What Are Special Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
Understanding Special Damages and How They Apply to Your Claim
When making a personal injury claim, you may hear the term “special damages.” But what does it mean? Special damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to cover the monetary losses resulting from an accident. These losses can include things like lost earnings, travel expenses, and even costs for care and assistance you’ve received due to the injury.
In the video below, Dominic Moss, Senior Partner at Stonehewer Moss Solicitors, explains what special damages are and the types of expenses that may be included in your personal injury claim.
What Are Special Damages?
Special damages are the non-injury related losses that arise from an accident. Unlike general damages (which compensate for pain and suffering), special damages cover your out-of-pocket costs resulting from the accident. This can include:
- Lost earnings – If you’ve had to take time off work due to your injury, you may be able to claim for the income you’ve lost.
- Travel expenses – Costs for travel to and from medical appointments, rehabilitation sessions, or other necessary treatments.
- Care and assistance – If you’ve required help with daily tasks, such as shopping, cleaning, or personal care, you can claim compensation for this assistance.
Special damages can also be further broken down into past losses (e.g., the loss of earnings up to the point of the claim) and future losses (e.g., ongoing loss of income if you cannot return to work). The goal is to make you financially whole, ensuring that all costs associated with your injury are fully covered.
Why Are Special Damages Important?
Special damages are crucial because they ensure you are compensated for all the financial hardships your injury has caused. While general damages compensate for the pain and suffering, special damages make sure you are reimbursed for the actual expenses you’ve had to pay out due to the accident.
If you’ve been unable to work or had to pay for care services, it’s important to track those expenses so you can claim them as part of your special damages. Many people overlook these costs, but they can add up significantly over time. For example, if a family member helped you for hours each week, that time can be valued and compensated accordingly. It’s not just about covering the cost of direct expenses, but also recognising the support you’ve had to rely on during your recovery.
How to Claim Special Damages
To successfully claim special damages, you will need to provide evidence of the financial losses you’ve suffered. This can include things like:
- Pay slips or bank statements to prove lost earnings
- Receipts for travel costs or medical expenses
- Timesheets or records for care and assistance provided by family or friends
The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your claim will be. If you’re unsure about what qualifies as special damages, or if you need assistance collecting the necessary documentation, Stonehewer Moss Solicitors is here to help. We guide our clients through every step of the process to ensure that no loss goes unclaimed.
Contact Us for Expert Advice on Special Damages
At Stonehewer Moss Solicitors, we have years of experience helping clients claim the special damages they deserve. If you’ve been injured and want to know more about your entitlement to special damages, contact us today.
Visit our Personal Injury Claims page to learn more, or start your claim today.
Call us on 01606 872200 for a free consultation with one of our experienced solicitors.
