronic conditions and significant disability |
| Moderate back injury (i) — compression fractures | £33,880 – £47,320 | Compression fractures with substantial disability |
| Moderate back injury (ii) — ligament disturbance | £15,260 – £33,880 | Frequent back injuries with ligament disturbance |
| Minor back injury (recovery 2–5 years) | £9,630 – £15,260 | Recovery expected within 2–5 years |
| Minor back injury (recovery 1–2 years) | £5,310 – £9,630 | Recovery expected within 1–2 years |
Amputation
Loss of both arms
£293,850 – £366,100
Bilateral upper limb amputation; profound impact on independence
Loss of one arm at shoulder
Not less than £167,380
Arm amputated at shoulder joint
Loss of one arm above elbow
£133,810 – £159,770
Above-elbow amputation; dominant arm attracts higher award
Loss of one arm below elbow
£117,360 – £133,810
Below-elbow amputation
Loss of both legs (above knee)
£293,850 – £344,150
Bilateral above-knee amputation
Loss of both legs (below knee)
£245,900 – £329,620
Bilateral below-knee amputation
Loss of one leg (above knee)
£127,930 – £167,760
Includes prosthetic provision and rehabilitation costs
Loss of one leg (below knee)
£119,570 – £162,290
Includes prosthetic provision and rehabilitation costs
Loss of both feet
£206,730 – £245,900
Bilateral foot amputation
Loss of one foot
£102,470 – £133,810
Single foot amputation
Total or effective loss of both hands
£171,680 – £245,900
Profound impact on daily living and employment
Total or effective loss of one hand
£117,360 – £133,810
Single hand amputation
Loss of thumb
£43,350 – £66,920
Significant impact on grip and dexterity
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of both arms | £293,850 – £366,100 | Bilateral upper limb amputation; profound impact on independence |
| Loss of one arm at shoulder | Not less than £167,380 | Arm amputated at shoulder joint |
| Loss of one arm above elbow | £133,810 – £159,770 | Above-elbow amputation; dominant arm attracts higher award |
| Loss of one arm below elbow | £117,360 – £133,810 | Below-elbow amputation |
| Loss of both legs (above knee) | £293,850 – £344,150 | Bilateral above-knee amputation |
| Loss of both legs (below knee) | £245,900 – £329,620 | Bilateral below-knee amputation |
| Loss of one leg (above knee) | £127,930 – £167,760 | Includes prosthetic provision and rehabilitation costs |
| Loss of one leg (below knee) | £119,570 – £162,290 | Includes prosthetic provision and rehabilitation costs |
| Loss of both feet | £206,730 – £245,900 | Bilateral foot amputation |
| Loss of one foot | £102,470 – £133,810 | Single foot amputation |
| Total or effective loss of both hands | £171,680 – £245,900 | Profound impact on daily living and employment |
| Total or effective loss of one hand | £117,360 – £133,810 | Single hand amputation |
| Loss of thumb | £43,350 – £66,920 | Significant impact on grip and dexterity |
Road Traffic Accidents — Orthopaedic Injuries
Severe leg injury (most serious, short of amputation)
£117,460 – £165,860
Permanent disability; significant restriction of function
Severe leg injury (very serious)
£66,920 – £109,290
Very serious injury with lasting consequences
Severe leg injury (serious)
£47,840 – £66,920
Serious fractures with significant ongoing disability
Moderate leg injury
£33,880 – £47,840
Significant fractures with incomplete recovery
Severe knee injury (i) — arthroplasty needed
£85,100 – £117,410
Disruption of joint requiring knee replacement
Severe knee injury (ii) — fracture into joint
£63,610 – £85,100
Leg fracture extending into knee joint
Moderate knee injury
£18,110 – £31,960
Dislocation, torn cartilage or meniscal damage
Severe neck injury (i) — associated paraplegia
Around £181,020
Associated with incomplete paraplegia
Severe neck injury (ii) — fractures/brachial plexus
£80,240 – £159,770
Serious fractures with brachial plexus damage
Moderate neck injury (i) — spinal fusion
£30,500 – £46,970
Fractures or dislocations requiring spinal fusion
Severe shoulder injury (brachial plexus)
£23,430 – £58,610
Brachial plexus damage with significant disability
Serious shoulder injury (dislocation/rotator cuff)
£15,580 – £23,430
Dislocation or rotator cuff damage
Severe ankle injury
£61,090 – £85,070
Very severe ankle injury with lasting disability
Serious ankle injury
£38,210 – £61,090
Serious ankle injury with significant ongoing symptoms
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Severe leg injury (most serious, short of amputation) | £117,460 – £165,860 | Permanent disability; significant restriction of function |
| Severe leg injury (very serious) | £66,920 – £109,290 | Very serious injury with lasting consequences |
| Severe leg injury (serious) | £47,840 – £66,920 | Serious fractures with significant ongoing disability |
| Moderate leg injury | £33,880 – £47,840 | Significant fractures with incomplete recovery |
| Severe knee injury (i) — arthroplasty needed | £85,100 – £117,410 | Disruption of joint requiring knee replacement |
| Severe knee injury (ii) — fracture into joint | £63,610 – £85,100 | Leg fracture extending into knee joint |
| Moderate knee injury | £18,110 – £31,960 | Dislocation, torn cartilage or meniscal damage |
| Severe neck injury (i) — associated paraplegia | Around £181,020 | Associated with incomplete paraplegia |
| Severe neck injury (ii) — fractures/brachial plexus | £80,240 – £159,770 | Serious fractures with brachial plexus damage |
| Moderate neck injury (i) — spinal fusion | £30,500 – £46,970 | Fractures or dislocations requiring spinal fusion |
| Severe shoulder injury (brachial plexus) | £23,430 – £58,610 | Brachial plexus damage with significant disability |
| Serious shoulder injury (dislocation/rotator cuff) | £15,580 – £23,430 | Dislocation or rotator cuff damage |
| Severe ankle injury | £61,090 – £85,070 | Very severe ankle injury with lasting disability |
| Serious ankle injury | £38,210 – £61,090 | Serious ankle injury with significant ongoing symptoms |
Accidents at Work
Total deafness and loss of speech
£133,810 – £171,680
Complete hearing loss with loss of speech
Total deafness (both ears)
£110,750 – £133,810
Complete bilateral hearing loss
Total loss of hearing in one ear
£38,210 – £55,570
Complete unilateral hearing loss
Severe tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss
£36,260 – £55,570
Severe tinnitus combined with significant NIHL
Moderate tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss
£18,180 – £36,260
Moderate tinnitus with moderate NIHL
Mild tinnitus with some NIHL
£15,370 – £18,180
Mild tinnitus combined with some hearing loss
Slight tinnitus with slight NIHL
£8,890 – £15,370
Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight NIHL
Slight NIHL without tinnitus
Up to £8,560
Slight noise-induced hearing loss only
Serious hand injuries
£35,390 – £75,550
Significant loss of function or dexterity
Less serious hand injury
£17,640 – £35,390
Significant but less severe hand injury
Total blindness (both eyes)
Around £327,940
Complete loss of sight in both eyes
Total loss of one eye
£66,920 – £80,210
Complete loss of sight in one eye
Serious but incomplete loss of vision in one eye
£28,900 – £48,040
Significant but incomplete vision loss in one eye
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total deafness and loss of speech | £133,810 – £171,680 | Complete hearing loss with loss of speech |
| Total deafness (both ears) | £110,750 – £133,810 | Complete bilateral hearing loss |
| Total loss of hearing in one ear | £38,210 – £55,570 | Complete unilateral hearing loss |
| Severe tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss | £36,260 – £55,570 | Severe tinnitus combined with significant NIHL |
| Moderate tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss | £18,180 – £36,260 | Moderate tinnitus with moderate NIHL |
| Mild tinnitus with some NIHL | £15,370 – £18,180 | Mild tinnitus combined with some hearing loss |
| Slight tinnitus with slight NIHL | £8,890 – £15,370 | Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight NIHL |
| Slight NIHL without tinnitus | Up to £8,560 | Slight noise-induced hearing loss only |
| Serious hand injuries | £35,390 – £75,550 | Significant loss of function or dexterity |
| Less serious hand injury | £17,640 – £35,390 | Significant but less severe hand injury |
| Total blindness (both eyes) | Around £327,940 | Complete loss of sight in both eyes |
| Total loss of one eye | £66,920 – £80,210 | Complete loss of sight in one eye |
| Serious but incomplete loss of vision in one eye | £28,900 – £48,040 | Significant but incomplete vision loss in one eye |
Fatal Accidents
Statutory bereavement award (qualifying relatives)
£15,120
Fixed statutory award under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 for qualifying dependants
Pain and suffering before death (full awareness, weeks to 3 months)
£15,300 – £29,060
General damages for the deceased's pain and suffering between injury and death
Financial dependency claim
Calculated individually
Based on lost income, pension contributions and financial support provided by the deceased
Services dependency claim
Calculated individually
Value of household, childcare and other services the deceased provided
Funeral expenses
Actual cost
Reasonable funeral expenses are recoverable as a head of loss
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory bereavement award (qualifying relatives) | £15,120 | Fixed statutory award under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 for qualifying dependants |
| Pain and suffering before death (full awareness, weeks to 3 months) | £15,300 – £29,060 | General damages for the deceased's pain and suffering between injury and death |
| Financial dependency claim | Calculated individually | Based on lost income, pension contributions and financial support provided by the deceased |
| Services dependency claim | Calculated individually | Value of household, childcare and other services the deceased provided |
| Funeral expenses | Actual cost | Reasonable funeral expenses are recoverable as a head of loss |
Psychiatric & Psychological Injuries
Severe psychiatric damage
£66,920 – £141,240
Marked impact on all aspects of life; poor prognosis
Moderately severe psychiatric damage
£23,270 – £66,920
Significant problems but better prognosis with professional help
Moderate psychiatric damage
£7,150 – £23,270
Marked improvement; good prognosis
Less severe psychiatric damage
£1,880 – £7,150
Minor symptoms; good recovery
Severe PTSD
£73,050 – £122,850
Permanent effects preventing return to pre-trauma functioning
Moderately severe PTSD
£28,250 – £73,050
Significant disability but better prognosis with professional help
Moderate PTSD
£9,980 – £28,250
Largely recovered with some persisting effects
Less severe PTSD
£4,820 – £9,980
Virtual full recovery within 1–2 years
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Severe psychiatric damage | £66,920 – £141,240 | Marked impact on all aspects of life; poor prognosis |
| Moderately severe psychiatric damage | £23,270 – £66,920 | Significant problems but better prognosis with professional help |
| Moderate psychiatric damage | £7,150 – £23,270 | Marked improvement; good prognosis |
| Less severe psychiatric damage | £1,880 – £7,150 | Minor symptoms; good recovery |
| Severe PTSD | £73,050 – £122,850 | Permanent effects preventing return to pre-trauma functioning |
| Moderately severe PTSD | £28,250 – £73,050 | Significant disability but better prognosis with professional help |
| Moderate PTSD | £9,980 – £28,250 | Largely recovered with some persisting effects |
| Less severe PTSD | £4,820 – £9,980 | Virtual full recovery within 1–2 years |
Children's Serious Injuries
Very severe brain damage (child)
£344,150 – £493,000
Lifetime care needs; full future loss of earnings included
Moderately severe brain damage (child)
£267,340 – £344,150
Substantial cognitive and physical disability
Moderate brain damage (child)
£52,550 – £267,340
Varying degrees of cognitive impairment
Tetraplegia (child)
£396,140 – £493,000
Lifetime care; full future loss of earnings
Paraplegia (child)
£267,340 – £346,890
Significant ongoing care and equipment needs throughout life
Severe leg injury (child)
£47,840 – £165,860
Growth disruption may increase award
Severe PTSD (child)
£73,050 – £122,850
Permanent effects on development and functioning
Moderate PTSD / psychological trauma (child)
£9,980 – £73,050
Significant psychological impact on development
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Very severe brain damage (child) | £344,150 – £493,000 | Lifetime care needs; full future loss of earnings included |
| Moderately severe brain damage (child) | £267,340 – £344,150 | Substantial cognitive and physical disability |
| Moderate brain damage (child) | £52,550 – £267,340 | Varying degrees of cognitive impairment |
| Tetraplegia (child) | £396,140 – £493,000 | Lifetime care; full future loss of earnings |
| Paraplegia (child) | £267,340 – £346,890 | Significant ongoing care and equipment needs throughout life |
| Severe leg injury (child) | £47,840 – £165,860 | Growth disruption may increase award |
| Severe PTSD (child) | £73,050 – £122,850 | Permanent effects on development and functioning |
| Moderate PTSD / psychological trauma (child) | £9,980 – £73,050 | Significant psychological impact on development |
These are guidelines — your claim may be worth more.
Special damages (care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, equipment) are calculated individually and can substantially exceed the general damages figure. Speak to Jonathan Cloudsdale for a realistic assessment of your specific claim.
Source: Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases, 16th Edition. Figures are for general damages only and are subject to judicial discretion. Correct as at publication date.