Coulthursts is the only law firm in the UK dedicated solely to brain and head injury claims. Our specialist no win no fee solicitors handle these cases every day and understand what they mean for you and your family. We do not pass work to juniors or delegate what we consider important work to outside agents. You will work directly with an experienced brain injury solicitor who knows this field inside out.
Our job is to take the pressure off. From arranging the right medical investigations to setting up early rehabilitation, we move quickly to make sure you have the best possible start to recovery.
If you or someone close to you has suffered a skull fracture in an accident, talk to us. We will listen, explain your legal options clearly, and outline how we can help, with no charge for an initial consultation.
Why Choose Coulthursts?
Legal Specialists
We deal exclusively with brain injury claims
Rehabilitation & Treatment
We pay for and arrange early treatment and support.
Financial Support
We provide financial advice and support, and ensure maximum compensation is obtained.
A Bespoke Service
We build our service around what you and your family need.
No Win No Fee
We are committed to offering a no win, no fee service.
When can I make a compensation claim for a fractured skull?
If you have suffered a skull fracture because of someone else’s fault or negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. In most cases, the time limit to claim is three years from the date of the accident.
These cases are often linked with a brain injury, so it’s important to get early legal and medical advice. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and ensures you get the right medical investigations, and we can look to start arranging the rehabilitation and support you need as soon as possible to give you the best chance at the best recovery and quality of life. Also mental capacity can be complicated, so do not risk time running out.
We regularly help clients who have suffered serious head injuries at work, on the road, or in public places. These are serious injuries that could and should have been avoided and you have suffered the needless often life changing consequences.
Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be able to claim. The key is understanding how the injury happened and what impact it has had on your life.
What is a compensation claim for a skull fracture?
If you have suffered a skull fracture because of someone else’s fault, you may be able to claim compensation for how the injury has affected your life.
In most cases, the value of a claim is based on the seriousness of the injury, the pain and suffering it has caused, and how it has changed your ability to work, live independently, and enjoy life.
In addition to compensation for the injury itself, you can also claim for financial losses such as loss of earnings, treatment costs, and any other expenses you have already faced. Importantly, you can also claim for future losses.
For example, you may not be able to work again, earn as much as before, or will need ongoing care or support. In serious brain injury cases, including those caused by a skull fracture, these future losses are often the largest part of the claim. These are complex cases that require detailed forecasting and specialist understanding of how an injury can affect every part of life.
This is extremely important for you and your family and it is vital that you and your family do not risk under-settling your case by instructing a firm that lacks this level of expertise. These cases must be handled by genuine specialist brain injury solicitors.
Early Access To Rehab
Your rehabilitation starts when you need it, not months later. We don’t wait for insurer approval to get you help.
From physio and neuropsychology to home support or counselling, we act fast to arrange treatment when it makes the biggest impact. Funding is available upfront so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work.
What types of skull fractures can I claim compensation for?
The most common examples of skull fractures we have represented clients for include:
Compensation claims for linear skull fractures
Linear skull fractures are the most common type of skull fracture. Linear skull fractures are thin line breaks in the skull, usually caused by a head trauma, where the bone doesn’t splinter or displace. While some linear skull fractures can be relatively minor in comparison to other head injuries, these should still be taken very seriously.
In our experience, there is no such thing as a minor skull fracture. If there are no immediate medical concerns, you may be discharged from hospital with little follow-up. We believe that all these injuries should be treated with the care they deserve.
Even a ‘simple’ linear fracture can be associated with microscopic brain injuries that are invisible to all standard head scans. Trust how you feel; if you do not feel right, seek medical advice first and then contact us, as we can discuss your options.
Compensation claims for basilar skull fractures
A basilar skull fracture is a break in the bone structure at the base of the skull in the area separating the brain from the face and neck. These are dangerous and can be fatal.
Often caused by a significant blunt force, basilar skull fractures can lead to significant complications. Common symptoms of brain injury caused by basilar skull fractures include hearing loss, impaired vision, bruising around the eyes and ears, and fluid leaking from the nose or ear. Basilar skull fractures can also lead to long-term issues such as nerve damage.
Compensation claims for depressed skull fractures
Often caused by blunt force trauma, depressed skull fractures are where the skull is pushed inwards towards the brain, causing increased pressure on the brain. In most cases, surgery is required.
Symptoms of a depressed skull fracture that has caused a brain injury can include pain and swelling, bleeding from the nose or ears, and a visible indentation. Long-term effects can include confusion, nausea, irritability, and difficulty with balance and speech and other significant neurological changes.
Brain Injury Claims Specialists
We focus solely on brain injury claims and we have experienced senior solicitors only – no delegation to junior staff, just expert-led support throughout.
That means every expert, decision, and step we take is tailored to support your recovery and future. With deep knowledge and the right contacts, we guide your case with genuine expertise – from start to settlement.
How much compensation can I claim for a fractured skull?
The amount of compensation you may be able to claim for a fractured skull will depend on the type and severity of the injury and the impact it will have on your life. Compensation is awarded in relation to the level of pain and suffering you may experience, as well as loss of income and costs for your future care.
There’s no set amount of compensation, as each case is unique and judged based on its individual circumstances.
How is compensation for skull fractures calculated?
Compensation for skull fractures is calculated by combining the compensation amounts you may be legally entitled to for general damages and special damages, and future losses and expenses.
What are general damages for skull fracture compensation claims?
General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, sometimes known as PSLA. The amount of compensation you may be able to claim will relate to the physical and psychological effects of your injury, including consideration of the loss of enjoyment of life and the ability to participate in day-to-day activities.
The Judicial College from the Ministry of Justice publishes guidelines for compensation amounts in relation to the severity of your injury. These guidelines are used as a reference point for accurately valuing your claim.
| Type of Injury | Amount of Compensation | Level of Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Very Severe Brain Injury | £344,150 – £493,000 | Vegetative or minimally conscious state. Little or no response to environment. Full-time care required. |
| Moderately Severe Brain Injury, Serious Disabilities | £267,340 – £344,150 | Serious disabilities with severe cognitive and physical impairment. Major impact on independence and life expectancy. Professional care essential. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, No Return to Work | £183,190 – £267,340 | Lasting intellectual or sensory problems and personality change with no realistic prospect of returning to work. Significant ongoing support needs. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, Some Return to Work Possible | £110,720 – £183,190 | Moderate intellectual or sensory deficits. Some ability to work, but significantly reduced. Ongoing support and rehabilitation likely required. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, Memory/Senses Affected | £52,550 – £110,720 | Problems with memory, attention, balance, or senses. Work may be possible. Risk of epilepsy may be present. Daily life impacted but independent living broadly achievable. |
| Less Severe Brain Injury | £18,700 – £52,550 | Good recovery expected, but ongoing issues may include fatigue, memory problems, or reduced concentration. Some impact on work and daily activities. |
| Minor Brain Injury | £2,690 – £15,580 | Symptoms resolve within weeks or up to two years. Covers mild head injuries or concussions with minimal or no lasting brain damage. |
Skull Fractures Compensation Calculator
Try our brain injury compensation calculator to find out how much compensation you may be able to claim
Just select an option from the drop down menu below to start.
Minimum Amount
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Based on the Judicial College Guidelines, these figures relate to compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
In practice, claims with Coulthursts are often worth significantly more, as we also include rehabilitation costs, future losses, home adaptations, and both short- and long-term care and support. This is why our average client settlements are typically in the millions of pounds.
You will also retain a greater share of your compensation with Coulthursts. The maximum we typically charge when your case is successful is 10%, whereas some firms may take up to 25% under a no win no fee agreement.
What are special damages for fractured skull compensation claims?
Compensation for special damages for a fractured skull is for losses and expenses you have incurred in the past. In fractured skull cases what may be the most important and largest part of the compensation is for the losses and expenses you may incur in the future.
The amount of compensation for future losses and expenses you may be able to claim is particularly important for those who have suffered a severe injury because, unfortunately, many may need long-term, full-time medical assistance and care.
They may also require specialist equipment and home adaptations.
In such instances, claims for special damages and future losses, could include, but may not be limited to:
- The loss of past earnings
- Medical expenses for ongoing care and rehabilitation
- The cost of specialist medical equipment
- The cost of adapting your home to the injured person’s specific requirements
- The cost of part time or full-time care
- The cost of part time or full-time care, if it is a family member, taking into account their loss of potential income.
Compensation is a legal right intended to put the injured person back in the position they were in before their accident. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible with severe brain injuries, as comprehensive long-term care is required in many cases.
Our specialist brain injury claims solicitors have extensive experience handling such cases. Speak to our expert team today to understand your legal rights and how we can help support you and your family.
Better Off With Coulthursts
In a case valued at £1m you could be up to £150,000 better off using us, rather than a firm that charges the equivalent of 25% of your compensation.
This is because the maximum we charge when we win your case is typically just 10% – making sure you’re not weighed down by legal costs.
So, while some firms may look to take up to 25% of your compensation, we won’t.
And, even though we are specialists in brain injury claims, we always offer a no win no fee service
What are future losses when making a claim for a fractured skull?
In almost all brain injury claims, including those involving a fractured skull, you may also be entitled to claim for financial losses and ongoing care costs that are expected in the future.
This is particularly important in more severe brain injury claims, where ongoing care, treatment, and support may be required long term or indefinitely.
Future losses can include:
- Future loss of earnings
- Ongoing care and case management
- Continuing rehabilitation and therapy
- Specialist equipment
- Adaptations to your home
- Long-term support needs
In high-value claims, future losses can form a significant proportion of the overall compensation awarded.
Our table below is an indicative example of the total amount of compensation you may be able to claim.
| Type of Injury | Compensation For General Damages | Total Compensation* | Level of Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Severe Brain Injury | £344,150 – £493,000 | £2 million – £10 million+ | Vegetative or minimally conscious state. Little or no response to environment. Full-time care required. |
| Moderately Severe Brain Injury, Serious Disabilities | £267,340 – £344,150 | £1.5 million – £5 million | Serious disabilities with severe cognitive and physical impairment. Major impact on independence and life expectancy. Professional care essential. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, No Return to Work | £183,190 – £267,340 | £750,000 – £2 million | Lasting intellectual or sensory problems and personality change with no realistic prospect of returning to work. Significant ongoing support needs. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, Some Return to Work Possible | £110,720 – £183,190 | £300,000 – £750,000 | Moderate intellectual or sensory deficits. Some ability to work, but significantly reduced. Ongoing support and rehabilitation likely required. |
| Moderate Brain Injury, Memory/Senses Affected | £52,550 – £110,720 | £150,000 – £400,000 | Problems with memory, attention, balance, or senses. Work may be possible. Risk of epilepsy may be present. Daily life impacted but independent living broadly achievable. |
| Less Severe Brain Injury | £18,700 – £52,550 | £25,000 – £100,000 | Good recovery expected, but ongoing issues may include fatigue, memory problems, or reduced concentration. Some impact on work and daily activities. |
| Minor Brain Injury | £2,690 – £15,580 | £5,000 – £25,000 | Symptoms resolve within weeks or up to two years. Covers mild head injuries or concussions with minimal or no lasting brain damage. |
*Figures shown represent typical total settlements recovered by Coulthursts Solicitors including all heads of loss (pain and suffering, past financial losses, future care, lost earnings, rehabilitation and accommodation). They are indicative only and not guaranteed. Every case is assessed individually. Not legal advice.
Low Caseload, Full Focus
With ultra-low caseloads, typically around just five cases each, our solicitors have more time to work closely with you. You’re never just a file.
We build strong relationships, understand your needs in detail, and move things forward quickly—helping you feel fully supported and confident throughout the legal process.
What is the process when making a compensation claim for a skull fracture?
Typically, the claim process involves up to 7 steps. These can vary in order but usually include;
- The assessment of your case
- The gathering of evidence and establishing liability
- Access to our rehabilitation and support service, where needed
- Appointments with specialist medical experts
- The presentation of the claim to the other party
- Negotiation and settlement
- Court proceedings (on the rare occasion, an agreement can not be made outside of court).
If you decide you’d like us to represent you, we will walk you through the process of making a no win no fee claim, clearly explaining the fees and how you’re protected from any financial loss if your claim is unsuccessful.
Based on the information you can provide, we will instruct an independent medical expert to assess the level of injuries sustained and how they may impact your life. It is at this point that we can help set up specialist treatment and rehabilitation, ensuring you’re in the best possible care.
Our solicitors will compile your case based on the information provided, the medical report and other documentation, and represent your legal rights against the other party until a compensation amount is agreed upon.
Please rest assured that our expert brain injury solicitors will leave no stone unturned to achieve the settlement you deserve. Be assured, our solicitors have an extensive history of securing the very highest levels of compensation our clients are legally entitled to.
What evidence do I need when making a claim for a skull fracture?
You don’t need any evidence initially to make a skull fracture claim when you first contact us. To best understand your legal rights, we may ask you for some details on how your injury occurred; this may include things such as;
- When, where and how the brain injury occurred.
- What was the level of injuries you sustained as a result of the accident
- Who may have been at fault for the accident
- What medical diagnosis and treatment you have received
- How the injuries have affected your life, and how they may have affected your family’s life
- If you have any of the following (if applicable) witness statements, accident reports, photographs, police reports, work accident reports, or CCTV of the accident scene.
Don’t worry if you don’t have this information. We can assist you in collecting the information required to build your case.
To start with, when you first call us, you won’t need any specific evidence, we will help take care of that at the appropriate time.
Support Beyond The Claim
Many of our clients come through recommendations from doctors, brain injury specialists, clinicians, rehabilitation providers, barristers, or charities who’ve seen our work first-hand.
But we go beyond legal advice. We also help with things like benefit forms, chasing insurers, cancelling fines, and cutting through admin. It’s all part of our client-first approach and supporting you in ways other firms simply don’t.
Is there a time limit to claim compensation for a fractured skull?
In accordance with the Limitation Act 1980, you have up to three years to claim compensation for a skull fracture. This time limit runs from the date of the injury or the date a medical professional diagnosed your injuries.
However, there are some important exceptions where the length of time you may have is increased.
Claiming on behalf of a child
If you are claiming compensation on behalf of a child, you have the option to start the claim at any time until their 21st birthday as the three year time limit does not start until their 18th birthday. However, it’s always best to start as soon as possible so we can help you get the rehabilitation that’s needed and the compensation you deserve.
Claiming on behalf of someone with reduced mental capacity
If claiming for a brain injury on behalf of a child, they can start the claim at any point until their 21st birthday. Prior to them turning 18 they will need a ‘litigation friend’ who is over 18 to act on their behalf.
Claiming on behalf of someone who has passed away
In the extremely unfortunate circumstance when someone has passed away from their injuries, a designated person can usually start a claim up to three years from the date of their passing.
Typically, claims can be made by the executor of the Will or the person representing the deceased’s estate.
Claiming if your injuries were from a criminal assault
If your injuries were caused by a physical assault, you usually have two years from the date of the incident to start your claim. It’s important that you have reported the incident to the police as soon as possible after, so there are no issues with being able to qualify to make an application for criminal injuries. It is a government scheme and you need to meet certain criteria to be able to make the application.
In all circumstances, we recommend starting your claim as soon as possible so that we have the best opportunity to compile as much evidence as possible while the details of the accident are still fresh in everyone’s minds and documentation is still available.
Frequently asked question about claiming compensation for a skull fracture
Can I make a no win no fee compensation claim for a skull fracture?
Yes, you can make a compensation claim for a skull fracture on a no win no fee basis. Even though we are specialists in brain injury claims, we always offer a no win no fee service and typically this is only 10% of the compensation, where some other firms may charge a lot more.
No win no fee legal services are offered through what is known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
This agreement means that there will only be a fee payable if you win the case.
Additionally we provide an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy that protects you in the rare instance the claim is unsuccessful.
How much will it cost to make a claim for a skull fracture?
Some law firms may take up to 25% of your compensation award as their fee under the terms of their no win no fee agreement.
We won’t.
The maximum amount we charge when we win your case is typically just 10% – making sure you’re not weighed down by legal costs.
On a typical brain injury case, the amount of compensation is split 25/75 with 25% being for pain suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA) and any past losses. The bulk of the compensation (75%) is for future losses and any care and support you might need.
Other firms may look to recoup any unrecovered legal costs from your compensation to try and get closer to that overall 25% deduction. We typically cap our fees at 10% of your total compensation.
What does this mean?
In a case valued at £1m, you could be up to £150,000 better off using us, over a firm that charges the equivalent of 25% of your compensation.
Can I access financial support while my claim is being processed?
In many cases, yes, through interim payments. This is an advance on your compensation as these cases can take time to settle.
If the person or organisation responsible for the accident admits fault, it is possible to obtain interim payments to assist so you are not waiting for all your money until the claim is concluded.
The amounts will vary on a case-by-case basis. You may have a few interim payments over the lifetime of the claim, to pay for treatment or to reimburse you for lost earnings, or indeed just a general interim payment to be offset against the final claim.
However, no solicitor can guarantee an interim payment. If you have been led to believe this is the case by other solicitors, then I would question the advice given to you. Contact us for a free chat about interim payments and what can and cannot be done and how we can help.
Ask us about how we can help maximise the chance of you getting an interim payment and the possibility of emergency payments.
Can Coulthursts help with rehabilitation and medical treatment?
Yes, this is one of the things that sets us apart.
We offer a unique Rehabilitation and Support Service, separate from our legal work. We can fund and arrange early access to private treatment, physiotherapy, neuropsychological support, case management and other rehabilitation services as part of the claims process.
We believe that supporting your recovery is just as important as pursuing your compensation – and in many cases, early rehabilitation also strengthens the evidence in your claim.
Will I have to attend medical appointments?
Yes, we will instruct medical experts as near as possible to your home or place of residence.
However, we wish to obtain the best expert reports to deal with your injuries and assess the future impact of your injuries as well as detailing all the issues you currently experience. Sometimes, the best person is not the closest.
Given the severity of the injuries many of our clients have, there are usually multiple appointments with various experts, depending on your injuries.
But please be assured that we will endeavour to make these appointments as easy as possible for you or your loved one.
Will I have to attend a court hearing?
For every client we represent, we do our best to ensure that the case does not reach court, which is achieved in the vast majority of cases.
It is rare that court is required, as even in the most complex cases, a compromise is usually reached before court becomes necessary.
The only time you may need to attend court is if you are claiming on behalf of someone else, as the court requires a short and informal hearing to formally approve any settlement.
How long does a compensation claim for a fractured skull take?
The amount of time it may take for your claim to settle will depend on how complex the claim may be. Compensation claims involving brain injuries are typically complex for several reasons, including how long it may take to gather all of the necessary evidence and, in some cases, the time it takes to fully understand the long-term impact of the injury.
Importantly you are in control. However, part of our promise to you is to aim to settle your claim much quicker than industry averages. How do we do this? We are the only firm in the UK that specialise exclusively in brain injuries. Our legal experts have substantially lower individual caseloads than most other firms; this means our lawyers get to spend more time on your claim each month.
Our aim is to settle claims on average closer to 2 to 2.5 years as opposed to an average of 5 years. This is a very broad-brush average as the length will depend upon the evidence, you, and your individual case.
Our promise to you is that we will always act in YOUR best interests. For example, the injuries suffered may be so severe that experts may need to re-examine you or your loved one before making a final prognosis. As such, the time taken is guided by your recovery and the evidence.
Contact us for a free consultation
We are happy to meet individuals and their families to explain how we work and whether our service may be suitable for you. This is always at no cost and with no obligation.