What is... a Loss of Services Report?

A practical guide for personal injury, clinical negligence, and litigation teams.

In personal injury and clinical negligence claims, damages often extend beyond visible injuries and lost income. One particularly significant but sometimes overlooked area is Loss of Services.

Whether a claimant was a parent, carer, or homemaker before their injury, their inability to continue providing everyday domestic or caring tasks can result in compensable loss. That’s where a Loss of Services Report comes in.

In this blog, we explore what these reports are, why they matter, and how they are used in litigation.

What Is a Loss of Services Report?

A Loss of Services Report is a medico-legal or functional assessment document, typically prepared by a Care Expert, Occupational Therapist, or Nursing Expert, that outlines:

• The types of domestic or personal care tasks the claimant performed prior to the injury

• The extent to which they can no longer perform those tasks

• The impact on dependants (e.g. children, partners, elderly relatives)

• The anticipated replacement care needs, and the associated costs

This report forms part of the quantum evidence used to calculate damages under Heads of Loss related to domestic support and care.

Why Are Loss of Services Reports Important?

Loss of services is a recognised and recoverable head of damage. It acknowledges that a person’s value isn’t limited to their salary or employment — they also contribute significantly to household functioning and the wellbeing of others.

Solicitors use these reports to:

• Justify care and assistance claims under past and future loss

• Support Schedule of Loss preparation

• Provide a basis for negotiation or court proceedings

• Show the non-economic impact of the injury

These reports are especially relevant in:

• Catastrophic injury claims

• Chronic pain or fatigue syndromes

• Post-surgical complications

• Brain injury or mental health-related claims

• Fatal accidents, where the deceased had dependants

What Might Be Included in a Loss of Services Report?

A high-quality report typically includes:

• Pre-injury profile - what tasks the claimant was responsible for (childcare, cooking, cleaning, DIY, personal care for others)

• Clinical overview - limitations resulting from injury or illness

• List of affected services - including both physical and cognitive tasks

• Time estimates - how many hours of assistance would now be required

• Costed care estimates - including professional vs. gratuitous care (i.e. care provided by family members)

• Projection of future need - for ongoing support or changes in household dynamics

The report may also include diary evidence, client statements, and references to care standards or guidelines.

Legal Context: Gratuitous vs Paid Care

Compensation may be claimed for:

• Paid care: Professional carers, agency support, or private services

• Gratuitous care: Time spent by family members or friends providing assistance that wouldn’t otherwise be needed

Rates for gratuitous care are generally calculated at commercial rate minus 25%, reflecting the unpaid nature of the support.

Expert reports help justify both categories by clearly documenting the need and quantifying the loss.

Where Loss of Services Reports Fit in Litigation

Solicitors and case managers will usually seek these reports before or alongside Quantum Reports, and sometimes after condition and prognosis opinions are obtained.

At Apex Experts, our experts are often instructed to prepare:

• Standalone Loss of Services Reports

• Integrated sections within Quantum or Care Reports

• Addenda following updated medical evidence or case progression

Early instruction of these reports can:

• Strengthen negotiations

• Provide realistic settlement expectations

• Support ATE insurance discussions or Part 36 offers

Final Thoughts

A Loss of Services Report is more than just a list of tasks — it captures the ripple effects of injury or illness on daily life, relationships, and practical functioning. For families, it helps give voice to the invisible labour often taken for granted. For legal teams, it ensures these contributions are acknowledged, valued, and compensated appropriately.

Need a Loss of Services Report for an upcoming case? Contact info@apexexperts.co.uk or visit www.apexexperts.co.uk to request a quote or speak with our Care & OT team.