Very severe brain damage
£344,150 to £493,000For profound, permanent impairment with extensive care needs and very limited meaningful response.
Start your claim ↗Head and brain injury compensation guide
Head and brain injury compensation: what claims are worth
Brain injury awards reflect the lasting effect on cognition, independence, communication, work and everyday life - not the diagnostic label alone.
Explore the guidelines
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you were injured.
The figures shown are the 17th edition brackets for general damages. They do not include lost earnings, care, treatment or other financial losses.
Compensation for head and brain injuries
Brain injury awards reflect the lasting effect on cognition, independence, communication, work and everyday life - not the diagnostic label alone.
Moderately severe brain damage
£267,340 to £344,150For very serious disability, substantial dependence on others and a continuing need for professional care.
Moderate brain damage
£52,550 to £267,340A broad group covering differing levels of intellectual, personality, sensory and employment impact.
Less severe brain damage
£18,700 to £52,550A good recovery is made, although some problems with memory, concentration, mood or work may remain.
Minor brain or head injury
£2,690 to £15,580Brain damage is minimal, with the award influenced by the initial injury, recovery period, headaches and any continuing symptoms.
This is guidance, not a quote. The bracket is only one part of a valuation. Medical evidence, recovery, financial losses, liability and the effect on your life must all be considered.
Understanding the range
What can affect head and brain injury compensation?
The guideline examples run from minor brain injury at £2,690-£15,580 to very severe brain damage at £344,150-£493,000. The diagnosis is only the starting point: the evidence must show the recovery period and the effect the injury has had on the individual.
Severity, treatment and recovery
Brain injury awards reflect the lasting effect on cognition, independence, communication, work and everyday life - not the diagnostic label alone.
Daily life and independence
Pain, movement, sleep, work, hobbies, care needs and loss of independence can all influence where an injury falls within a guideline range.
Medical and financial evidence
Independent medical evidence helps establish prognosis. Payslips, receipts, care records and expert evidence may support financial losses assessed separately from the injury award.
A figure needs context
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The guideline figures on this page are taken from the Judicial College Guidelines, 17th edition, and concern general damages only. They are broad guidance, may require updating and cannot replace legal advice based on medical and financial evidence. Different rules can apply to statutory whiplash claims.