Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How brain injuries are valued
Brain (head) injuries produce one of the steepest compensation curves of any injury type, because the lasting effect on cognition, personality, mobility and independence varies so widely. In England and Wales, the figure comes from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), which grade brain injury from minor through moderate to very severe according to the degree of permanent damage.
Minor head injury and concussion
A minor head injury or concussion where there is little or no lasting brain damage, and recovery is essentially complete, sits at the lower end — indicatively £2,690–£15,300, with the figure depending on the severity of the initial injury, the presence of headaches and how long symptoms last. Select "Minor" in the calculator for these cases.
Moderate brain injury
Where there is definite brain damage causing some intellectual deficit, personality change, or an effect on sight, speech or the senses, but the person remains largely independent, the award is typically £49,000–£219,000. The range is wide because outcomes vary from a modest concentration or memory deficit to a significant disability that affects work and relationships.
Severe and very severe brain injury
Severe traumatic brain injury, where the person needs constant care, has little meaningful response to their environment, or has serious cognitive and physical disability, falls at the top of the JCG — from roughly £219,000 up to £493,000 for the very worst cases. Selecting "Severe" in the calculator applies these upper figures.
What affects a brain injury payout
- Degree of insight — whether the person is aware of their condition affects both the value and the type of award.
- Life expectancy and care — the need for lifelong care and supervision generates very large special-damages claims.
- Cognitive and behavioural change — memory, concentration, personality and the ability to work or live independently.
- Future earnings — a brain injury that prevents a return to work produces substantial future-loss claims, especially for younger claimants.
Special damages for brain injuries
Serious brain-injury claims are dominated by special damages: case management, support workers, therapies (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language, neuropsychology), assistive technology, suitable accommodation, and lost earnings and pension over a working lifetime. These often exceed the general-damages figure, pushing total settlements in the most serious cases into the millions. Enter your losses in the calculator and they are added to the injury figure.
Brain injury claims in practice
Brain-injury claims are complex, evidence-heavy and usually long-running, and are handled by specialist solicitors, frequently on a no-win-no-fee basis. Interim payments are commonly used to fund rehabilitation early. The charity Headway supports survivors and families through the process. This page gives an estimate only and is not legal advice.
Brain injury compensation calculator — frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I get for a brain injury in the UK?
A minor head injury or concussion that fully recovers is valued at roughly £2,690–£15,300, moderate brain injury with lasting effects at about £49,000–£219,000, and very severe traumatic brain injury from around £219,000 up to £493,000 under the Judicial College Guidelines. Large special damages for care, therapies and lost earnings are added on top in serious cases.
How much is a severe traumatic brain injury claim worth?
The most severe brain injuries, where the person needs constant care and has little meaningful response to their surroundings, are valued at roughly £344,000–£493,000 in general damages alone under the JCG. With special damages for lifelong care, accommodation, therapies and lost earnings, total settlements frequently reach several million pounds.
How much is a brain injury settlement in the US?
US brain-injury settlements range from about $25,000 for a mild concussion to several million dollars for severe traumatic brain injury with permanent impairment. The figure depends on your state, the strength of medical evidence, the at-fault party's insurance and the cost of future care and lost earnings.
Does a concussion qualify for compensation?
Yes, if it was caused by someone else's negligence and you have a medical record of it. A concussion that fully recovers is a minor head injury, valued at the lower end of the bracket, with the figure rising if you suffer prolonged post-concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or difficulty concentrating.
Is this brain injury calculator accurate?
It gives a realistic guide based on Judicial College bracket figures and typical US settlement ranges, but it is not a guarantee. Brain-injury values are highly fact-specific and turn on the degree of permanent damage, insight, care needs and proven losses. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney.