If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: “What can I actually claim for?”

It’s a completely understandable concern. Personal injury claims aren’t just about compensation for the injury itself - they’re about recognising the real impact an accident can have on your life, your finances, and your wellbeing.

As experienced personal injury solicitors in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, we regularly guide clients through this process. Many people are surprised to learn just how wide-ranging a personal injury claim can be under UK law.

Below, we explain what compensation may cover, how claims are assessed, and what you should realistically expect if you’re considering making a claim.

The purpose of compensation in a personal injury claim

In the UK, personal injury compensation is designed to put you, as far as possible, back in the position you would have been in had the accident not happened. While money can never undo an injury, it can help ease the financial burden, recognise the pain you’ve suffered, and support your recovery.

Compensation is usually divided into two broad categories: general damages and special damages. Understanding the difference between these is key to knowing what you may be entitled to claim.

General damages - compensation for pain and suffering

General damages relate to the physical and psychological impact of your injury. This includes the pain you’ve endured, how the injury has affected your quality of life, and any long-term consequences.

The amount awarded depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, how long recovery takes, whether symptoms are ongoing, and whether the injury has caused permanent disability or scarring. Psychological injuries, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, are also recognised by the courts where they are medically supported.

Judges and insurers often refer to established legal guidelines and previous case law when valuing these claims to ensure consistency. Importantly, no two cases are identical - your individual circumstances always matter.

Read: Can personal injury affect mental health?

Special damages - covering financial losses and expenses

Special damages are intended to reimburse you for the financial impact of your injury. These losses can be just as significant as the injury itself, particularly if your ability to work or live independently has been affected.

This type of compensation can include lost earnings if you’ve had to take time off work or reduce your hours. It may also cover future loss of income if your injury affects your long-term employment prospects.

Medical and rehabilitation costs are another key element. While the NHS provides excellent care, many people incur additional expenses such as private physiotherapy, counselling, mobility aids or prescription charges. Travel costs to medical appointments can also be included where they are reasonable and supported by evidence.

Care and assistance provided by family or friends

Many clients are unaware that help provided by loved ones can form part of a claim. If family members or friends have assisted you with personal care, household tasks or daily activities while you recover, this support has a recognised value in law.

Even if the care was unpaid, it can still be claimed for, provided it was necessary and directly related to your injuries. This ensures the true impact of the accident is properly reflected.

Damage to personal property

In many personal injury cases, particularly road traffic accidents or accidents at work, personal belongings may also be damaged. Items such as clothing, glasses, mobile phones or equipment can often be included as part of the claim.

While these losses may seem relatively minor on their own, they form part of the overall picture and should not be overlooked.

Future losses and ongoing needs

In more serious injury cases, compensation isn’t limited to what has already happened. Future losses are an important consideration and are carefully assessed with the help of medical and financial experts.

This may include future medical treatment, ongoing care needs, adaptations to your home, or specialist equipment required to maintain independence. Where an injury affects long-term employment, future loss of earnings and pension loss may also be considered.

These elements are complex and require experienced legal input to ensure they are properly valued and supported with evidence.

Read: Understanding your rights to seeking personal injury compensation

What evidence do you need to support your claim?

To successfully claim compensation, evidence is essential. Medical records form the foundation of any personal injury claim, supported by independent medical assessments arranged during the claims process.

Financial documents, such as payslips, invoices, receipts and bank statements, help demonstrate losses. Witness statements, accident reports and photographs can also strengthen your case.

A good solicitor will guide you through what is needed and help gather evidence in a structured and stress-free way.

How long do you have to make a claim?

In most personal injury cases in the UK, you have three years from the date of the accident - or from when you became aware of your injury - to begin a claim. There are exceptions, particularly for children and individuals lacking mental capacity, so it’s always best to seek advice as early as possible.

Delays can make claims more difficult, so early legal guidance is strongly recommended.

Why expert legal advice makes a difference

Personal injury claims are about more than figures on a page. They are about real people dealing with real consequences. Having an experienced solicitor ensures that nothing is overlooked, deadlines are met, and your claim reflects the full impact of what you’ve been through.

As personal injury solicitors based in Ebbw Vale, we pride ourselves on offering clear advice, honest guidance and genuine support throughout the process. We understand that making a claim can feel daunting, and our role is to make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Read: The role of a solicitor in personal injury claims

Every personal injury case is unique, but the right compensation can make a meaningful difference to your recovery and peace of mind. Understanding what you can claim for is the first step towards protecting your rights and securing the support you deserve.

If you’ve been injured and would like clear, professional advice tailored to your situation, speaking to an experienced personal injury solicitor can help you move forward with confidence.