JCG Guidelines Updated
The 18th edition of the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), published on 9 April 2026, provides updated assessments for general damages in personal injury cases, featuring an approximate 8.26% inflationary increase based on RPI up to August 2025.
Published: May 19th, 2026
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Key changes include a new miscarriage damage bracket, significant revisions to epilepsy and abuse sections, and updated awards for catastrophic injuries.
Published on 9 April 2026, by OUP Oxford, this edition remains the essential reference for assessing general damages for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
Key updates:
Inflationary Increase: Damages have been increased by approximately 8.26%, reflecting the Retail Prices Index (RPI) from August 2025.
New Miscarriage Bracket: A new, specific bracket for damages for miscarriages has been introduced to the guidelines.
Epilepsy & Abuse Changes: Revisions have been made to Chapter 3 regarding Epilepsy, replacing outdated terms with modern clinical descriptions, and updating sections on sexual/physical abuse.
Catastrophic Injury Updates: The most serious injuries now have top-end brackets exceeding £500,000.
The guidelines are not binding on courts but serve as a guide to ensure consistency in assessment and are subject to judicial discretion.
For further information please contact John Myles
