There is no doubt that the back is an important and delicate part of the body that requires constant care and awareness. Any back injury can lead to temporary or potentially permanent damage to your mobility if the injury is severe. When seeking compensation for a back injury, understanding the potential amount you could receive is crucial for managing expectations and planning your recovery.

If you have suffered a back injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you could be entitled to make a personal injury claim. If you are considering making a claim, you may be wondering, “how much is a back injury claim worth?” At Beacon Law, we can provide the guidance and assistance you require for your case.

How much is a back injury claim worth?

It is difficult to predict how much your back injury claim is worth without having all of the details regarding the extent of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

We typically base our estimates off the Judicial College Guidelines and our past case experience with similar injuries. If you have suffered a personal injury, you can claim two types of compensation, these are known as general damages and special damages.

The amount of compensation awarded will aim to put the claimant in the position they were in before the accident that resulted in their injuries took place. The amount of compensation awarded as general damages will depend on the pain and suffering caused by the injury, as well as the severity.

General damages that could be awarded will also depend on the impact that the injuries have had on the claimant’s daily life, whether any long term care is needed, and whether any structural adaptations need to be made to the claimant’s home in order to assist their new way of living.

Special damages will also be awarded to compensate for any further financial losses that the claimant has suffered as a result of their original injury. This could include compensation for a loss of earnings due to the time spent off work, loss of future earnings if the claimant has been left unable to work, the cost of medical expenses, travel costs, and the cost of ongoing care if this is needed.

Below are estimates of how much your back injury claim could be worth based on Judicial College Guidelines and recent case law:

• A back injury that heals within 1 year: £2,810 – £3,790
• A back injury that heals completely within 2 years: up to £8,160
• A long term back injury that causes permanent pain and stiffness: £10,040 – £19,530
• A serious back injury that causes permanent problems: £19,530 – £31,220
• A severe back injury that causes loss of function of your back: £37,960 – £47,720

How much is a back injury claim worth: Case study

Jane, a 45-year-old administrative assistant, sustained a back injury after slipping on a wet floor at work. The accident occurred due to the employer’s negligence, as the wet floor was not signposted. Jane’s injury was diagnosed as a lumbar strain. While she initially expected to recover quickly, the injury led to prolonged pain, impacting her mobility and work life.

Injury details and impact:

Jane’s lumbar strain caused significant discomfort and required physiotherapy. Despite treatment, she experienced intermittent pain and stiffness for over two years, limiting her ability to sit for prolonged periods and participate in physical activities she previously enjoyed.

Jane had to reduce her working hours for six months due to pain and fatigue. She required assistance at home for heavy household chores for the first year following the injury.Her injury affected her ability to participate in recreational activities, such as swimming and gardening.

Long-term prognosis:

While the pain improved with treatment, Jane was left with residual stiffness and occasional discomfort. Medical reports suggested that although no structural adaptations were necessary, she may require pain management treatments in the future.

General Damages (Based on Judicial College Guidelines):

Given the prolonged recovery period of over two years and the ongoing residual pain and stiffness, Jane’s injury falls under the “long-term back injury that causes permanent pain and stiffness” category.

Estimated Range: £10,040 – £19,530.

Likely Award: £15,000, reflecting her partial recovery but ongoing discomfort.

Special Damages:

• Loss of Earnings:
• Jane’s reduced working hours for six months resulted in a £7,500 loss of income (calculated at £2,500/month).
• Medical Expenses:
• Physiotherapy and pain management treatments cost £2,000.
• Travel Costs:
• Travel to medical appointments amounted to £500.
• Care Costs:
• Assistance with household chores for one year cost £1,500.

Total Special Damages: £11,500.

Total Compensation:

General Damages: £15,000.

Special Damages: £11,500.

Overall Compensation: £26,500.

Common accidents that lead to back injuries

At Beacon Law, we often deal with back injury compensation claims. In our experience, some of the most common types of accidents that can lead to a back injury include:

Road Traffic Accidents:

Car crashes, motorcycle collisions, and accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians are significant causes of back injuries. These accidents can cause whiplash, spinal fractures, and herniated discs due to the impact forces involved.

Workplace Accidents:

Back injuries at work are common when health and safety regulations are not followed. This often occurs in industries involving manual labour, such as construction, warehousing, and manufacturing. Typical incidents include lifting heavy objects, repetitive strain injuries, slips, trips, and falls.

Slips, Trips, and Falls:

Public places, shops, and private properties can be hazardous if not properly maintained. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and obstructions can cause individuals to slip, trip, and fall, leading to back injuries.

Sports and Recreational Activities:

Engaging in sports or recreational activities, particularly contact sports like rugby or activities involving high physical demand, can result in back injuries. Improper techniques, lack of protective gear, and accidents during play can cause strains, sprains, and more serious spinal injuries.

Public Liability Accidents:

Accidents in public spaces, such as parks, pavements, and shopping centres, can lead to back injuries. Poor maintenance, such as uneven pavements or unmarked hazards, can result in falls and subsequent injuries.

Medical Negligence:

Errors during medical treatments, such as surgeries or physiotherapy, can sometimes lead to back injuries. Misdiagnosis or improper handling of patients can exacerbate existing conditions or cause new injuries.  

Types of back injuries 

There are many different types of back injuries for which you may be able to make a claim. Here are some examples:

• Fractured vertebrae
• Soft tissue injuries
• Damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots
• Prolapsed disc
• Muscle strain 
• Lower back pain 

These injuries vary from minor to severe, and all have different recovery times. Minor back injuries, such as muscle strains, only take a short time to heal. More severe back injuries will take longer to recover from and may require surgery and physiotherapy treatment.

What should you do following an accident?

If you have been involved in an accident that resulted in a back injury, there are a number of steps which you should take after the accident.

• Seek medical attention for your injuries at the hospital or with your G.P. as soon as possible.
• Take photographs of the scene of the accident if possible, including the object/defect which caused your accident.
• Record the names and contact details of anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the accident.
• Keep receipts for any expenses incurred as a direct result of the accident.
• Contact Beacon Law to start your claim, or to have a free, no obligation, initial conversation with one of our specialist solicitors.

What is the process for back injury claims?

During your initial consultation, our specialist solicitors will provide you with legal advice about back injury claims and will inform you about the relevant limitation rules.

Our personal injury lawyers will then ask you for details about your accident and the initial injuries that were suffered as a result. This will help our injury lawyers to assess the likelihood of your claim being successful.

During these initial stages of your claim for compensation, it is vital that you gather the relevant evidence to support your claim. Relevant evidence may include CCTV footage of the incident, medical records, accident books, photographs of your injuries, and witness statements.

Your personal injury solicitor may also ask that you undergo an official medical examination in order to receive medical reports about the injuries that you have sustained. These medical reports will provide vital medical evidence of the nature and extent of your injuries. Even if you have received other medical care prior to starting your accident claim, a more thorough medical assessment may still be needed to produce detailed, accurate, and reliable medical reports.

If we think that your back injury claim would be likely to succeed, we will offer a no win, no fee basis; if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

What are the time limits for back injury claims?

Before starting your claim for compensation, it is important to note that there are strict time limits on personal injury claims. From the date of the accident that caused the injuries, the injured party will have 3 years to commence proceedings for claiming compensation.

It must be noted, however, that there are some exceptions to this rule:

For example, if the claimant was under the age of 18 at the time of the incident, they have until their 21st birthday to make their compensation claim. In the meantime, provided that the claimant is still under the age of 18, a litigation friend such as a parent, guardian, or close family member could claim compensation on their behalf.

Another exception to the 3 year time limit occurs when the claimant who has suffered an injury does not have the mental capacity to begin their claim. Rather than being limited to making a claim within 3 years from the date of the incident, the claimant is entitled to begin their compensation claim at any moment in time once they regain the mental capacity to do so.

How can Beacon Law assist?

Beacon Law is a law firm that specialises in personal injury claims. Our team of highly experienced personal injury solicitors and legal professionals have processed large numbers of successful claims for personal injury compensation, including back injuries.

Beacon Law can help you make a claim for a back injury on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means that you won’t have to pay any of our fees if your case is unsuccessful.

If you have suffered a back injury following an accident or as a result of someone else’s negligence, then please call us today on 0330 1332 857 to get free legal advice from a friendly solicitor.

If you decide to make a claim with Beacon Law, our highly professional personal injury solicitors will work hard to ensure that you receive appropriate treatment and the highest level of compensation for your back injuries.