If you’ve suffered injuries to your face through no fault of your own, you may be able to claim facial injury compensation. This can compensate not just for your physical pain and emotional suffering, but for any related expenses, such as out-of-pocket plastic surgery costs and any loss of earnings.
To claim personal injury compensation, you must satisfy specific eligibility criteria. Put simply, you need evidence that proves how your facial injuries directly resulted from the negligent actions (or inactions) of a liable third party. One of our solicitors can not only assist you in establishing this but also in building the strongest case possible.
Whether you’ve suffered a broken tooth, fractured cheekbone, or facial scarring, why not get in touch with an Accident Claims advisor and start your compensation journey today?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How Much Facial Injury Compensation Can I Claim?
- What Factors Determine The Payout For A Facial Injury?
- Can I Claim Compensation After Injuring My Face?
- What Are The Most Common Accidents In Facial Injury Claims?
- What If My Facial Injury Was Caused By Medical Negligence?
- Can I Claim Facial Injury Compensation After Criminal Assault?
- How Can I Prove Someone Else Was Liable For My Facial Injury?
- No Win No Fee Facial Injury Compensation Claims
- Learn More
How Much Facial Injury Compensation Can I Claim?
How much facial injury compensation you could claim will depend on the nature of your injuries, their impact, and whether they have caused financial loss. For example, total blindness could be awarded compensation in the region of £327,940, whereas loss or damage to the back teeth could be awarded between £1,330 and £2,080 per tooth.
Both of these figures have been taken from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This document contains a list of injuries, ranging in severity, along with corresponding suggested compensation brackets. Solicitors may use the text to value general damages, the part of the compensation which covers the pain and suffering of an injury.
The following subsections provide brackets for different facial injuries, as categorised by the JCG. However, the top row in each table contains a figure that illustrates how compensation could be awarded for multiple severe injuries and related out-of-pocket expenses. This figure was not taken from the JCG, and none of the brackets are guarantees of compensation.
Eye Injuries
This table looks at injuries that affect the sight and eyes. Please keep in mind that it is only a guide, and the first figure is not from the JCG.
Eye/Sight Injury Severity Guideline Award Notes
Multiple Very Severe Injuries and Expenses Up to £1,000,000+ Expenses might be for personal assistant costs and lost wages.
Total Blindness In the Region of £327,940 Sight has been lost completely in both eyes.
Loss of Sight in 1 Eye with Reduced Vision in the Remaining Eye (i) £117,150 to £219,400 Serious risk of further deterioration in remaining eye beyond that of sympathetic ophthalmia.
Loss of Sight in 1 Eye with Reduced Vision in the Remaining Eye (ii) £78,040 to £129,330 Reduced vision and/or additional problems like double vision in remaining eye.
Total Loss of 1 Eye £66,920 to £80,210 Award considers age, psychiatric consequences, and cosmetic effect.
Complete Loss of Sight in 1 Eye £60,130 to £66,920 Sight has been lost completely in 1 eye.
Serious But Incomplete Loss of Vision in 1 Eye £28,900 to £48,040 Although serious, there is not a significant risk of loss or reduction of vision in remaining eye.
Minor Permanent Impairment £11,120 to £25,600 This may occur in one or both eyes and includes cases of some non-constant double vision and permanent bright light sensitivity.
Minor Eye Injuries £4,820 to £10,660 Causing initial pain and temporary vision interference.
Transient Eye Injuries £2,690 to £4,820 Complete recovery occurs within a few weeks.
Nose Injuries
Here is another table for facial injury compensation, this time, focusing on nose injuries. Like the above table, it is only a guide, and the first row isn’t a JCG bracket.
Severity of Skeletal - Nose Injury Compensation Guideline Notes
Multiple Severe Injuries with Special Damages Up to £75,000 Settlements could include compensation for plastic surgery and therapy costs.
Serious/Multiple Fractures of Nose or Nasal Complex (i) £12,990 to £28,220 Require number of operations and/or result in permanent airway damage, breathing difficulty. nerve or tear duct damage and/or facial deformity.
Nose or Nasal Complex Fractures (ii) £4,820 to £6,230 Recovery from a displaced fracture is only complete following an operation.
Nasal Complex and Nose Fractures (iii) £3,080 to £3,850 A displaced fracture requiring manipulation.
Nose/Nasal Complex Fractures (iv) £2,080 to £3,080 Full recovery following a simple undisplaced fracture.
Cheekbone Injuries
This table provides JCG brackets given for injuries to the cheekbones (excluding the first row). Like other tables, it doesn’t guarantee compensation.
Skeletal Injuries to the Cheekbone Guideline Award Notes
More Than 1 Serious Injury and Expenses Up to £50,000 or more Expenses might relate to private cosmetic surgery and travel costs.
Fractures of Cheekbones (i) £12,450 to £19,260 Serious fractures that require surgery and have lasting consequences, such as paraesthesia in cheeks or lips or some element of disfigurement.
Fractures of Cheekbones (ii) £5,310 to £7,880 Simple fracture requiring some reconstructive surgery, but with a complete recovery or minimal cosmetic effects.
Fractures of Cheekbones (iii) £2,830 to £3,650 No surgery required and a complete recovery from a simple fracture.
Jawbone Injuries
Below are brackets given for jawbone injuries from the JCG, except for the initial row. As with the other tables, it is only a guide.
Skeletal Injury to the Jaw Guideline Compensation Notes
Multiple Severe Injuries and Related Costs Up to £100,000+ Related costs might be for lost wages and physiotherapy.
Fractures of Jaws (i) £37,210 to £55,570 Prolonged treatment with permanent consequences, such as severe pain and eating restrictions, paraesthesia and arthritis risk from very serious multiple fractures.
Fractures of Jaws (ii) £21,920 to £37,210 Permanent consequences, such as difficulty opening mouth or eating from a serious fracture.
Fractures of Jaws (iii) £7,880 to £10,660 Immobilisation is required for a simple fracture, but recovery is complete.
Tooth Damage
Here’s a further table looking at JCG brackets for tooth damage (apart from the first one). All brackets are purely suggestive.
Skeletal Injuries - Tooth Damage Guideline Amount Notes
Multiple Severe Injuries and Financial Impact Up to £100,000 or more Compensation could be awarded for the cost of veneers, dentures, private cosmetic surgery and dentistry, plus lost wages and special dietary needs.
Damage to Teeth Up to £46,540 Tooth pain (significant and chronic) over a number of years with significant general deterioration in the condition of teeth.
Damage to Teeth (i) £10,660 to £13,930 Serious damage to or loss of several front teeth.
Damage to Teeth (ii) £5,310 to £9,310 Two front teeth have either serious damage or have been lost.
Damage to Teeth (iii) £2,690 to £4,820 One front tooth that is either lost or suffers serious damage.
Damage to Teeth (iv) £1,330 to £2,080 This bracket is per tooth and applies if there's been serious damage or if the tooth has been lost.
Scarring
You can also be compensated for facial scarring. The guide table below provides some suggested JCG brackets, excluding the top figure.
Facial Disfigurement Severity Guideline Figure Notes
Multiple Very Severe Injuries and Related Costs Up to £250,000+ The costs may be for associated private plastic surgery, scar reduction creams/oils, and lost wages.
Very Severe Scarring £36,340 to £118,790 A severe psychological reaction to a very disfiguring cosmetic effect in a relatively young claimant.
Less Severe Scarring £21,920 to £59,090 Substantial disfigurement with a significant psychological reaction.
Significant Scarring £11,120 to £36,720 The worst effects have been (or will be) reduced by surgery leaving some cosmetic disability with a diminished psychological reaction (or it wasn't great to begin with).
Less Significant Scarring £4,820 to £16,770 One scar or a number of very small scars with a marred, but not markedly affected appearance with a reaction that is no more than that of an ordinarily sensitive person.
Trivial Scarring £2,080 to £4,310 There is only a minor effect.
Psychological Injuries
Facial injuries often cause emotional distress, which you can be compensated for as part of a successful claim. Our table below provides suggested brackets from the JCG for psychological harm, except for the top row. As with all the tables, it is only intended to serve as a guide.
Severity of Psychological Injury Guideline Figure Notes
Multiple Severe Injuries and Out-of-Pocket Expenses Up to £250,000+ Can include therapy costs, home help, and lost wages.
Severe General Psychiatric Damage £66,920 to £141,240 Marked problems coping with life, education, work and personal relationships with a very poor future prognosis.
Moderately Severe General Psychiatric Damage £23,270 to £66,920 Significant problems coping with life and relationships, but a much more positive prognosis than severe cases.
Moderate General Psychiatric Damage £7,150 to £23,270 There's been problems coping but there's a marked improvement with a good prognosis.
Less Severe General Psychiatric Damage £1,880 to £7,150 Daily activities and sleep have been affected.
Severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder £73,050 to £122,850 Permanent effects that prevent working or functioning at pre-trauma level which affect all aspects of life.
Moderately Severe PTSD £28,250 to £73,050 Some recovery from symptoms similar to severe cases can occur with professional help.
Moderate PTSD £9,980 to £28,250 There may be some continuing effects, but they are not grossly disabling.
Less Severe PTSD £4,820 to £9,980 Some minor symptoms may persist beyond 1-2 years, but overall, there's virtually been a recovery.
All the tables above are intended as guides and do not represent a guarantee of how much facial injury compensation you might be awarded. You can get a more personalised discussion of compensation by speaking to an advisor, who will be more than happy to help you.
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What Factors Determine The Payout For A Facial Injury?
Various factors can determine the payout for a facial injury, including the impact on quality of life and out-of-pocket expenses. Any financial loss caused by your injury is claimable under special damages, including:
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Scar creams and oils.
- Other medical expenses, including private care and prescription costs.
- Lost wages, both current and future.
- Therapy.
- Home help, such as extra childcare and assistance with cleaning.
Financial losses can only be claimed for if they are supported by documentation, such as payslips, receipts and invoices.
To discuss how you could prove any special damages that might apply to your specific facial injury case, speak to one of our friendly advisors now.
Can I Claim Compensation After Injuring My Face?
Yes, you can claim compensation after injuring your face if you can prove that someone else’s negligent actions (or inactions) were at fault. This involves establishing negligence by:
- Showing that you were owed a duty of care (this is a legal obligation owed in certain settings that requires a liable third party to take steps to ensure your reasonable safety).
- Establishing that this duty was breached.
- Demonstrating a direct causal link between the breach and the facial injury.
Not only must you have evidence to prove negligence (more on this later), but you must start the claims process within a specific time limit. For personal injury claims, this is generally 3 years from the date of the accident. Our guide on time limits may help you understand the limitation period and exceptions.
Speak with an advisor about your eligibility to claim facial injury compensation today. If you have good grounds to make a personal injury claim, they can connect you to one of our solicitors.
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What Are The Most Common Accidents In Facial Injury Claims?
The most common accidents in facial injury claims occur on the roads, at work or in public spaces. Below, we examine the duty of care owed and by whom.
Road Traffic Accidents
Road users (including pedestrians, motorbike riders, cyclists and even horse riders) owe each other a duty of care to navigate in a safe manner that prevents injury and damage to themselves and others. This duty also requires them to comply with the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.
- Road traffic accident example: A speeding motorist cannot stop in time before hitting a cyclist from behind at a red light. The impact leaves the cyclist with fractures to their jaw and cheeks and permanent scars.
Accidents At Work
In the workplace, your employer must take reasonable and practicable steps to ensure your health, safety and welfare. These measures will vary between workplaces and job duties, but will typically involve conducting regular risk assessments, providing sufficient training, and supplying appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). If they fail to do so, they may be in breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
- Accident at work example: Your employer failed to provide PPE to shield your face from sparks and airborne metal shards while using a specific type of saw, despite a risk assessment identifying the need. You suffer numerous facial lacerations and a severe eye injury, causing partial blindness as a result.
Public Place Accidents
While out and about, you are owed a duty of care by the occupiers of public spaces, who must take practical steps to ensure your reasonable safety as a visitor. This duty is established through the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
As with workplaces, the nature of the premises will determine the steps to be taken, but they may begin with routine risk assessments. A supermarket presents much different risks to the public than an amusement park or stretch of pavement.
- Public accident example: Despite being aware of a broken, uneven pavement on a busy street in town, the council failed to put up signs warning pedestrians of the danger until it could be repaired. You resultingly trip and fall on the slab, suffering a broken nose, damage to your teeth, and a graze to your forehead that leaves a permanent scar.
If you suffered an injury in any of these locations and would like to discuss whether you are eligible for facial injury compensation, speak to an advisor.
What If My Facial Injury Was Caused By Medical Negligence?
If a medical professional caused or worsened your facial injury through negligent care or treatment, you can claim compensation for any unnecessary harm you experienced. As with personal injury claims, you need to prove that negligence occurred. To do so, you need to establish that you were owed a duty of care, show how this was breached, and clearly link this to any avoidable harm you suffered.
A specific duty governs all medical professionals (together with hospitals and other facilities): To provide care and treatment that meets the minimum expected standard. If standards fall below expectations, causing otherwise unnecessary pain and suffering, then you could have good grounds to launch a medical negligence claim.
- Medical negligence example: You attend A&E with a suspected jaw fracture. However, the technician misreads the X-ray, leaving you undiagnosed. As a result, the fracture worsens and requires more intensive treatment.
You can speak to an advisor about claiming facial injury compensation for harm that occurred in a medical setting.
Can I Claim Facial Injury Compensation After Criminal Assault?
Yes, you can claim facial injury compensation following a criminal assault. However, the process will be different if you are not claiming directly against the perpetrator or a vicariously liable party (such as an employer). This is because a government agency, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), handles criminal injury claims in England, Scotland, and Wales when all other avenues of seeking compensation have been exhausted.
The CICA have their own set of eligibility requirements for claiming criminal injury compensation. Please speak to one of our advisors today for tailored guidance on CICA claims.
How Can I Prove Someone Else Was Liable For My Facial Injury?
You will need evidence to prove someone else was liable for your facial injury if you wish to claim compensation. Examples can include:
- Medical records.
- Accident footage, ie from CCTV.
- Contact information for anyone who could supply a witness statement to your solicitor.
- Incident reports, such as from the police or an accident book.
- Photographs of the accident scene, the object that caused your injuries, or the harm itself.
- Insurance information, vehicle registration, and driver contact details if the injuries occurred in a road traffic accident.
These are just a few examples, but our advisory team will be happy to provide you with further guidance and explain how one of our solicitors can help you.
No Win No Fee Facial Injury Compensation Claims
Our solicitors have years of combined experience handling No Win No Fee facial injury compensation claims on behalf of clients across the country. What ‘No Win No Fee’ means is that your solicitor:
- Will not ask for a solicitor’s fee to get started on your claim.
- Won’t request ongoing solicitor’s fees.
- Don’t take a solicitor’s fee upon an unfavourable outcome for your claim.
It is only when your claim wins that they will take a success fee as a percentage of your compensation. This percentage is limited by The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, so you keep the bulk of what you get.
Here at Accident Claims, our personal injury solicitors work tirelessly for each and every client, ensuring there are many more advantages to working with one of them beyond the benefits of a CFA. You won’t need to worry about any aspect of your facial injury claim because your solicitor will handle the legal bits so you can focus on your recovery. That means you can expect the following (and more):
- Someone will fully explain the claims process and any legal terms to you in language you can understand.
- Full support with any health needs arising from your facial injuries, including connection to a cosmetic surgeon or dentist (if needed).
- There will be no need to worry about filling in excessive amounts of paperwork, because your solicitor will handle it while ensuring it complies with any court-appointed deadlines.
- Negotiating the terms of your settlement to secure the maximum compensation possible.
- Keeping you informed about the progress of your case.
Contact Accident Claims
Our advisory team is available 24/7 to discuss your claim for facial injury compensation and provide an initial consultation that is 100% free. To find out more, please:
- Call 0800 073 8801
- Start your claim online
- Ask a question in our live chat.
Learn More
Here are a few more guides from Accident Claims that might be useful:
- Learn how compensation for a broken jaw could be awarded.
- Guidance on making a dental negligence claim.
- Advice on eye injury claims.
Finally, some external links:
- General overview of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) published by the government.
- A&E facial fracture leaflet from the NHS.
- Information on first aid from the NHS.
Thank you for reading our guide to claiming facial injury compensation. Speak to an advisor to find out how one of our facial injury claim specialists can help you.
