Quantum
A practitioners’ term for the value of a claim, the amount of damages assessed or negotiated.
What it means in practice.
Used in UK, Irish, Australian, and Canadian practice. Discussions of quantum draw on published authority documents (JCG, PIAG, etc.) and reported decisions.
Quantum is the lawyers’ word for how much a claim is worth, as distinct from liability, whether the defendant is responsible at all. Many injury cases are fought only on quantum: the insurer admits fault and the trial is about the amount.
A quantum trial works through each head of damage: general damages for pain and suffering, past and future loss of earnings, care, and out of pocket expenses. In Queensland, general damages are fixed on an Injury Scale Value from 0 to 100.
The gap between the two sides can be very wide. Where the evidence of ongoing symptoms is not accepted, the final figure can land far below the claim.
How it works, step by step.
| Queensland decision, liability admitted | Quantum awarded | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ford v Baker (2025), leg fracture and ankle dislocation | $32,807.96 | Ford v Baker & Another [2025] QDC 43 |
| Cabato v Paltridge (2025), cyclist, 25% own fault | $73,663.91 after the reduction | Cabato v Paltridge [2025] QDC 59 |
| Norman v Hird (2025), neck injury | $103,198 | Norman v Hird and Anor [2025] QDC 44 |
| Jaksa v Sweeny (2025), neck injury | $148,826.49 | Jaksa v Sweeny & Anor [2025] QDC 2 |
| Bauer v Clay (2025), moderate neck injury, age 19 | $602,008.14 | Bauer v Clay & Anor [2025] QSC 114 |
| Murphy v Madill (2025), two crashes, psychiatric and physical injuries | $635,146.81 | Murphy v Madill [2025] QSC 103 |
A worked example.
Claim, offer and judgment: Jaksa v Sweeny (Qld 2025)
- Liability
- Admitted
- What she said the claim was worth
- Nearly $850,000
- What the insurer said
- About $96,500
- General damages (ISV 5)
- $8,100
- Judgment
- $148,826.49
The judge did not accept her evidence about how constant and severe her shoulder symptoms were, so the shoulder injury was not proved and the award landed nearer the insurer’s figure than hers.