What is a subdural haematoma?
A subdural haematoma is a collection of blood that builds up between the brain and its protective covering. It is a potentially life-threatening type of brain injury when blood forms between the brain’s outer membrane and the middle membrane.
A person may have suffered a subdural haematoma if they have been involved in an accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury. For those who were involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault, they may have the right to claim for compensation.
If you, or a family member, has been involved in an accident which has led to a subdural haematoma, we understand the pressure these types of injuries can mean for you and your loved ones.
Our team of dedicated specialist brain injury solicitors have considerable experience successfully representing families in your position.
In addition to our legal expertise, we can help fast-track medical assessments and rehabilitation to start the recovery process as quickly as possible.
Speak to our friendly, experienced team today for a free, no obligation consultation. We’ll explain your options and let you know how we can help.
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 subdural haematoma brain injury?
You may have a legal right to claim for a subdural haematoma if your brain injury was the result of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Negligence, or fault, means a person or organisation owed you a duty of care, breached it, and that breach caused your accident.
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, the duty of care may have been breached by your employer or a fellow road user driving dangerously or in other circumstances.
In most cases, you have up to three years from the date of the accident or three years from the date the injury was diagnosed to start a compensation claim for your injuries.
What types of accidents can cause a subdural heamatoma brain injury?
Subdural haematomas can occur from a number of head injuries. The most common types of accidents can include:
- Falls, especially from height, when the brain has been injuries
- Accidents on the road, including car accidents involving head injuries
- Blows to the head from an outside force.
What are the different types of subdural haematomas?
There are three main types of subdural haematomas, with each referring to how quickly blood forms on the brain.
Acute subdural haematomas
Classed as a medical emergency, an acute subdural haematoma (aSDH) is the most common type of subdural haematoma following a high-impact trauma. In these cases, blood collects on the brain within the first 72 hours after the accident, leading to severe complications.
Subacute subdural haematomas
A subacute subdural haematoma (SDH) diagnosis is for a build-up of blood between the dura and arachnoid layers of the brain, usually developing between 4 and 21 days after a head injury. In these cases, the blood can sometimes begin to clot and may be more difficult to detect on scans, but it can still place pressure on the brain.
Chronic subdural haematomas
A chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH) is a slower developing collection of blood between the surface of the brain and its outer covering. It usually forms over several weeks, often following a relatively minor head injury. At this stage, the blood is typically more fluid and can begin to place pressure on the brain, leading to symptoms such as headaches, confusion, or weakness.
As with many brain injuries, early and correct diagnosis is extremely important. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Not only can this affect the patient’s rehabilitation, but it may also affect their understanding of their legal rights when claiming for compensation.
As the only law firm in the UK dedicated solely to brain injury claims, we have a wealth of experience in helping people in both their rehabilitation and to understand their legal rights. Please speak to our team today to see how we may be able to help you.
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 is the amount of compensation I could claim for a subdural haematoma?
How much compensation you may receive for a successful subdural haematoma claim will be dependent on how severe the injury is and the effect it has on your life.
Compensation payments are calculated to reflect the pain and suffering experienced, as well as any loss of earnings and the cost of future care you may require.
Our head and brain injury compensation calculator provides an estimate of how much compensation you may receive for your injuries
How is compensation for a subdural haematoma calculated?
Compensation for a subdural haematoma injury is calculated by combining the compensation amounts you may be legally entitled to for general damages and special damages and future losses.
What are general damages?
General damages include compensation 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 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. |
In addition to claiming general damages, you can claim special damages.
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.
What are special damages?
Compensation for special damages is for expenses you have incurred or any losses you’ve suffered – up until the point of settlement.
The amount of compensation for special damages you may be able to claim is particularly important for those who have suffered a severe brain injury because, unfortunately, many may need long-term, full-time medical assistance and care. In these cases, the amount of compensation you receive, including future losses, may be much larger than the compensation for general damages.
In such instances, claims for special damages could include, but may not be limited to:
- The loss of earnings to the date of settlement
- Medical expenses incurred for treatment and rehabilitation
- The cost of specialist medical equipment
- The cost of adapting your home to the injured person’s specific requirements
- The cost of full-time care,
- The cost of 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 very high-value brain injury cases. Speak to our expert team today to understand your legal rights and how we can help support you.
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 for subdural heamatoma claims?
In almost all brain injury claims such as subdural heamatoma injuries, 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 injuries to the brain, 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.
Can I make a no win no fee claim for a subdural haematoma brain injury?
Yes, we always offer our legal services on a no win no fee basis.
No win no fee legal services are offered through what is known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This agreement means there will be a fee payable only if you win the case
Additionally, we provide an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy that protects you in the rare instance that the claim is unsuccessful.
While many firms take up to 25% of the compensation awarded, we typically charge only 10%.
How much does it cost to make a no win no fee claim for a subdural haematoma injury?
In addition to the protection our no win no fee agreement provides, you may receive more compensation when choosing us to represent you.
Unlike many other types of personal injury claims, sometimes the majority of the total compensation awarded for brain injuries is for the essential ongoing care and support you may need. While some firms think it may be reasonable to deduct 25% from this amount, we don’t, which is why we cap our overall fees at just 10%.
What does this mean?
In a case valued at £1 million, you would receive £150,000 by choosing us over a firm that may deduct 25% of the total compensation for their services.
Our example below shows the significant difference in the compensation you may receive.
| Compensation amount | Your compensation if you had to pay 25% to another firm | Your compensation after 10% legal fees with Coulthursts | Your total saving using Coulthursts |
|---|---|---|---|
| £500,000 | £375,000 | £450,000 | +£75,000 |
| £750,000 | £562,500 | £675,000 | +£112,500 |
| £1m | £750,000 | £900,000 | +£150,000 |
Additionally, our clients are protected from any upfront or hidden costs, and we regularly fund rehabilitation expenses in advance, so you can access treatment as quickly as possible, when you need it most.
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.
How do I start a claim if I’ve suffered a subdural haematoma?
The first step is to contact a specialist brain injury solicitor such as Coulthursts.
With decades of combined specialist legal experience representing clients who have suffered brain injuries, we know how difficult this time might be for you.
Consultations are always free, and we will explain how we can help you, your legal rights, and the plethora of support services that may be available to you.
What evidence do I need to start a claim?
To understand your legal rights, we may ask you for some details on the events that led to your injury. 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 help you collect it and build your case for you.
What are the steps involved in making a claim?
Typically, the process for all brain injury claims, including subdural haematomas, involves up to 7 steps. These 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. At this point, we can help arrange specialist treatment and rehabilitation to ensure 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.
Frequently asked questions about subdural haematoma claims
What is a bleed on the brain?
A bleed on the brain, also known as a brain haemorrhage, is a type of brain injury where blood leaks into or around the brain following trauma or a medical event such as a stroke.
This build-up of blood can put pressure on the brain, affecting its function and potentially causing symptoms such as headaches, confusion, weakness, or loss of consciousness. The severity can vary, but it is always a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
What are the different types of bleeds on the brain?
There are several types of bleeds on the brain, classified by where the blood collects.
The main types are subdural haematomas (bleeding between the brain and its outer covering), epidural haematomas (bleeding between the skull and the dura), and subarachnoid haemorrhages (bleeding into the space around the brain).
There are also intracerebral haemorrhages, which are much less common following an accident, where bleeding occurs within the brain tissue itself. Each type varies in how it develops, the symptoms it causes, and the treatment required.
How long will my claim take to settle?
The time it may take to complete the claim depends on its complexity.
Brain injury claims, including those involving subdural hematomas, 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 understand the long-term impact of the injury fully.
Who will handle my brain injury claim? How do I know they have the correct expertise?
Every one of our solicitors is a specialist in brain injury compensation claims, it’s all we do.
Coulthursts is the only law firm in the UK that works exclusively on brain injury claims. Every solicitor on our team has a minimum of ten years’ experience in this area of law, meaning they are classified as Grade A legal experts. Most of our solicitors have more than 25 years of specialist experience.
We focus exclusively on brain injury cases, and our solicitors also carry significantly lower individual caseloads than solicitors at general personal injury firms.
This means they have the time to truly understand you, your family and the impact the injury has had.
As a result your claim receives the regular attention it deserves, and careful progression throughout the process – not just at key milestones.
Can Coulthursts help with rehabilitation and treatment during the claim?
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.
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.