Last Updated 13th October 2025. Have you suffered a concussion following an injury to the head or brain? Did it occur in an accident that wasn’t your fault? If you answered yes to both those questions, you may be wondering what factors can determine how much compensation for a concussion might be paid out in a successful claim. Please continue reading as we explore the fundamentals of calculating compensation.
What You Need To Know
- A concussion can potentially occur in an accident at work, on the road, or in a public place.
- Concussion compensation may cover your actual injury and the financial loss associated with it.
- There is generally a time limit of 3 years for starting a concussion claim.
- Our advice services are live 24/7, so you can always get a response if you have any queries about claiming compensation.
- If eligible, you may be able to make a claim with the help of one of the No Win No Fee solicitors from our panel.
Get in touch with us now to start your concussion compensation claim:
- Contact us online.
- Use our live chat.
- Call on 0800 408 7826.
Jump To A Section
- How Much Compensation For A Concussion Can I Get?
- What Other Factors Will Impact The Concussion Compensation Amount?
- Can I Claim Compensation For A Concussion?
- What Accidents Could Lead To A Concussion Being Sustained?
- The Lasting Impacts Of A Concussion
- How Can I Prove Negligence Led To My Concussion?
- Is There A Concussion Compensation Claim Time Limit?
- Can I Claim For A Concussion With A No Win No Fee Solicitor?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Information
How Much Compensation For A Concussion Can I Get?
Since every claim is unique, there is no definitive answer to how much compensation for a concussion you might get. However, your solicitor might calculate the potential value of your injuries, covered under general damages, by referring to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). They may do so because the JCG document publishes suggested compensation brackets for many kinds of injuries.
The table below contains brackets from the JCG for head or brain injuries, with the exception of the first row (which isn’t sourced from the document). Since these brackets are only suggestive, this table is provided for guidance only and doesn’t offer any guarantees about compensation.
| Injury | Severity | Notes | Compensation Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Very Severe Injuries Along With Special Damages | Very Severe | Financial loss together with multiple very severe injuries, That financial expense might include the need for a professional carer and physical aids. | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Brain/Head | Very Severe | At the top of this bracket, claimant may retain some capacity to follow basic commands. Nevertheless, there will little/any indication that they have a meaningful response to environment or language function. They will also have double incontinence and a need for full-time professional care. | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Moderately Severe | Claimant will be very seriously disabled and be substantially dependent on others, including constant professional care. The disabilities may be either physical (e.g. limb paralysis) or cognitive, where there will be a marked impairment affecting personality and intellect. | £267,340 to £344,150 | |
| Moderate (i) | Cases featuring intellectual deficit that is moderate to severe. There will also be other issues, including an effect on speech and senses, as well as a personality change. | £183,190 to £267,340 | |
| Moderate (ii) | Cases involve moderate to modest intellectual deficit. There is a risk of epilepsy and the ability to work will be greatly reduced. | £110,720 to £183,190 | |
| Moderate (iii) | Concentration and memory will be affected. This bracket will also have features like work ability being reduced and a very limited dependence on others (if there is dependence). | £52,550 to £110,720 | |
| Less Severe | Factors in this bracket influencing compensation include what the severity and extent of the initial injury is, the degree of any change in personality, and depression. | £18,700 to £52,550 | |
| Minor Injuries | In this bracket, compensation may consider factors like the severity of initial injury and the absence (or the presence) of headaches. | £2,690 to £15,580 |
For more personalised guidance, use our compensation calculator or call our advisors now to learn more about the factors that can determine how much compensation for a concussion might be awarded under general damages.
What Other Factors Will Impact The Concussion Compensation Amount?
Your financial losses are another factor that may impact the concussion compensation amount in a successful claim. These economic losses, covered under special damages, include:
- Medical expenses, including private treatments and occupational therapy.
- Travel to medical appointments, such as train tickets or the cost of petrol.
- Loss of income and future earnings if you miss days at work or are unable to return to your old job.
- Cost of wheelchairs or other mobility aids required due to a disability.
- The expense of using a professional carer or making changes to the home or vehicle to accommodate a disability.
Please note that you will need evidence for these and any other losses claimed for. Therefore, it’s always best to keep hold of documentation such as bank statements, payslips, and invoices.
Contact our advisory team now to discuss how concussion claims can account for special damages.
Can I Claim Compensation For A Concussion?
You can claim compensation for a concussion, provided that you are able to demonstrate the following:
- The other person had a duty of care towards you.
- This duty was breached.
- Due to this breach, you suffered a concussion injury.
You may have already heard of the term ‘duty of care.’ If not, it essentially refers to the responsibility that a third party, such as a road user or an employer, has towards your safety. We’ll discuss how someone might breach their duty of care later on in this guide.
Can I Make A Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One?
Under certain circumstances, you can claim on behalf of a loved one by becoming a litigation friend if they are:
- Minors: Since minors cannot pursue compensation on their own, you could claim on behalf of a loved one who is under 18.
- Individuals with limited mental capacity: Like minors, those who cannot manage their own affairs are unable to claim independently of a litigation friend.
Any adult can act as a litigation friend, but it’s most often filled by a loved one, such as parents, guardians, or friends. However, solicitors, professional advocates, and other candidates can also take on the duties of a litigation friend.
Before making the appointment, the court will ascertain whether there is no conflict of interest and that you are capable of making fair decisions.
Call our advisory team now to learn more about the eligibility criteria for claiming and the duties involved in being a litigation friend.
What Accidents Could Lead To A Concussion Being Sustained?
Many kinds of accidents could lead to a concussion being sustained, such as:
Road Traffic Accidents
All road users have a responsibility to each other. That duty of care involves navigating the roads in such a way that they avoid injury to themselves or others. A duty is owed to all other road users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists, drivers and cyclists. They must also follow the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.
- Example: A driver behind you fails to maintain a proper distance from your vehicle, leading to a rear-end collision when they suddenly increase speed. That causes you to strike your head against the steering wheel and lose consciousness, leaving you with a serious concussion.
Workplace Accidents
Your employer has a duty of care towards you and all other employees under the Health and Safety at Work etc. 1974. This act requires them to take practicable steps to ensure your well-being, safety, and health. If they fail to take steps like performing routine equipment inspections, leading to an injury, it may result in a valid accident at work claim.
- Example: You’re employed in a warehouse where management has not provided staff with training on how to store items on high shelves properly. Subsequently, you suffer a concussion and serious neck injuries when a number of boxes fall on you from a height.
Public Liability Accidents
Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, anyone in control of a public place is required to take practical measures to ensure visitors to their premises are kept reasonably safe. Those measures can range from regular risk assessments to highlighting potential dangers with appropriate signage. Failing to do so may constitute a breach of duty, which might result in a public liability claim if it leads to an injury.
- Example: The floor of a supermarket has been cleaned, but there are no warning signs to alert customers or staff about the wet surface. Due to this, you are unaware of the potential hazard, leading you to slip and fall heavily, causing a severe head injury.
Slip, Trip And Falls Accidents
These kinds of accidents may occur in public places or workplaces due to the negligence of a liable party. For example, you could slip, trip and fall due to an uneven surface, obstacles on the floor or on a slippery surface without any signage warning of the hazard. As a result, you could sustain a concussion and other resulting head injuries from this type of fall.
Sporting Accidents
High-intensity and high-impact contact sports may also result in head injuries and subsequent concussions from accidents. If your sporting accident was due to faulty equipment, uneven ground or slippery surfaces, you could therefore bring a concussion claim.
Assault And Physical Violence
If you’ve suffered a concussion due to a physical assault or violence from another person, you could make a criminal injury claim. These claims are made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which aims to provide victims of violent crimes with compensation. Please note, that the CICA have different eligiblity and time limits for claiming than making a traditional personal injury claim. Phone an advisor for more information. Examples of when you can claim for a concussion through the CICA include:
- A person could attack you in a bar. As a result, you could fall and hit your head, suffering a concussion.
- A criminal could attack you in the street, threatening you for money. The criminal could punch you in the face, causing head injuries and a concussion.
Criminal injury compensation is valued in line with the fixed tariffs set out by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012. Please see the table below, which has been taken from the scheme, apart from the first figure, which is the maximum the CICA will payout for a claim:
| Injury | Notes | Compensation Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple severe criminal injuries with financial losses | More than one form of criminal injury with special expenses such as lost earnings | Up to £500,000 |
| Very serious brain injury | With no useful physical movement and little to no response to the environment or language function | £250,000 |
| Very serious brain injury | With a significant effect on the senses and a reduced life expectancy | £175,000 |
| Moderately severe brain damage | Requiring substantial dependence on medical care with an impairment of intellect | £110,00 |
| Significant brain damage | A dependence on others and personality change | £82,000 |
| Moderate brain damage | Involving intellectual deficit and an effect on the senses | £55,000 |
| Slight brain damage | Including personality change and an effect on employment and work | £27,000 |
| Minor brain damage | Significant and long-lasting 2 years or more, however with a good recovery and the ability to socialise will return | £22,000 |
Medical Negligence
You could also make a medical negligence claim if substandard medical care resulted in your concussion.
All healthcare professionals have a duty of care to provide the minimum expected standard of care when treating patients. As such, they should give the correct advice and assess allergies when prescribing medications as part of their duty. Therefore, you could make a medical negligence claim if a healthcare professional breached this duty, resulting in your concussion. For instance:
- You may have suffered a delayed diagnosis if a GP failed to refer you, despite you presenting symptoms for a concussion. This could result in a worsened condition, and further nerve damage.
- You could experience a misdiagnosis after a doctor incorrectly diagnoses you with a migraine instead of a concussion.
If your experience is different, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our advisors to share the circumstances of your concussion.
The Lasting Impacts Of A Concussion
Whilst recovery from a concussion may be quick, there can be many long-lasting impacts that may result from your injury. There are many different factors at play that may determine any long-term impacts such as the injury severity, a history of previous concussions and lifestyle factors. As such, please see the following lasting impacts of a concussion:
- Post concussion syndrome (PCS) – involving persistent headaches, mood changes, dizziness, and sleep disturbances
- Psychological issues – this may include depression, irritability, anxiety and mood changes
- Balance and co-ordination problems – this may cause difficulty with concentration, motor skills and your everyday balance. This can be improved by physical therapy
- Memory issues and cognitive problems – symptoms may include issues with attention, memory recall and the processing of information and often affects work performances.
- Post-traumatic headaches – depending on the severity of the injury and concussion, this can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity.
- Sleep disturbances – this can present itself as difficulty falling asleep, poor-quality sleep, broken sleep and insomnia.
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive. You may be wondering ‘how much compensation for concussion injuries could I receive?’ Our friendly advisors are here to help you; please contact us today.
How Can I Prove Negligence Led To My Concussion?
To prove that negligence led to your concussion, you will need evidence that supports how another party’s breach of duty caused your injuries. That proof can include:
- Medical evidence, such as diagnostic scans, prescriptions, or GP notes.
- Contact details of eyewitnesses for witness statements.
- Details from the accident book, if the incident occurred in a public place or at work.
- Photographs showing the scene where the accident happened.
- Copy of the police report, if one was made in a road accident. Additionally, you’ll want the driver’s contact information, their insurance, registration, and other relevant particulars (e.g. vehicle model and make).
- Employment records showing how the concussion has affected your ability to report to work.
- Dashcam or CCTV footage of the accident.
If you’re unsure where to start with proving a claim, please don’t worry. If you decide to work with one of the solicitors from our panel, they’ll lend as much assistance as they can with the task of gathering and presenting evidence for your case.
Contact our advisors now to learn more or ask any questions you might have about this guide, which has explored the factors potentially determining how much compensation for a concussion someone might receive.
Is There A Concussion Compensation Claim Time Limit?
Yes, there is a 3-year time limit for initiating a concussion compensation claim, as set by the Limitation Act 1980. This time limit usually begins from the date of the accident, but it can be paused for mentally incapacitated adults and minors.
Since we’ve already highlighted the reason for this pause (these groups cannot claim independently), we’ll focus here on when time limits might apply:
- Minors: The limitation period will commence only from a child’s 18th birthday. That means someone would have 3 years to begin a claim, from the time they come of age until the date that they turn 21.
- Individuals with Limited Mental Capacity: Time limits are suspended indefinitely for those who are unable to manage their own affairs. The standard 3 years will only apply if and when a person’s mental capacity returns.
Contact our team of advisors at any time for more information on the time limits involved in starting head injury claims.
Can I Claim For A Concussion With A No Win No Fee Solicitor?
Yes, you can claim for a concussion with a No Win No Fee solicitor. Here at How Much Compensation, we specifically work with a panel of solicitors who offer their services on the terms of a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which means that:
- You won’t have to pay a solicitor’s fee to get started on a claim.
- There won’t be any extra solicitor fees to pay as your claim moves forward.
- If your claim loses for whatever reason, there will be zero solicitor fees charged.
In the event of a positive outcome, the solicitor will only receive a success fee for the work done on the case. This is a fixed percentage of your compensation that is limited by The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013.
While you aren’t required to work with a solicitor, having one by your side can make a real difference when navigating the concussion claims process. Our panel of solicitors have helped clients nationwide, offering services like the following:
- Simplifying complex terms and explaining other aspects of claiming, so clients are never left feeling lost about the process.
- Collecting and piecing together evidence to make the strongest claim possible.
- Representing clients with the utmost professionalism in correspondence and negotiations.
- Arranging a medical examination for the purpose of building evidence.
- Supporting the recovery process by putting clients in touch with specialists like physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Get In Touch With How Much Compensation
Our advisors are live 24/7, so please get in touch at any time to see if you have a valid case to claim concussion compensation by using any of the following options:
- Contact us online.
- Use our live chat.
- Call on 0800 408 7826.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions related to concussions and claiming for them.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Concussion?
It can take anywhere from a few days to several months to fully recover. However, the NHS recommends a minimum of 21 days before resuming normal activities and sports.
Will I Need To Go To Court For A Concussion Claim?
It is unlikely that you will need to go to court for a concussion claim. Most claims are settled out of court; however, there are rare instances where this is not the case. Typically, claims may need to be taken to court in situations where the defendant refuses to accept liability or there are irreconcilable differences over compensation during negotiations.
What Complications Can Be Caused By A Concussion?
If a concussion is left untreated, it can lead to the following complications:
- Skull fractures.
- Midline shift, or your brain going off-centre within your skull).
- Bleeding inside the brain or skull.
- Cerebral oedema, or swelling of the brain.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Concussion?
It can take anywhere from a few days to several months to fully recover. However, the NHS recommends a minimum of 21 days before resuming normal activities and sports.
Will I Need To Go To Court For A Concussion Claim?
It is unlikely that you will need to go to court for a concussion claim. Most claims are settled out of court; however, there are rare instances where this is not the case. Typically, claims may need to be taken to court in situations where the defendant refuses to accept liability or there are irreconcilable differences over compensation during negotiations.
What Complications Can Be Caused By A Concussion?
If a concussion is left untreated, it can lead to the following complications:
- Skull fractures.
- Midline shift, or your brain going off-centre within your skull).
- Bleeding inside the brain or skull.
- Cerebral oedema, or swelling of the brain.
More Information
Here are some of our other guides:
- Information on amputation claims.
- Details on burn injury compensation.
- Our guide on knee injuries.
You can also read these links for some more information:
- Guidance from the NHS on head injuries in children.
- Road safety statistics from the government.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) resource on head injury assessment and early management.
Thank you for reading our guide exploring the factors that can influence how much compensation for concussion someone might receive in a successful claim.
