If you've suffered internal organ damage in an accident that wasn't your fault, we can help you make an internal injury compensation claim.
We are a trusted claims management company helping people make personal injury claims for over 15 years.
Internal Injury Claims
Internal injuries include trauma affecting organs, tissues, and blood vessels inside the body. When this damage is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to make an internal injury claim.
Various accidents can cause internal injuries, including road traffic accidents, falls from heights, accidents at work and even medication side effects.
A successful claim can help you recover compensation for your pain, suffering, treatments, lost wages and other financial losses.
To find out if you have a valid internal injury compensation claim, call 0800 470 0472 today or request a call back using our contact form. You will receive a free consultation with a friendly legal adviser with no obligation to proceed.
Key points about internal injury claims
- Eligibility: You may be eligible to claim if you suffered internal injuries due to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
- Common Causes: Blunt force trauma from car accidents, falls, or workplace incidents can result in serious internal injuries.
- Time Limit: Claims should generally be made within 3 years of the injury or diagnosis.
- Compensation: Will reflect the type and severity of internal damage, pain, long-term impact, and financial losses.
- No Win, No Fee: Your solicitor will manage your case on a no win, no fee basis — so you only pay a fee if your claim is successful.
Table of Contents
What is an internal injury claim?
An internal injury claim is a personal injury claim that you can initiate if you or a loved one suffered damage to internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs or bowels. Such injuries can occur in two ways:
- Blunt force trauma from sudden and forceful impacts to the body without breaking the skin. This can result from falls, physical assaults, car accidents or sports incidents.
- Penetrating trauma from objects that pierce the skin and cause damage to internal organs. Common examples include injuries from sharp objects, stab wounds and gunshot wounds.
- Crush injuries from accidents such as building collapses, heavy machinery accidents, and entrapment incidents can cause compartment syndrome, tissue necrosis and kidney failure.
- Internal bleeding due to ruptured aneurysms, blood clotting disorders, or gastrointestinal issues can lead to organ failure or hypovolemic shock.
- Medical conditions such as stroke, kidney disease or heart attacks can cause irreversible damage to internal organs and may even be fatal.
- Sepsis causes widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure and internal injuries.
- Medication-related injuries can occur as a side effect or adverse reaction, damaging organs such as the liver, kidney or stomach.
This guide explains when and how you may be able to claim, how much compensation you may be entitled to, and what time limits you have to start legal proceedings.
Am I eligible to make an internal injury compensation claim?
Yes, you can make an internal organ damage claim if the following criteria apply to your case:
- Another party, such as your employer or a road user, owed you a duty of care.
- They breached their duty of care towards you through negligence or wrongdoing.
- Their actions or inaction led to an accident.
- You suffered internal injuries as a result of that accident within the past three years.
If all these can be proven, a personal injury lawyer will take on your case on a no win no fee basis and help you seek compensation.
Who could be liable in claims for internal organ damage?
Several parties may be liable for your injury, depending on how it occurred. A duty of care will be established based on the legislation that best applies to your case, such as:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – It allows you to make a workplace accident claim against your employer if they failed to keep you safe at work.
- The Road Traffic Act 1988 – You can make a road traffic accident claim if your internal injuries were due to another road user’s negligence.
- The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 – You can start a public liability claim if you were injured in a shop, restaurant, car park or the premises of another business.
Your solicitor will help you gather evidence to support your injury claim and will contact the responsible party to initiate negotiations.
What is the time limit for starting an internal injury claim for compensation?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you typically have three years from the date of injury (or from the date of knowledge that your injury was caused by someone else) to claim compensation. There are a few exceptions to the 3-year time limit:
- Child injury claims can be brought by a parent or legal guardian at any time before the child’s 18th birthday, regardless of the injury date.
- If the injured person is mentally incapacitated, the time limit is suspended. In this case, a litigation friend could represent them at any time.
- If you were injured following a criminal assault, you have two years to make a claim through the CICA.
- If you were injured during military service, you have seven years to start a claim through the AFCS.
How do I make an internal organ injury compensation claim?
If you want to make an internal injury claim for compensation, you typically need to follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention to have your injuries diagnosed and documented.
- Get in touch with a specialist internal injury solicitor to determine eligibility and liability.
- Undergo a free independent medical exam and gather further supporting evidence.
- Send a letter of claim to the defendant outlining your case.
- Engage in negotiations or issue court proceedings and prepare for a court trial.
What evidence do I need to support my internal injury claim?
The types of evidence you could use to make an internal injury claim include:
- Photographs of the accident scene and any visible injuries.
- If available, CCTV or video footage of the accident unfolding.
- Testimony from experts who can attest whether the defendant was negligent.
- Your medical records and diagnostic tests.
- A medical report from an independent specialist regarding your future care needs.
- Statements from witnesses to the accident, as well as your own testimony.
- A copy of an accident report form or police report.
- Evidence of expenses incurred due to your injury, such as receipts, payslips or invoices.
How much compensation is an internal injury claim worth?
The amount of compensation owed to you will be calculated based on two types of damages:
Special damages are awarded for all the financial losses and expenses directly related to your accident and injuries, such as:
- The cost of private medical treatment, hospital stays and surgeries.
- Loss of earnings during recovery and loss of earning capacity.
- The cost of travelling to and from medical appointments.
- Care and assistance during recovery or permanently, in the case of disability.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy.
General damages are awarded for non-monetary losses suffered because of the injury. Examples include:
- Physical pain and mental suffering.
- Physical and mental disability.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Loss of enjoyment of life and the ability to engage in previous activities.
- Reduced quality of life and life expectancy.
Examples of compensation payouts for internal injuries
You can use our compensation calculator to find out approximately how much your claim could be worth. Below are a few examples of compensation brackets based on the 18th Edition of the Judicial College Guidelines:
| Injury Type | Description | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Bladder Injuries | Serious impairment of bladder control with some pain and incontinence | £85,000 - £106,000 |
| Bowel Injuries | An abdominal injury resulting in impaired function | £59,000 - £92,000 |
| Kidney Injuries | A kidney injury with significant risk of future loss of kidney function | Up to £85,000 |
| Digestive System | A serious non-penetrating injury causing long-term or permanent digestive issues | £22,000 - £37,000 |
| Spleen Injuries | Loss of spleen with ongoing risk of internal infection or immune disorders | £27,000 - £35,000 |
| Hernia Injuries | A hernia causing continuing pain or limits on physical activity or work after repair | £20,000 - £32,000 |
| Chest Injuries | Chest injury causing some permanent tissue damage but no major long-term lung problem | £17,000 - £24,000 |
Will my solicitor offer me a No Win No Fee service?
Yes, you can make a no win no fee compensation claim if your case has merit. A conditional fee agreement means you do not have to worry about legal fees and financial losses because:
- You do not have to pay anything upfront.
- If you win the case, your solicitor will get a success fee from certain parts of your compensation award (capped at 25% of those damages).
- If your case fails, you do not have to pay them a single penny.
What are the most common types of internal injuries?
The most common internal injuries for which you could make a compensation claim include:
Signs and symptoms of internal trauma
If you experienced internal trauma following an accident, this can cause various symptoms, depending on the severity and location of the injury. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain in the abdomen can indicate damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, or intestines.
- Unexplained swelling or bruising, especially around the abdomen or chest, may suggest internal bleeding.
- Dizziness or fainting due to low blood pressure from significant blood loss.
- Shortness of breath may indicate injuries to the lungs, such as a punctured lung or pneumothorax.
- Nausea, vomiting, or even vomiting blood.
- Pale, cold or clammy skin due to shock from internal bleeding.
- A rapid heart rate can be a sign of blood loss or shock.
- Blood in urine or stool can indicate an injury to the kidneys, bladder or intestines.
If you think you suffered internal organ damage, you should seek immediate medical care, whether you have any symptoms or not. Sometimes, these may not appear immediately, and prompt treatment is essential to ensure the best prognosis.
How are internal injuries diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosing an internal injury involves a combination of methods used to determine its extent and severity, including:
- A physical examination to look for visible signs of trauma like bruising, swelling, or tenderness and assess your vital signs, such as heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.
- Laboratory tests such as blood tests and urine analysis can help detect signs of infection, bleeding disorders and organ function.
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds are essential to detect organ injuries and internal bleeding.
The treatment for injuries to internal organs will depend on their type and severity, and might include:
- Emergency care to stabilise the patient, such as blood transfusions, breathing support and IV fluids.
- Medical treatment such as pain relief, antibiotics to prevent or treat infections and other medicines to manage symptoms or stabilise blood pressure.
- Surgical interventions are often needed to repair or remove damaged organs and stop internal bleeding.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy may be needed to restore movement, strength, and function after severe internal injuries or surgeries.
The specific treatment plan will depend on the type, severity, and location of the internal injury and your overall health.
What could be the long-term consequences of internal organ injuries?
Internal injuries can have various long-term consequences, even when they receive immediate medical care. These include:
- Ongoing pain or discomfort in the affected area.
- Chronic conditions such as kidney disease, respiratory issues or liver disease.
- Formation of scar tissue, which might affect the normal functioning of organs and tissues.
- Permanent disability, leading to loss of independence and mobility.
- Increased risk of developing secondary conditions or complications, such as infections or high blood pressure.
- The need for ongoing medical care, regular check-ups or long-term medical treatments.
- Reduced overall quality of life due to lost ability to work, engage in activities and maintain relationships.
- Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- In the most severe cases, suffering an internal injury can be fatal.
If you suffered any long-term damage following an accident that was not your fault, your solicitor will include it in your internal injury compensation claim.
What are the most common causes of internal injury claims?
Common accidents that can lead to an internal injury claim for compensation include:
Can I make a claim for an internal injury caused by medical negligence?
If you suffered any type of internal damage due to substandard medical care, you may be eligible to claim personal injury compensation. Examples of medical negligence include:
- Mistakes during surgery, such as accidentally cutting or puncturing organs or leaving instruments inside the body.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a condition that affects internal organs.
- Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or a harmful combination of drugs with toxic effects on organs such as the liver, kidneys, or heart.
- Failure to provide timely and appropriate treatment for conditions such as infections or internal bleeding.
- Mistakes in administering anaesthesia or failure to monitor vital signs during surgery.
If you suffered an injury due to any of these or other types of negligent medical care, you may be eligible to make a medical negligence claim.
Can I claim for internal injuries on behalf of a loved one?
Yes. You are entitled to represent a loved one as a litigation friend if they suffered from internal injuries and cannot start a claim themselves.
This is often the case when the injured party is a child under 18 or an adult who lacks mental capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (known as a protected party).
If you manage to secure compensation for a child or a protected party, you must go to a court hearing before a judge. They will examine the available evidence and decide whether the settlement is fair and covers all your loved one’s needs.
Once approved, the funds can be transferred into a personal injury trust, so it will not affect the claimant’s entitlement to means-tested state benefits.
Can I make a claim for internal injuries that caused the death of a loved one?
Yes, you could make a wrongful death claim. Unfortunately, severe internal injuries often lead to fatalities or a significant decrease in life expectancy.
Anyone who is classified as a dependant of the deceased could make a fatal injury claim, including spouses, civil partners, children, parents and siblings. A claim can include:
- Loss of financial benefits, such as salaries, bonuses and pensions.
- Loss of services, such as childcare, household chores, gardening and DIY projects.
- Funeral expenses, such as the cost of a memorial and wreaths.
- Any financial losses incurred by your loved one between their accident and their death.
- A bereavement award of £15,120 as recognition of their wrongful death and your grief.
How long will it take to receive compensation for an internal injury?
There is no set amount of time to resolve a personal injury case. How long a personal injury claim may take will depend on several factors, such as:
- The severity of your injuries.
- The complexity of the case and the legal issues involved.
- Whether the other party admits being at fault for your injuries.
- Whether you have to go to court.
While a straightforward claim may settle within months, more complex cases could take years to resolve. In the meantime, it may be possible to secure interim payments.
If you suffered an internal injury and you want to find out if you have a valid claim, call 0800 470 0472 or enter your details to request a call back. An experienced legal adviser will offer you a free case assessment and answer any questions you may have.
