Past expenses and losses

Common recoverable losses

The general rule is to put the claimant back into the position they would have been in had the injury not occurred.

A claimant is entitled to recover all expenses and losses reasonably incurred as a result of their injuries plus interest.

Common special damages (or past pecuniary losses which can be calculated with precision) include:

1. •

   loss of earnings

2. •

   care and assistance

3. •

   damaged or destroyed property (eg clothing and motor vehicle damage)

4. •

   treatment costs

5. •

   travel costs and miscellaneous expenses

6. •

   accommodation or adaptation costs

The claimant may also be able to claim the cost of spoilt holidays, divorce, mitigation and postage, telephone calls, etc.

For more detailed