The Sixth Edition of the Judicial Studies Board (J.S.B.) Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases in Northern Ireland—commonly referred to as the Green Book—came into effect on 8 April 2024. This long-awaited update replaces the previous edition from 2019, introducing significant increases in compensation figures across most injury categories.
Given the sharp rise in inflation since 2019, this latest edition adjusts compensation levels to reflect the changing economic landscape. On average, most injury brackets have seen a 20–25% increase, while some specific categories—such as psychiatric injuries, minor neck injuries, and severe hearing loss—have received even higher adjustments. In this article, we examine the key updates to the Green Book and what they mean for personal injury Plaintiffs in Northern Ireland.
Why Has the Green Book Been Updated?
The Green Book serves as a guideline for judges and legal professionals when assessing general damages in personal injury claims. Given the significant rise in inflation since the last edition, these updates aim to ensure that compensation awards remain fair and reflective of current economic conditions.
The previous (2019) edition factored in inflation projections up to June 2021, but inflation has risen sharply since then. The 2024 edition adjusts damages in line with inflation rates up to the time of publication. However, no further inflation forecasts have been made, meaning future updates may be required if inflation continues to fluctuate.
Key Increases in Personal Injury Compensation Awards
While most injury categories have seen a 20–25% rise, some brackets have received more significant adjustments. Below are some of the most notable changes:
1. Serious Injuries (Brain and Paralysis Cases)
- Quadriplegia: Compensation now ranges from £590,000 – £870,000 (previously capped at £700,000).
- Severe Brain Damage: Increased to £500,000 – £850,000, reflecting a 27% rise.
2. Psychiatric Injuries (PTSD & Adjustment Disorders)
- Severe PTSD: Compensation has more than doubled, now set at £100,000 – £250,000 (previously £60,000 – £120,000).
- Adjustment Disorders: Introduced as a new category:
- Recovery within 12 months: Up to £10,000
- Recovery within 12-24 months: Up to £20,000
The categories for hearing loss and tinnitus have now been separated and have been considerably increased as follows:
- Severe Hearing Loss: £60,000 – £200,000
- Moderate Hearing loss: £20,000 – £60,000
- Mild Hearing Loss: up to £20,000
- Severe Tinnitus: £40,000 – £90,000
- Moderate Tinnitus: £20,000 – £40,000
- Mild Tinnitus: up to £20,000
It should be noted that these awards are usually (but not always) subject to deductions for the elements of the hearing loss and tinnitus which is not due to noise exposure.
4. Minor Neck and Back Injuries
- Minor neck injuries (1-2 years of symptoms) → 40% increase (now up to £17,500).
- Neck injuries lasting 6 months – 1 year → 50% increase (now up to £7,500).
- Short-term neck injuries (up to 6 months) → 66% increase, now up to £5,000.
- Minor back injuries have received the standard 25% increase across the board.
5. Scarring & Cosmetic Injuries
- Severe facial disfigurement has increased by 26%.
- Scarring awards have generally risen by 25%, though some expected larger increases have not materialised.
6. Damage to Teeth & Hair
- A new category for chronic dental pain and deterioration has been introduced, with awards ranging from £15,000 – £125,000.
- Hair damage is now classified into severe, moderate, and minor categories for clearer assessment.
Other Notable Changes in the 2024 Green Book
1. Gender-Neutral Compensation
For the first time, the Green Book has removed gender distinctions in compensation awards. Previously, injuries such as reproductive system damage or facial scarring had higher awards for women. The new edition provides equal compensation for men and women for the same injuries.
2. Fully Digital Publication
In a move towards modernising the justice system, the 2024 Green Book is only available in electronic format—marking the first time it has not been published in print. This shift aligns with the paperless court initiatives encouraged in recent years.
3. Clearer Categorisation of Injuries
Some injury categories have been restructured for clarity. For example:
- Hearing loss and tinnitus are now assessed separately.
- Neck and back injuries have updated definitions, making it easier to determine the appropriate compensation range.
What Does This Mean for Personal Injury Claims in Northern Ireland?
The Sixth Edition of the Green Book brings significant increases in general damages, reflecting the reality of rising inflation and the growing recognition of conditions such as PTSD and severe hearing loss.
For Plaintiffs:
- Those pursuing personal injury claims after April 2024 may be entitled to higher compensation than before.
- If you have ongoing claims, your solicitor can advise whether the new guidelines apply to your case.
- The removal of gender-based distinctions ensures fairer awards for all individuals.
How MMC Legal Can Help You
At MMC Legal, we specialise in personal injury claims and can guide you through the updated Green Book guidelines to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
The 2024 Green Book update marks a major shift in personal injury compensation in Northern Ireland, bringing higher awards across most categories and introducing modernised classifications for psychiatric and occupational injuries.If you believe you have a personal injury claim, speak to a Michael at MMC Legal.