The first edition of this title was regarded as a landmark publication in personal injury practice. Each succeeding edition has built on this reputation and the book has now firmly established itself as essential reading for all those involved in the area of personal injury. The Guidelines are designed to provide a clear and logical framework for the assessment of general damages while leaving the discretion of the assessor unfettered, since every case must depend to a degree on its own facts. They provide an invaluable guide to all those involved in personal injury litigation: solicitors, barristers, insurance companies, trade unions, and medical defence organizations. As with previous editions, all judges involved in hearing personal injury cases will automatically receive a copy of the book. This eighth edition has been fully updated to take account of inflation and decisions made in the two years since the previous edition. The figures will be increased to take into account the RPI increases since the last edition and further altered to reflect decisions of the higher courts on quantum, including the current position on pleural plaques.