Last Updated 16th February 2026. If you are living with chronic pain after an accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to make a chronic pain compensation claim.
Whether your injury happened at work, in a car accident, or in a public place, Legal Expert can help you seek the compensation you deserve, not only for your pain and suffering but also for financial losses such as lost income, medical bills, and care costs.
At Legal Expert, our specialist chronic pain solicitors are experienced in handling these complex claims. We understand how life-changing these conditions can be, and we are here to guide you through the process with free advice, No Win No Fee representation, and a strong track record of securing personal injury compensation for clients nationwide.
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What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain affects millions across the UK, with around 28 million adults estimated to live with the condition. Defined as pain lasting more than 12 weeks, chronic pain can range from a constant dull ache to severe and debilitating symptoms. Beyond the physical impact, it can also cause psychological challenges such as depression and anxiety, making everyday tasks and working life difficult.
Chronic pain is an umbrella term which can refer to a variety of different medical conditions causing a patient to experience either constant or long-term recurring pain. Chronic pain can be caused by an initial trauma or injury. It can also be caused by an infection. Chronic pain can also occur without any evidence of injury, trauma or evidence of damage to the body. Below are some of the main causes of chronic pain.
- RSD, or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, is a serious pain disorder caused by a nervous system malfunction, leading to chronic pain. It can be caused by broken bones and damage to the nerves, soft tissue, sprains, slips, and even bruising. This type of chronic pain often presents several months after the original accident or injury. It can often be difficult to diagnose correctly.
- Fibromyalgia. This has a number of symptoms which can often present in a different way in different people. Symptoms include widespread pain and/or extreme sensitivity to pain across the whole body. Fibromyalgia can occur spontaneously or be caused by trauma.
- Myofascial pain. This affects your soft tissues and can involve a single muscle or be across a whole muscle group. Its symptoms include pain, muscle spasm and tenderness. It is usually caused by a strain injury to a muscle or to the supporting tendons or ligaments.
Symptoms And Effects Of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain comes with a multitude of symptoms and effects that can significantly impact an individual’s life, including persistent aching and intense fatigue. Other symptoms include:
- Shooting, stabbing, or burning pain
- Sleep disturbances
- Muscle stiffness
- Reduced mobility
- Tingling and numbness
The effects that this can have on a person’s physical and psychological health can include:
- Muscle weakness and a susceptibility to falls
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Frustration and anger
- Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and vulnerability
- Suicidal ideation
- Social withdrawal
How Chronic Pain Can Impact Daily Life
We’ve provided some examples below of how chronic pain can impact daily life:
- An individual suffering from chronic pain struggles to keep up with household chores. Their home becomes increasingly unhygienic, making them feel ashamed to host friends and family. This results in their becoming isolated and distressed.
- A person suffering from chronic pain develops a reduced capacity to exercise and participate in their favourite sporting activities, which leads to them developing depression.
- The ongoing effects of chronic pain prevent an individual from being able to spend time with their child, due to both the physical pain and the severe fatigue caused by insomnia.
Are you suffering from chronic pain because of someone else’s negligent actions? Call us today so we can assess if you are entitled to pursue chronic pain compensation.
Types Of Chronic Pain Conditions That Can Lead To Compensation Claims
There are numerous chronic pain conditions that can develop as a result of an accident. In these circumstances, you may be able to claim for the likes of:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Neuropathic pain
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Post-surgical chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia following trauma
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Phantom limb pain
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but covers some of the main conditions we’ve helped with in the past.
Can I Claim Compensation For Chronic Pain?
Suffering from chronic pain can be a stressful experience for many people, and it is commonly associated with other effects such as depression, a lower quality of life, impaired bodily function and even job losses in some cases.
At Legal Expert, we help people suffering from chronic pain to get the compensation they deserve, such as by bringing a fibromyalgia claim. If you have chronic pain caused by a workplace accident or injury, a road traffic accident or a slip, trip or fall, we may be able to bring a claim for chronic pain on your behalf. Due to the different causes of chronic pain and the resulting effects, chronic pain claims cases can be very complex and require specialist assessment.
How Long Do I Have To Make A Chronic Pain Claim?
If you wish to claim chronic pain compensation amounts, the Limitation Act 1980 states that you have 3 years from the date of the injury to begin the process.
In some instances, chronic pain compensation may still be claimed after 3 years. For example, you could use the date of knowledge as the start of your time limit. This is the date you become aware that your injuries were caused by negligence. You will need to support this date with evidence, such as a medical report detailing the date of your diagnosis.
The time limit is suspended completely for claimants under 18. However, it begins once they reach adulthood. Before this date, a litigation friend must be appointed to claim on behalf of the child.
A litigation friend must also be appointed if a claim is to be made on behalf of a claimant with reduced mental capacity. The time limit is suspended in these cases, too. It would begin should the injured party recover to a point where they’re deemed capable of making their own claim.
Get in touch if you need any advice, and to find out if we could connect you with one of our chronic pain solicitors.
Chronic Pain Compensation Amounts and Payouts
If your chronic pain is the result of a liable party’s negligence, you may be interested in learning more about pain and suffering settlement examples in the UK. As each claim is different, we can’t discuss exact chronic pain compensation amounts. However, we can show you how compensation could be calculated.
To compensate for pain and suffering, general damages is paid out in a successful claim. To help assign a value to this amount, legal professionals may use a document titled the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) from the Judiciary UK. It contains a listing of injuries, including chronic pain conditions, with guideline compensation brackets for claims made in England and Wales.
In addition to general damages, special damages are awarded in some claims. We examine special damages in more detail shortly.
General Damages
In our table, we’ve provided examples from the latest update of the JCG for chronic pain. As we discussed above, each claim is different. Therefore, these figures are not representative of what you will receive. Also, the top figure is not from the JCG.
| Injury Type | Severity | Compensation Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| Serious Chronic Pain Plus Financial Loss | Severe | Up to £250,000+ where also awarded special damages including things such as medical expenses, loss of wages and travel costs. |
| Severe Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) | Severe - Little To No Ability To Work | £64,070 to £102,520 |
| CRPS | Moderate - Better Prognosis After Treatment | £34,200 to £64,070 |
| Other Pain Disorders | Severe - Includes Cases Of Fibromyalgia | £51,410 to £76,870 |
| Other Pain Disorders | Moderate - Significant Symptoms To A Lesser Degree Than Above | £25,710 to £46,970 |
| Psychiatric Damage | Moderately Severe - Significant Future Vulnerability | £23,270 to £66,920 |
| Psychiatric Damage | Moderate - A Good Prognosis | £7,150 to £23,270 |
To learn more about chronic pain compensation or for help using our compensation calculator, please get in touch with our advisors.
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What Else Can Chronic Pain Compensation Include?
The chronic pain compensation amounts listed above only refer to general damages. There are also special damages to consider. If you have experienced major financial loss, especially if your chronic pain has left you unable to work or function as you did before, you could be in line to claim a significant sum.
Special damages compensation accounts for such loss. You might seek a payment for the likes of:
- A loss of earnings if you miss work or have to leave your role. This can account for projected future earnings, not just what you miss out on at the time.
- Medical bills or prescription fees.
- The cost of replacing damaged property.
- Home healthcare bills.
Our chronic pain solicitors could help you get the compensation you deserve. Call today to discuss how chronic pain compensation works and have an in-depth discussion about what you can claim for.
Case Study: £97,000 Payout In A Chronic Pain Compensation Claim
In this example case study*, we look at Mary’s £97,000 payout for her claim for chronic pain caused by injuries sustained in a collision with a speeding drink driver.
Mary suffered several broken bones, which triggered Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This left her with significant pain, affecting her day-to-day quality of life.
After working with a solicitor who helped her collect evidence for her claim, including medical records and dashcam footage of the accident, Mary received:
- £41,257 in general damages for the pain and suffering she experienced, including psychological distress.
- £55,743 in special damages for the financial losses she incurred as a direct result of her CRPS. This covered childcare costs, lost wages, and long-term medical expenses.
To find out if you might have an eligible chronic pain claim, call us today for a free assessment. Our advisors can also address any questions you might have about chronic pain syndrome compensation.
How Do I Prove My Chronic Pain Claim?
To support your chronic pain compensation claim, you must obtain evidence. For any claim to be successful, solicitors must establish third-party liability, and evidence creates a compelling argument to achieve this.
This is simply a collection of facts, documents and other resources that illustrate how the third party breached their duty of care, resulting in your chronic injury. Some examples of evidence that may support your claim include:
- Copies of medical records that state your chronic injuries
- Copies of medical scans, such as an X-ray
- Copies of your prescriptions showing your medication
- Documents of your treatment, such as physiotherapy
- Diary entries of your experiences of chronic pain
- Documents of mental health services you accessed
- CCTV or dashcam footage of your accident
- The accident report book the incident was reported in
- Documents of your financial losses, such as receipts
- Correspondence with the third party, such as emails
- Contact details of anyone who witnessed your injury
As well as being used to establish third-party liability, evidence also paints a picture of the impact your chronic injury has had on your life. So, the more evidence you are able to collect, the more you will support your claim and ensure your compensation reflects your suffering.
If you need help finding evidence, our excellent solicitors may assist you and will then review it to try to establish third-party liability.
If you would like more examples of evidence that supports chronic pain compensation claims, please contact our advisors.
Claim Compensation With Our Chronic Pain Solicitors
Our chronic pain solicitors understand that you may be worried about paying for legal representation. However, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay anything upfront to get the claim started. Only if the claim succeeds do you pay a fee, which is a small, legally capped percentage of your compensation award. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay our solicitors a success fee.
You can get in touch with our friendly advisors to learn more today by:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Chronic Pain Compensation Claims
Below, you can find answers to frequently asked questions on chronic pain compensation claims:
Can I Claim Compensation For Chronic Pain After A Car Accident?
If you developed chronic pain after a car accident that was not your fault, you can claim compensation for the physical and psychological harm you have suffered. Chronic pain can persist long after the initial injuries heal, affecting your mobility, mental health, and ability to work.
Can I Claim Compensation For Chronic Pain Syndrome?
Yes, you can claim compensation for chronic pain syndrome (CPS) if you have been diagnosed with the condition and it was caused by an accident that was not your fault. Chronic pain syndrome can lead to long-term physical discomfort, psychological effects such as anxiety or depression, and difficulties with work and daily life.
When Does The Limitation Period Start For Chronic Pain Claims?
The limitation period for chronic pain claims usually starts from the date of injury, but the “date of knowledge” may apply (the date when you became aware of the significant pain and connected it to someone else’s negligent conduct).
Can I Get Interim Payments Before My Claim Settles?
Yes, you can get interim payments before your chronic pain claim settles if the opposing side has admitted liability or you are likely to win your claim. These payments can cover urgent costs such as treatment or living expenses and serve as an advance on your compensation.
How Are General And Special Damages Calculated In Chronic Pain Claims?
In chronic pain claims, general damages are calculated by assessing the severity of the harm, long-term prognosis, and impact on quality of life. Special damages are evaluated by accounting for current and future financial losses, such as lost earnings and the cost of private medical support, care, travel, and home adaptations.
What Medical Evidence Do I Need To Support A Chronic Pain Claim?
The medical evidence you need to support a chronic pain claim may involve expert reports from pain specialists, imaging (MRI, CT scans), neurological tests, a pain diary, and assessments from physiotherapists, psychologists, and other relevant clinicians.
What If I Had Pain Before The Accident (Pre-Existing Condition)?
If you already had pain before the accident, specifically a pre-existing condition, your claim would only cover any additional pain and suffering you experienced. This means the claim would identify which symptoms were worsened or aggravated by the accident.
Can I Change Solicitors If My Chronic Pain Was Ignored Before?
Yes, you can change solicitors if your chronic pain was ignored or previously overlooked, as you have a right to switch legal representation. This may be because you feel your claim is undervalued or because you are dissatisfied with the service provided.
Do Chronic Pain Claims Include Psychological Or Mental Injury?
Yes, chronic pain claims can include psychological or mental injury, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, if you have evidence linking them to the condition.
What Defences Might Be Raised Against My Chronic Pain Claim?
Some of the defences that might be raised against your chronic pain claim could centre on your symptoms being exaggerated, unrelated to the accident, or psychological in origin. Our specialist solicitors will anticipate and counter these arguments.
How Long Do Chronic Pain Cases Usually Take To Settle?
Because chronic pain cases can be complex, the time it takes to settle depends on the availability of evidence, the straightforwardness of negotiations, and the outcome of medical assessments.
What Are The Causes Of Chronic Pain?
The causes of chronic pain include lower back pain, arthritis, and persistent headaches. It may begin after an injury, surgery, or infection, even once the initial damage has healed.
Can Chronic Pain Be Considered A Disability?
Yes, chronic pain can be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 as the condition is often long-term and has a substantial, adverse effect on a person’s daily life and ability to carry out normal activities.
Can Chronic Pain Develop After Minor Injuries?
Yes, chronic pain can develop after minor injuries, such as strains and sprains, due to nervous system sensitisation.
Can Workplace Injuries Lead To Chronic Pain Claims?
Yes, workplace injuries can lead to chronic pain claims if they are sustained on the job because of the actions or inactions of a negligent employer.
Can Chronic Pain Compensation Include Therapy Or Rehabilitation?
Yes, chronic pain compensation can include therapy or rehabilitation, and such out-of-pocket expenses are often necessary to help manage the condition.
If you need more detailed answers to any of the above FAQs, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with an advisor today. Thank you for reading this guide on chronic pain claims, including our *illustrative case study.