Claims · Compensation
How Compensation Is Calculated
Every settlement is built from two parts: what the injury took from you, and what it will cost to put right.
5 min readUpdated November 2025
General damages
For pain, suffering and loss of amenity
General damages compensate for the injury itself — the pain, the distress, the impact on eating, speaking and confidence. The Judicial College Guidelines set the brackets used by judges and insurers.
Special damages
For the pounds and pence
- Corrective and remedial dental treatment, past and future.
- Prescriptions, over-the-counter medication and travel to appointments.
- Lost earnings, including reduced future earning capacity.
- Care and assistance provided by family members.
Typical ranges
Where cases usually sit
Awards in dental negligence typically fall between £2,000 for a single lost tooth and £75,000+ for permanent nerve damage or misdiagnosed oral cancer. Every case turns on its own facts.
A confidential first step
