Traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims produce the highest valuations in personal injury law. Severe TBI cases with permanent cognitive impairment regularly produce total awards exceeding $2,000,000 in the US when lifetime care costs are included. The general damages component (pain and suffering) alone reaches the top of every jurisdiction's published scale.
TL;DR.
Mild concussion: $15K–$50K (US), £2,210–£12,770 (UK). Moderate TBI: $100K–$500K (US), £43,620–£219,070 (UK). Severe/catastrophic: $500K–$5M+ (US), £282,010– £379,210 (UK, general damages only — care costs are additional). Future care costs dominate the total in severe cases.
TBI classification
| Severity | GCS score | Loss of consciousness | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild (concussion) | 13–15 | <30 minutes | Headache, confusion, brief amnesia; full recovery expected |
| Moderate | 9–12 | 30 min – 24 hours | Cognitive deficits, personality changes; partial recovery |
| Severe | 3–8 | >24 hours | Permanent cognitive impairment, personality change, care needs |
| Very severe | 3–5 | Days–weeks | Full dependency, minimal awareness, 24-hour care required |
UK values (JCG 16th edition)
| Severity | JCG band | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | £2,210–£12,770 | Full recovery; minimal lasting effects |
| Less severe | £15,320–£43,620 | Concentration, memory problems; small risk of epilepsy |
| Moderately severe | £43,620–£219,070 | Very serious disability; substantially dependent |
| Very severe | £282,010–£379,210 | Little meaningful function; fully dependent |
US values
| Severity | Total settlement range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild concussion | $15,000–$50,000 | Full recovery; short treatment |
| Post-concussion syndrome | $50,000–$200,000 | Persistent symptoms >3 months; cognitive testing |
| Moderate TBI | $200,000–$500,000 | Documented cognitive deficits; reduced employability |
| Severe TBI | $500,000–$2,000,000 | Permanent impairment; significant care needs |
| Catastrophic TBI | $2,000,000–$10,000,000+ | Full dependency; lifetime care costs dominate |
Canada values
| Severity | Non-pecuniary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | C$10,000–$40,000 | Below Andrews proportional midpoint |
| Moderate | C$80,000–$200,000 | Andrews proportional |
| Severe/Catastrophic | C$350,000–$420,000 | At or near Andrews cap |
Ireland values (PIAG)
| Severity | PIAG range |
|---|---|
| Minor (full recovery) | €5,000–€20,000 |
| Moderate | €35,000–€120,000 |
| Severe | €150,000–€400,000+ |
European values
| Country | Severe TBI (general damages) | System |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | €150,000–€400,000 | Baremo (high-point permanent impairment) |
| Italy | €300,000–€1,000,000 | Tabelle Milanesi (70–100% impairment) |
| Germany | €200,000–€500,000 | Schmerzensgeldtabelle |
| France | €250,000–€600,000 | Judicial discretion (Dintilhac) |
Future care costs: the hidden multiplier
In severe TBI cases, the non-economic (pain and suffering) component is often the smaller part of the total award. Future care costs — 24-hour attendant care, rehabilitation, adapted housing, specialist equipment, case management — can exceed $5,000,000 over a lifetime for a young claimant with severe TBI.
Key point: A 25-year-old with severe TBI requiring 24-hour care might have: non-economic damages of $400,000 (or at the Andrews cap in Canada), future care costs of $6,000,000, lost earning capacity of $2,000,000, and past medical expenses of $500,000 — totalling $8,900,000 despite the non-economic component being “capped.”
Frequently asked questions
How much is a traumatic brain injury claim worth?
Mild concussion with full recovery: $15,000–$50,000 (US), £2,210–£12,770 (UK). Moderate TBI with cognitive deficits: $100,000–$500,000 (US), £43,620–£219,070 (UK). Severe TBI with permanent disability: $500,000–$5,000,000+ (US), £282,010–£379,210 (UK, general damages only).
What makes TBI claims more valuable?
TBI claims produce higher valuations because of: lifetime care costs, significant cognitive and personality changes, inability to return to pre-injury employment, and the devastating impact on quality of life. Future care costs alone can exceed the non-economic component.
How are TBI cases proven?
Through neurological examination, neuropsychological testing, imaging (CT, MRI, DTI for diffuse axonal injury), Glasgow Coma Scale scores from the acute phase, and expert medical testimony. Mild TBI (concussion) is harder to prove objectively, which can reduce claim value.
How long do TBI claims take?
Mild concussion: 12–24 months. Moderate TBI: 2–4 years. Severe TBI: 3–7 years. The extended timeline reflects the need for long-term neuropsychological assessment and life-care planning.
Sources
- Judicial College Guidelines, 16th edition — brain injuries
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — TBI classification
- Brain Injury Association of America — lifetime cost estimates
- Personal Injuries Guidelines (Ireland, 2021)
- Supreme Court of Canada — Andrews trilogy
Editorial note. This guide provides indicative ranges. TBI claims are among the most complex in personal injury. It is not legal advice. See our full disclaimer.
📌Cite this article: “Brain Injury / TBI Claim Values Across 15 Jurisdictions.” MyClaimWorth.com, May 2026. Accessed 2026. https://myclaimworth.com/articles/tbi-claim-values-all-jurisdictions