News & Info

How much compensation will I be awarded?

One of the most common questions asked by people who are injured in car accidents and are experiencing whiplash, is how much compensation they are likely to be awarded.

There is no straightforward answer to this question, as every situation and every whiplash injury claim will be different.

Many factors are taken into consideration when a whiplash settlement amount is being decided upon.

A useful tool to estimate a compensation claim in Ireland is the Judicial Council’s personal injury guidelines 2021. For whiplash compensation, the neck injury award guidelines are used.

However, these are purely guidelines and do not take into account other aspects of the situation.

What is taken into account for compensation

When compensation claims are being assessed, they typically look at the impact and after-effects the injury has on a person’s quality of life, how the injury has affected the person’s ability to earn an income, and other expense related to the accident.

The compensation amount is usually decided with the following in mind:

• Pain/suffering from the injury
• Loss of earnings as a result of the injury
• Medical bills
• Loss of future income caused by the injury
• Cost of future medical care

Do I need a specialist report for my claim?

All personal injury claims, including whiplash, require an independent medical assessment to determine the severity of the injuries sustained.

The severity of an injury is considered when calculating compensation, and is categorised by:

• Minor
• Moderate
• Moderately severe
• Severe and permanent conditions

There might be other injuries or quality of life issues to be included alongside the whiplash injury.

For example, if there are other injuries, or if a road traffic accident exacerbated an existing medical condition, this may also be added to the claim.

Can I claim for psychological effects alongside my whiplash injury?

It is often the case that there is also a psychological impact from the collision, or an ongoing difficulty in performing an everyday task that is having an impact on the victim’s quality of life.

This is why it is so important to speak with a specialised personal injury solicitor if you have been injured in an accident.

A personal injury solicitor who is experienced in car accident claims will ensure that everything has been accounted for, so you get the best possible outcome for your situation.

What is the time limit for a whiplash injury claim?

As with most personal injury claims in Ireland, there is a strict time limit of two years minus one day from the date of the accident, or date of knowledge of your injuries, to make a claim for compensation. The rule is slightly different for minors. A parent or guardian can make a claim on behalf of the child at any time before the child’s 18th birthday. After the child turns 18 years of age, the normal two year time limit applies. However, it takes time to process a personal injury claim, so the sooner you act, the better.

To find out more about how we can help, contact us and tell us about your case today.