What Could I Claim As Special Damages?

If you’ve had to take time off work because of an accident, you may have lost some of your income. Fortunately, you can recover this money. This can even include loss of overtime or loss of profit if you are self‑employed.

You may need the help of friends, family, or professional organisations because of your injuries. You can claim for the hours of help you have received, even if you have not paid your family and friends for their assistance.

If your living expenses have increased, or you have had to adjust your home because of the accident, you can claim for the additional costs. You can also claim for any adjustments and their ongoing upkeep if necessary.

If any of your clothes or possessions have been damaged because of the accident, you can claim back the cost of these. However, there will be a small reduction to reflect wear and tear.

If you need physiotherapy or counselling because of the accident, you are entitled to recover the cost of this on a private basis if it is reasonable to do so.

If you have had to pay for medication because of an accident, you are entitled to reclaim the cost.

If you have had to pay travel expenses when attending medical appointments, you can claim these costs. It is always a good idea to retain receipts, as insurers tend not to pay for travel without proof. If you take a taxi, ask the driver for a handwritten receipt. Keep hold of any train or bus tickets as well.

If your vehicle has been damaged because of the accident, you can claim for the cost of repair or replacement, or any insurance excess you have had to pay.

If you have been without the use of your vehicle because of the accident, you may be entitled to claim for loss of use, usually calculated daily.

If you have had to hire a vehicle because of the accident, you can reclaim the cost of the hire charges.

If you are unable to work and accumulate a pension, you may be able to claim for loss of pension rights. We have experts who can prepare detailed reports on this.