How much compensation will be paid? If the claim is successful then your child will be awarded compensation. Damages are assessed under various catagories. These include:

	Damages for pain, suffering and loss of quality of life
	These damages are often called 'general damages' and compensate for injuries which arise as a result of the accident. The amount of compensation will depend upon the nature and extent of the injuries, both physical and psychological, and the effect that they have on normal activities such as sports and hobbies.
	Damages for financial losses to the date of trial or settlement
	These are known as 'special damages' and compensate for financial losses and expenses incurred because of the injury. These will include: - Loss of earnings which the child may incur from part time jobs prior to leaving school. - Any private, medical or therapeutic expenses (eg: physiotherapy, speech and language therapy). - The costs of any aids and equipment. - The value of extra care provided to the child by members of the family or friends during and after discharge from hospital, or alternatively the loss of earnings suffered by a parent who has provided care support. - Travel and other expenses reasonably incurred by parents, friends and family. It is important that details of all expenses and items purchased as a result of the accident are retained, so that we can prove that there has been financial loss.
	Damages for future losses and expenses
	Children who sustain serious injuries may suffer long term loss and expense as a direct result. Calculation of the actual sums involved is complicated. However, compensation will take into account some or all of the following: - Future loss of earnings, including the loss of any promotion prospects. - The cost of providing all personal care support required in the future, even where it is likely that a relative will provide care on a voluntary basis. - Costs of a case manager. - Damages representing the losses which will arise if special accommodation is required, including any adaption or extra running expenses. - Costs of physiotherapy, speech therapy and any other specialist therapeutic service. - Costs of any special aids and equipment, including their annual maintenance and replacement costs. - Extra costs of transport, particularly if a special vehicle is necessary. - Assistance with school fees, should it be established that your child now needs to attend a special school and funding is not available from the local education authority.
	Death
	Compensation may be available to parents who have lost a child.

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