UK Scar Compensation Calculator
Estimate potential general damages for scarring in the UK based on Judicial College Guidelines.
Understanding Scar Compensation in the UK
When an individual suffers scarring due to an accident or negligence caused by another party, they may be entitled to claim compensation. In the UK, the amount of compensation awarded for personal injury, including scarring, is primarily guided by the Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases (often referred to as the "Green Book"). These guidelines provide a framework for legal professionals and courts to determine appropriate compensation ranges for various types of injuries.
Key Factors Influencing Scar Compensation:
- Location of the Scar: Scars on highly visible areas such as the face and neck generally attract higher compensation than those on less visible parts of the body (e.g., torso, limbs). Scars on hands or feet, which can impact daily function or be highly visible, also often receive higher awards than general body scarring.
- Severity of the Scarring: This is a crucial factor. Severity is assessed based on several aspects:
- Size and Shape: Larger, more irregular scars tend to be compensated more.
- Colour and Texture: Discoloured, raised (keloid or hypertrophic), or sunken (atrophic) scars are considered more severe.
- Visibility: How easily the scar can be seen or concealed.
- Impact on Function: If the scar restricts movement or causes pain.
- Psychological Impact: The distress, embarrassment, or self-consciousness caused by the scar. This can be a significant component, especially for facial scarring.
- Age of the Claimant: Younger claimants often receive higher awards for permanent scarring because they have to live with the disfigurement for a longer period, potentially impacting their social life, relationships, and career prospects over many decades.
- Gender: While not a direct multiplier, the impact of a scar can sometimes be perceived differently based on gender, particularly concerning facial scarring and societal expectations. However, the guidelines focus more on the objective impact and psychological distress.
- Treatment Required: The need for and success of any surgical or cosmetic treatments (e.g., laser therapy, reconstructive surgery) can also influence the overall claim, though this often falls under "special damages" (costs incurred) rather than "general damages" (pain, suffering, and loss of amenity). This calculator focuses on general damages.
How Our Calculator Works:
This calculator provides an estimated range for general damages for scarring based on the Judicial College Guidelines. It takes into account the primary factors of scar location, severity, and the claimant's age at the time of injury. Please note:
- The figures provided are for general damages only (pain, suffering, and loss of amenity). They do not include "special damages" such as loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel costs, or care costs.
- The calculator provides a range, as actual compensation can vary significantly based on the specific details of each case, expert medical evidence, and negotiation.
- This tool is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For an accurate assessment of your claim, it is essential to consult with a qualified personal injury solicitor in the UK.
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function calculateCompensation() {
var scarLocation = document.getElementById("scarLocation").value;
var scarSeverity = document.getElementById("scarSeverity").value;
var claimantAge = parseFloat(document.getElementById("claimantAge").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("compensationResult");
resultDiv.innerHTML = "";
resultDiv.classList.remove("error");
if (!scarLocation || !scarSeverity || isNaN(claimantAge) || claimantAge < 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please fill in all fields with valid information.";
resultDiv.classList.add("error");
return;
}
var minCompensation = 0;
var maxCompensation = 0;
// Base compensation ranges based on Judicial College Guidelines (approximate mid-points and ranges)
// These are general damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
if (scarLocation === "faceNeck") {
if (scarSeverity === "minor") {
minCompensation = 3000;
maxCompensation = 6000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "moderate") {
minCompensation = 6000;
maxCompensation = 12000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "significant") {
minCompensation = 12000;
maxCompensation = 25000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "severe") {
minCompensation = 25000;
maxCompensation = 50000; // Can go much higher for very severe disfigurement
}
} else if (scarLocation === "torsoBack") {
if (scarSeverity === "minor") {
minCompensation = 1500;
maxCompensation = 3000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "moderate") {
minCompensation = 3000;
maxCompensation = 6000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "significant") {
minCompensation = 6000;
maxCompensation = 12000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "severe") {
minCompensation = 12000;
maxCompensation = 25000;
}
} else if (scarLocation === "armsLegs") {
if (scarSeverity === "minor") {
minCompensation = 1000;
maxCompensation = 2500;
} else if (scarSeverity === "moderate") {
minCompensation = 2500;
maxCompensation = 5000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "significant") {
minCompensation = 5000;
maxCompensation = 10000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "severe") {
minCompensation = 10000;
maxCompensation = 20000;
}
} else if (scarLocation === "handsFeet") {
// Hands/Feet often attract slightly higher awards than general limbs due to visibility/function
if (scarSeverity === "minor") {
minCompensation = 1500;
maxCompensation = 3500;
} else if (scarSeverity === "moderate") {
minCompensation = 3500;
maxCompensation = 7000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "significant") {
minCompensation = 7000;
maxCompensation = 15000;
} else if (scarSeverity === "severe") {
minCompensation = 15000;
maxCompensation = 30000;
}
}
// Apply age modifier
var ageMultiplier = 1.0;
if (claimantAge = 18 && claimantAge < 30) {
ageMultiplier = 1.075; // 7.5% increase for young adults
}
// No change for 30+ as per simplified model, focusing on increased impact for younger claimants
minCompensation = Math.round(minCompensation * ageMultiplier);
maxCompensation = Math.round(maxCompensation * ageMultiplier);
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated General Damages:
£" + minCompensation.toLocaleString() + " – £" + maxCompensation.toLocaleString() + "";
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