Head Injury Compensation Calculator
Head injury claims cover a spectrum from minor (concussion, facial bruising, scalp lacerations) through to severe brain injury. This calculator focuses on the lower end of that spectrum — concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, facial fractures, and head injuries without significant long-term cognitive consequences. For severe brain injury with lasting cognitive, behavioural, or physical impact, the dedicated brain injury calculator gives more relevant figures.
The calculator uses the Judicial College Guidelines Chapter 3 (Head and Brain injuries), with the brackets at the milder end. Common scenarios include concussion from an RTA, facial fractures from assaults or workplace incidents, and post-concussion syndrome that takes months to resolve.
Estimate your compensation
Head and brain injury compensation calculator
Based on the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026).
| General damages (pain, suffering and loss of amenity) | £0 |
| Special damages (earnings, care, expenses) | £0 |
| Estimated total | £0 |
Figures are the indicative general-damages brackets in the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (April 2026). This is an estimate, not a valuation — your actual award depends on the medical evidence in your case, and some claims do not succeed.
Check if you can claimHow This Calculator Works
Select the type and severity of head injury. Concussion with full recovery within months produces low-end figures; post-concussion syndrome lasting a year or more sits in the middle; persistent cognitive symptoms (memory, concentration, headaches) move the case towards the upper end of mild traumatic brain injury. The special damages module captures lost earnings, treatment costs (including neurological assessment and rehabilitation), and any care needs during recovery.
JC Guidelines Head Injury Brackets — Milder End
Chapter 3 of the JC Guidelines covers the spectrum of head and brain injuries. This calculator focuses on:
- Minor head injury — brief loss of consciousness, full recovery within weeks
- Concussion with full recovery — symptoms resolve within 3-6 months
- Post-concussion syndrome — lingering symptoms (headaches, fatigue, concentration issues) for up to 2 years
- Mild traumatic brain injury — measurable but limited cognitive impact, mostly resolving
- Facial fractures — separate JC bracket covering cheekbone, jaw, eye socket
Where the cognitive impact is significant or permanent, the brain injury calculator gives a more accurate figure.
Factors That Affect Your Head Injury Claim
- Duration of post-concussive symptoms
- Whether there was loss of consciousness, and for how long
- Whether you needed inpatient admission or just A&E observation
- Neuropsychological assessment results — formal measure of cognitive impact
- Impact on work and daily life — particularly screen-based or concentration-heavy roles
- Headaches, photophobia, fatigue persisting beyond the acute phase
- Mental health consequences — anxiety and depression are common after head injury
What This Calculator Doesn’t Capture
Head injury claims are particularly sensitive to neuropsychological evidence, which often takes 6-12 months to obtain. The calculator gives a figure based on the clinical picture as you describe it, but the actual bracket may shift up or down once formal testing is completed. The calculator also doesn’t capture the additional damages available where the head injury results in epilepsy, vertigo, or other distinct conditions — these may have separate JC entries.
Next Steps
Head injury claims should be handled by solicitors with specific experience in this area — the neuropsychological evidence is technical and the prognosis often takes time to stabilise. Specialist firms typically obtain neuropsychology, neurology, and (where relevant) neuropsychiatry expert evidence. No win no fee arrangements are standard, with the success fee capped at 25 per cent of general damages and past losses.
Common Questions
Is post-concussion syndrome a real medical condition for compensation?
Yes. Post-concussion syndrome is recognised in both the ICD and DSM classifications and is well-established in personal injury case law. Where symptoms (headache, dizziness, concentration problems, mood changes, fatigue, light sensitivity) persist for months after a head injury, this is a legitimate basis for an increased claim within the JC head injury brackets. Medical evidence from a neuropsychologist or neurologist is essential.
I lost consciousness briefly — does that matter?
Yes — duration of loss of consciousness is one of the markers used to classify head injury severity. Brief loss (under 30 minutes) typically indicates mild traumatic brain injury; longer periods suggest more serious injury. However, loss of consciousness is not essential — substantial mild TBI can occur without it. The clinical assessment looks at multiple factors including the Glasgow Coma Score and any post-traumatic amnesia.
My CT scan was clear — does that mean my claim is weak?
No. CT scans typically only show structural damage. Mild traumatic brain injury often produces functional rather than structural damage, which doesn’t appear on standard imaging. The clinical picture, symptoms, and neuropsychological testing matter more than imaging in mild head injury cases. A normal CT does not undermine a well-documented mild TBI claim.
When should I use the brain injury calculator instead?
Use the brain injury calculator if your injury produced significant lasting cognitive impairment, behavioural changes, physical disability, or a need for ongoing care or supervision. The dedicated brain injury calculator handles the catastrophic end of the JC spectrum and includes prompts for lifetime care and accommodation costs that are typically the largest component of severe TBI settlements.
What are the Judicial College Guidelines?
The Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases (currently 18th edition, published April 2026) are the reference work used by judges, solicitors, and insurers across England and Wales to value personal injury claims. They set out compensation brackets for every category of injury and are updated every two to three years.
How accurate is this calculator?
The calculator gives a directional estimate based on published guidelines. Actual settlements vary based on the specific facts of each case, the strength of evidence, the prognosis at the point of settlement, contributory negligence findings, and the negotiating position of the insurer. Treat the figure as a starting point — a specialist solicitor will give you a more precise figure after reviewing your evidence.
Related Guides
Head Injury Compensation Amounts
Personal Injury Compensation Calculators (all)
Workplace Accident Compensation Claims
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