What happens if I win?

If you win, your opponent pays:

• Damages, or compensation, usually assessed under two main categories:
• 'General damages' – a figure worked out by the judge, backed up by case reports on similar cases, for your pain, suffering and loss of quality of life (short-term or long-term).
• 'Special damages' – the total of the financial losses and expenses (including those that you are likely to incur in the future) resulting from your injuries. The list may be long, and it may include not only obvious items like loss of earnings but also, in cases of catastrophic injuries, the cost of adapting your home to cope with your disability, or your care needs for the rest of your life.
• Interest on damages.
• Your legal costs.