What are General and Special Damages?

The two most common types of damages recoverable in a personal injury action are General Damages and Special Damages. General Damages in Personal Injury Cases, for example, in a road traffic accident, are intended to compensate you for the impact the injury has and will have on your life. This includes pain and suffering, whether mild or severe, sustained from the injury. This pain can be physical and psychological. Has your life has been affected due to an accident caused by another party? If you have any questions, Talk to us today, we are here to help. No Win No Fee* Explained

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What are General Damages?

General Damages is the amount awarded in a successful injury claim. This figure is based on the impact of your physical or psychological injuries on your daily life, such as short-term or permanent disability, disfigurement or PTSD. A further consideration in determining the compensation end figure is which areas of the body were temporarily or permanently affected. For more on General Damages, see the FAQ section below.

What are Special Damages?

In short, Special Damages refer to pecuniary or financial loss. An injured party must prove all losses under Special Damages. This can be done by providing receipts for payment, and it is important to retain all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses so that these losses can be claimed back. If any specific item cannot be proven, it will not be reimbursed.


What you need to know about General and Special Damages  – FAQs

General and Special Damages FAQs

No Win No Fee Explained

No Win No Fee – This is the legal term used to describe how solicitors take on a case where they pay the costs of the litigation so Irish Law Firms who operate on this basis pay for the medical reports, stamp duty, experts fees and all other legal costs associated with your personal injury case. It is a common practice for specialised personal injury firms to operate on a “no win no fee” basis. Solicitors are not allowed advertise no win no fee services.

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Starting Your Injury Case

If you have suffered injury, loss, damage or expense as a result of the negligent act of omission of another party, then you may be entitled to claim from that other party or his/her insurers. Starting a case with our legal team is a seamless process. Subject to certain very strict exceptions, you have two years from the date of your accident to commence legal proceedings. A different claims policy is in place for Children under 18.

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How Much is My Claim Worth?

Personal Injury Claim amounts are difficult to value at the outset of any case but the value of your case in terms of General Damages will depend on the severity of the injury, the pain, suffering and inconvenience resulting  from the length of time to recover and the prognosis for the future. In addition, you are entitled to claim for all financial losses and expense sustained by you as a result of the accident.

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Synnott Lawline Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Claims


Our firm provides legal assistance to individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Our services encompass a wide range of actions, including investigating the circumstances of the accident, gathering evidence for your case, advising you on your legal rights and options, and negotiating with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement. If necessary, we will also represent you in court proceedings if a settlement cannot be achieved. We aim to ensure that your medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering are adequately addressed while navigating the complex legal landscape on your behalf. below is a list of some of our services. If you have a query on starting an injury claim, contact us today, we are her to help.

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General and Special Damages | Here to Help