Child injury and accident claims
If your child has been injured in an accident that was not their fault and was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation on their behalf. Contact our specialist solicitors today to discuss your no win no fee claim.
The most important things to remember when making a compensation claim on behalf of a child:
- You can claim compensation for a child who may have been injured in any type of accident that was not their fault, and someone else is to blame.
- You can claim compensation if you are the parent or legal guardian of a child, infant, or baby that has been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
- The time limit for making a children’s injury claim is extended until their 21st birthday. For adults, you can legally claim up to three years following an accident. For children, this three-year period only begins once they reach 18 years of age.
- The amount of compensation you may be able to claim for a child will depend on the severity of their injuries, the impact their injuries may have on their life, and any costs incurred related to the injury.
- Our child personal injury claims are provided on a no win, no fee basis.
Get the best legal team on your side
- Over 1,000 years of combined legal expertise
- We’ll get you more compensation than anyone else
- Early payments to cover your expenses*
- We win the cases other firms can’t
- Fully independent, and fully regulated.
* Where applicable
How do I make a compensation claim on behalf of a child?
Known as a “litigation friend”, as a parent, guardian, close family member, or legally recognised responsible adult, you can make a claim on behalf of the child who has been injured.
How long do I have to make a child injury claim?
The time limit for making a children’s injury claim is extended until their 21st birthday. For adults, you can make a personal injury claim up to three years following an accident. For children, this three-year period only begins once they reach 18 years of age.
For children who may have been severely injured and are either physically or mentally unable to claim themselves, you will likely have a longer than the usual three-year time limit to bring the claim on their behalf.
However, we recommend that you start your claim as soon as possible. This can help with compiling evidence and help you receive compensation much sooner. Speak to our specialist no win no fee solicitors today to start your claim.
What our clients say
How much compensation can I claim for an injured child?
The amount of compensation you may be able to claim for a child will depend on many factors, including the severity of their injuries, the impact their injuries may have on their life, and any costs incurred related to the injury will be considered.
You can claim compensation for both general damages and special damages.
The Judicial College Guidelines from the Ministry of Justice provide guidance on the amount of compensation you can claim for general damages. These amounts relate to the part of the body injured, how severe the injury is, and if any ongoing symptoms may develop.
Children’s accident and injury compensation claims calculator
Our child injury claims calculator offers a guide to the amount of compensation you may be able to claim for your general damages. The calculator considers the severity of your injuries and provides an approximate compensation amount.
Alternatively, see our table of child injury compensation amounts at the bottom of this page or try our compensation calculator to find out how much you may be able to claim.
Find out how much you could claim
Compensation amounts are estimated based on the level of injury below
Claiming compensation for special damages in children’s injury claims
In addition to claiming for your child’s injuries, you can also claim for any costs you have incurred as a result of the accident. These are known as special damages.
The amounts of compensation you may receive will be specific to your individual circumstances, but compensation may be recovered for:
- Medical costs, including any costs to date and associated travel costs
- Rehabilitation and specialist treatment costs to help your child recover as quickly as possible
- Loss of earnings of parents and carers for any time off work they have to take to look after your child
- Any adaptations made to your home or care, if required
- Additional educational support, such as tutors if your child is unable to go to school
We understand the financial impact of an accident.
In 99% of cases, we recovered more compensation than the insurer’s first offer. We’ll provide financial security with our interim payments wherever possible, meaning you don’t need to rush into an offer that is lower than you’re legally entitled to.
Can I make a no win no fee claim for my child?
Yes. Our child personal injury claims are provided on a no win, no fee basis.
No win no fee agreements are also known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFA). This agreement means that there is only a fee on the condition that you win. It means you are safe to pursue a compensation claim knowing that you have no financial risk if it’s unsuccessful.
When your claim is successful, the other side (typically their insurer) pays most of the legal costs, and the law firm takes a fixed and agreed percentage of your compensation. This means you’d never be out of pocket when making a claim.
When you make a no win no fee claim with us, we take out an insurance policy on your behalf, which protects you in the rare event the claim isn’t successful. This is known as an After The Event (ATE) insurance policy, which means you have no upfront costs and nothing to pay if you lose the case.
When will my child receive their personal injury compensation?
Your child’s compensation will be protected in a trust until their 18th birthday when it will be released.
In claims where payments for your child’s care or rehabilitation are required, we can help you access these funds earlier.
How much personal injury compensation can I claim?
How do I start a claim for my child’s injuries?
The best place to start is to contact us. You’ll receive free, unlimited legal advice, and we’ll be able to advise you of your legal rights.
To find out if you can make a claim, we’ll ask you about the circumstances that caused your child’s injury.
The more information you can provide, the better we can advise you of your rights.
We may ask some of the following questions;
- Where and when the accident took place
- The injuries your child suffered as a result of the accident
- Who may have been at fault for the accident
- If you have any of the following (if applicable) witness statements, accident reports, photographs, police reports or CCTV of the accident scene
- What medical treatment your child received or may still be receiving
- How your child’s injuries may have affected their life, and how they may have affected your life
Unlimited legal support.
That’s right, we provide unlimited legal support for our prospective clients. Not sure if you have a claim, or if you even want to make a claim?
You can speak with us for as long as you like and as many times as you like. We’ll let you know your legal rights, completely free of charge and with no obligation to make a claim.
Will my child need to have a medical examination to support your claim?
Yes. We will arrange for you and your child to see a friendly, independent medical practitioner at a convenient time for you. An independent medical report is one of the most important pieces of evidence for us to claim on your behalf successfully.
Will my child need to go to court?
Many parents worry that making a child injury claim means their child will have to go to court. As a parent, it is natural that you will want to protect your child, but it is very unlikely they will have to attend court during their case.
In the unlikely event your child does need to go to court, they will usually attend an infant approval hearing in Judge’s chambers following an offer of compensation. This is a safe environment for your child without the pressure of attending a court case.
Very occasionally, your child may need to go to court, but we can offer the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Can I claim compensation for a child injured at school?
You can claim compensation if your child was injured or involved in an accident at school if the negligence of the school was found to be responsible for it.
Teachers and supervisors have a duty of care towards your child, and if the care is found to be insufficient, you may be able to make a claim for financial compensation.
Accidents and injuries at school are often caused by:
- Another pupil’s antisocial behaviour
- Tripping
- Sports
- Teacher or supervisor negligence
- Food poisoning
- Lifting heavy objects without supervision
- Defective equipment
- Asbestos exposure
Following an accident at school, you should ensure the accident has been reported to a teacher as soon as possible and is entered into the school accident book. This is a legal requirement.
Whether your child’s accident at school involved a slip, trip or fall on school premises, an incident of bullying, or an accident on a school bus, our lawyers can help you decide whether to claim financial compensation.
Can I claim compensation if my infant was injured at nursery?
If your child or infant sustains an injury at their nursery caused by lack of care or negligence, you may be able to claim compensation.
Nursery workers have a duty of care towards your child. This means your child should always be properly supervised and cared for.
Appropriate safety measures should also be in place to protect your child, and equipment should be in good working order and safe for use.
The law around nursery claims is complex, so hiring an experienced personal injury solicitor is vital to the success of your claim. We have years of experience and expertise dealing with these types of claims and choosing Express Solicitors gives your claim the best chance of success.
Can I claim compensation if my child was injured in a public place?
Yes, depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim if your child has been injured and someone else is to blame.
We have successfully negotiated claims on behalf of children who have been injured in shops, supermarkets, restaurants and parks where a duty of care by those responsible for their safety was breached and proven.
You’ll claim more with us.
We have recovered an additional £21.2m more in compensation for clients who switched to us from their previous firm.
Contact us now to discover the real value of your claim.
My child was injured in a road traffic accident. Can I make a claim?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to claim on behalf of your child if they were involved in an accident. For example, this could be if they were a passenger in a car or a pedestrian and had been knocked over by a car.
Our specialist road traffic accident claims solicitors will be able to let you know your legal rights to claim.
My child has been injured due to medical negligence. Can I make a claim?
While medical negligence should never occur, injuries can happen. If your child has been injured due to medical negligence, you can make a claim against the NHS, a private healthcare provider, your GP or your dentist.
Common examples of medical negligence include:
- Medical misdiagnosis
- Sepsis symptoms that were not noticed
- Surgical errors and mistakes
- Poor standard of care
- Injuries caused at birth
The below table includes estimated child injury compensation settlements. Please contact our solicitors to find out how much your claim may be worth.
Average child head injury compensation claim amounts
| Part of body | Severity of injury | Amount of compensation | Types of injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Minor | £1,880.00 to £10,890.00 | Covers head injury with recovery within a few weeks. Higher compensation if symptoms include headaches. |
| Head | Moderate | £13,430.00 to £112,130.00 | Symptoms ranging from poor concentration, lower and higher risk of epileptic attacks, minor personality changes, depression, more severe intellectual impairment, or injuries/symptoms leading to a vegetative state. |
| Head | Serious | £186,890.00 £240,590.00 | Covers reduced life expectancy, serious physical symptoms, serious changes to personality or intellect, large dependence on others due to paralysis or otherwise. |
| Head | Severe | £240,590.00 to £344,640.00 | Covers minimally conscious state (life expectancy less than 15 years), severe disability, brain damage with little/no response, vegetative states needing full-time nursing. |
| Eye | Severe | £56,080.00to £229,260.00 | Complete blindness on one/both eyes or severe visual impairment on one/both eyes. |
| Face | Minor | £1,460.00 to £7,460.00 | Light or no scarring on the face, but no fractures, loss/damage of one/two front teeth, simple fractures of the jaw or nose, but with a possibility of complete recovery. |
| Face | Serious | £15,320.00 to £26,010.00 | More serious fractures such as a broken jaw or nose, breaking/damage/loss of several teeth. |
| Face | Severe | £26,010.00 to £38,850.00 | Severe injuries resulting in facial disfigurement, several jaw fractures, chronic tooth pain, and scarring. May lead to eating restrictions or higher risk of joint arthritis. Covers negative effects on mental health. |
| Ear/ hearing | Minor | Up to £5,980.00 | Possible Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), slight/occasional tinnitus. |
| Ear/ hearing | Moderate | £12,700.00 to £25,350.00 | Partial hearing loss or mild to severe tinnitus. |
| Ear/ hearing | Serious | £25,350.00 to £38,850.00 | Complete deafness in one ear. Severity varies based on additional symptoms (e.g. dizziness, tinnitus, etc.). |
| Ear/ hearing | Severe | £77,430.00 to £120,040.00 | Complete deafness in both ears. Higher compensation for child injuries also resulting in a loss of speech. |
Child injury compensation amounts for back, neck, shoulders and upper body injuries
| Part of body | Severity of injury | Amount of compensation | Types of injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neck | Minor | Up to £6,680.00 | Soft tissue injuries or whiplash with recovery within 3 – 24 months. Compensation factors include severity of pain and amount of negative effects on everyday life. |
| Neck | Moderate | £7,410.00 to £47,760.00 | Covers injuries that accelerated a pre-existing condition, disc lesions, cervical spondylosis, serious limitation of movement, permanent and/or recurring pain, all caused by fractures or dislocations. |
| Neck | Severe | £56,100.00 to £139,210.00 | Serious fractures, severe soft tissue damage, chronic pain conditions, disc damage, partial paraplegia, or significant, permanent disability. |
| Back | Minor | £2,090.00 to £10,670.00 | Includes lighter strains, sprains, disc prolapses, and soft tissue injuries. Recovery between 3 months and 5 years. |
| Back | Moderate | £11,730.00 to £26,050.00 | Includes: spinal fusion, compressed or fractured lumbar spine (possibly resulting in higher risk of osteoarthritis and constant pain), prolapsed discs and other injuries that may require surgery and a continued acceleration/worsening of a pre-existing back condition. |
| Back | Severe | £36,390.00 to £151,070.00 | Typically requires surgery. Injuries include: damaged spinal cord and partial paralysis, psychological issues, loss of bladder and/or bowel function, disc lesions, impaired movement, arthritis, etc. |
| Shoulder | Minor | Up to £6,730.00 | Soft tissue injury resulting in pain. Full recovery between 3 – 24 months. |
| Shoulder | Serious | £10,890.00 to £16,380.00 | Fractured humerus, clavicle or rotator cuff needing surgery. |
| Shoulder | Severe | £16,380.00 to £40,970.00 | Significant disability caused by severe damage to the neck or brachial plexus. |
| Pelvis & hips | Minor | £3,370.00 to £10,750.00 | Complete recovery after minor soft tissue injuries. Little or no disability within 2 years. |
| Pelvis & hips | Moderate | £10,750.00 to £33,430.00 | No serious disability, but covers injuries requiring hip operations, replacement of hips (or the need for either in the future). |
| Pelvis & hips | Severe | £33,430.00 to £111,690.00 | Severe hip/pelvis fractures resulting in bowel damage or spinal fusion, childbirth complications, hip replacement, and/or leading to higher likelihood of future surgery. |
| Scarring (not facial) | Minor | £2,020.00 to £7,380.00 | One noticeable scar or several superficial, unsightly scars on the legs, arms, or hands. |
| Scarring (not facial | Moderate | Up to £7,380.00 | Full recovery within 2 years, up to a partial recovery with symptoms that are not largely debilitating. |
| Scarring (not facial | Severe | £6,680.00 to £19,390.00 | Several noticeable laceration scars or a single disfiguring scar. |
Child injury compensation amounts for arm, hand, and finger injuries
| Part of body | Severity of injury | Amount of compensation | Types of injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm | Mild | £5,630.00 to £16,380.00 | Fractured forearm. |
| Arm | Moderate | £16,380.00 to £33,430.00 | Serious arm injury leading to long-lasting symptoms. |
| Arm | Serious | £33,430.00 to £111,690.00 | Serious injury resulting in an inability to use the arm(s) to some extent. Does not result in amputation. |
| Arm | Severe | £82,040.00 to £255,930.00 | Results may include the amputation of one/both arms. Compensation amount will depends on amputated area, whether phantom pain is experienced, and on other effects on the quality of life. |
| Elbow | Moderate | Up to £10,750.00 | Includes: tennis elbow, deep cuts, simple fractures, no permanent damage. |
| Elbow | Serious | £13,360.00 to £27,320.00 | Results in restricted movement but does not require surgery or cause disability. |
| Elbow | Severe | £33,430.00 to £46,780.00 | Injury causes severe disability or requires surgery. |
| Wrist | Moderate | Up to £8,740.00 | Uncomplicated Colles fracture or minor undisplaced fractures with recovery between 1 – 2 years. May include use of plasters. |
| Wrist | Serious | £10,750.00 to £20,900.00 | Soft tissue damage or broken wrist causing some permanent disability. |
| Wrist | Severe | £20,900.00to £51,070.00. | Significant permanent disability or complete loss of wrist function. |
| Hand | Minor | Up to £4,050.00 | Covers lacerations and crush injuries, and soft tissue injuries (recovery within 6 months). |
| Hand | Moderate | £4,780.00 to £11,330.00 | Covers penetrating wounds and crush injuries resulting in permanent but non-intrusive symptoms, or soft tissue damage and deeper cuts resulting in impairment of the hand (may require surgery). |
| Hand | Severe | £24,740.00 to £171,920.00 | Covers amputation and rejoining of several fingers, resulting in a clawed, impaired, or unsightly hand, amputation of one/both hands (alternatively, amputation of several fingers rendering the hand almost useless). |
| Finger | Minor | Up to £4,055.00 | Includes: full-healed fractured finger bones (healed within 1 year) with/without minor scarring. |
| Finger | Moderate | £3,370.00 to £5,000.00 | Includes: complete (or almost complete) recovery after broken finger, amputation or loss of a part of the little finger. |
| Finger | Severe | £10,380.00 to £31,350.00 | Includes: complete amputation of one/more fingers, fractures of the index finger. Compensation depends on level of disability and suffering. |
| Thumb | Minor | Up to £4,055.00 | Short-term, severe pain gone within 3 months. |
| Thumb | Moderate | £3,370.00 to £10,750.00 | Covers fractures with recovery within 6 months, damage to nerves or tendons resulting in partial loss of sensation, and cosmetic thumb deformities. |
| Thumb | Severe | £10,750.00 to £46,780.00 | Partial/complete amputation of the thumb, surgical wire insertions, nerve damage, fractures, inability to grip. |
Child injury compensation amounts for leg and foot injuries
| Part of body | Severity of injury | Amount of compensation | Types of injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leg | Minor | £7,780.00 to £12,010.00 | Minor injuries with recovery within a few months (e.g. soft-tissue injuries, bruising, cuts, and contusions). Slightly more severe injuries such as simple fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula. |
| Leg | Moderate | £15,320.00 to £46,780.00 | Minor fractures with partial recovery, serious soft tissue injury, injuries to one leg (e.g. broken bones, crushing injuries), ligament injuries, compound fractures leading to near certainty of arthritis or instability. |
| Leg | Severe | £46,780.00 to £240,590.00 | Severe injuries resulting in extensive degloving, bone grafting, permanently reduced mobility, or amputation of one/both legs (above/below the knee). |
| Knee | Minor | Up to £11,730.00 | Includes soft tissue injuries (recovery within a few months), a twisted knee, lacerations, or bruising resulting in discomfort or pain. |
| Knee | Moderate | £22,340.00 to £37,070.00 | Includes: seriously damaged kneecaps, ligaments, or muscles, dislocation, a torn meniscus, acceleration injuries (over several years), resulting in ongoing discomfort or pain. |
| Knee | Severe | £44,470.00 to £82,080.00 | Covers constant pain, severe disability, or muscle wastage. Higher compensation if need for surgery or injury effects quality of life. |
| Ankle | Minor | Up to £11,730.00 | Smaller fractures, but bone has not been displaced. May include sprains, injured ligaments (likely leads to scarring). Smaller injuries can allow for full recovery within a year, without any scarring. |
| Ankle | Moderate | £11,730.00 to £42,710.00 | Includes ligament tears, fractures, leading to smaller disabilities while standing/moving. Increased risk of osteoarthritis. Operation/cast needed. May lead to inability to work or call for special footwear. |
| Ankle | Severe | £42,710.00 to £59,480.00 | Severe injury resulting in deformities, disabilities, or even amputation of the body part down the line. |
| Achilles | Minor | £6,200.00 to £10,750.00 | Minor instability due to tendon damage around the ankle. Some more severe cases might involve scarring. |
| Achilles | Moderate | £10,750.00 to £17,970.00 | More serious injury and partially ruptured tendon. More severe cases tend to involve disability and/or permanent scarring. |
| Achilles | Severe | £21,320.00to £32,780.00 | Restricted movement of the ankle due to severed muscle tissue. Small likelihood of further improvement of limp and residual scarring. |
| Foot | Minor | Up to £11,730.00 | Includes: minor fractures, lacerations or contusions (with complete recovery within 2 years), ruptured ligaments or other puncture wounds that result in chronic pain or a permanent limp. |
| Foot | Moderate | £11,730.00 to £59,730.00 | Includes: metatarsal fractures resulting in permanent deformity and ongoing symptoms, fractured heels (both), restricted mobility, degloving and heel fusion. |
| Foot | Severe | £71,640.00 to £171,920.00 | Injury needing amputation of one/both feet or traumatic amputation of the forefoot (to prevent need for complete amputation). |
| Toe | Minor | Up to £8,190.00 | One or more broken toes with a varying recovery period. Compensation depends on presence of long-term symptoms and speed of recovery. |
| Toe | Moderate | £8,190.00 to £11,730.00 | Multiple fractures, crush injuries to two/more toes, permanent disability. May have involved unsuccessful past operations. |
| Toe | Severe | £11,730.00 to £47,830.00 | Severe crush injuries leading to less/surgical amputation of one or two toes (not including the big toe), amputation of all toes or the big toe. |
Call us on 0161 904 4661
Lines are open now and our legal advisors are on standby to tell you if you can make a claim.
Start your claim online
Complete our simple form to receive a call back from our expert legal team.