Types of Brain Injuries We Handle

Brain injury claims fall into several distinct categories. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) arise from direct head impact — common causes include road traffic accidents, falls from height, assaults, and workplace incidents. Severity ranges from concussion (often missed in A&E) to severe TBI requiring lifetime care. Hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries result from loss of oxygen to the brain — typically following cardiac arrest, near-drowning, anaesthetic complications, or perinatal events. These cases often involve a delay in recognising the underlying cause as much as the cause itself. Acquired brain injuries from medical negligence are a third category — typically arising from missed strokes, untreated meningitis, delayed sepsis recognition, or surgical complications. In every category, the long-term implications dictate the value of the claim: cognitive impairment, physical disability, behavioural change, fatigue, loss of earning capacity and the impact on family relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is brain injury severity measured?

Severity is assessed through a combination of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at the time of injury, post-traumatic amnesia duration, neuroimaging (CT/MRI), and longer-term neuropsychological testing. Most claims need expert input from a neurologist plus a neuropsychologist to fully document the impact.

What’s the typical compensation value for brain injury claims?

Compensation varies enormously depending on severity. Minor brain injuries with full recovery may settle for £20,000-£60,000. Moderate brain injuries with permanent cognitive or physical effects typically settle for £90,000-£400,000. Severe brain injuries requiring 24-hour care often exceed £1 million and may include Periodical Payment Orders for lifetime care funding.

Can I claim if the injury was years ago?

Generally the three-year limitation period applies from the date of injury — or from the date you first became aware that the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Where the injured person lacks mental capacity as a result of the brain injury, no time limit applies.

How are cognitive vs physical recovery factored in?

The compensation reflects both. Cognitive deficits (memory, concentration, planning, emotional regulation) often have a bigger impact on quality of life and earning capacity than physical deficits. A specialist team ensures both are properly documented and valued.

How do long-term care needs factor into the claim?

For severe injuries, the bulk of the compensation reflects the cost of future care — paid carers, case management, equipment, accommodation, therapy. An independent care expert prepares a costed care report covering the injured person’s expected lifetime needs.

Can family members make their own claim?

Yes, in some cases. Spouses and family members who suffer psychiatric injury (such as PTSD or depression) directly from witnessing the accident or its immediate aftermath may bring secondary-victim claims under specific legal rules.