FREE INITIAL ADVICE (IN PLAIN ENGLISH)

We offer free initial advice on whether, in our view, you have a potential claim.

We will also explain what you can claim for and what is involved in the claims process.

We will answer any other questions you may have. We will do all of this in plain English.

CAN I CLAIM?

Accidents happen. Sometimes it's nobody's fault. However, if you can show that someone was to blame for your accident, you will be able to claim.

The "someone" responsible might be an individual, a company or a public body such as a local authority. Even if you think the accident was partly your fault, the law says you can still succeed, provided you can show that it was partly someone else's fault.

The law in relation to personal injury claims is governed by a complicated set of rules and regulations. These have been built up over decades by the courts and by Acts of Parliament. European regulations now play an ever-increasing part, especially in relation to accidents at work. This whole area can be a maze for non-specialist solicitors, never mind members of the public.

Don't worry if you are unsure whether you have a claim. We can guide you through the maze and advise you on whether your case is likely to succeed.

WHAT CAN I CLAIM FOR?

The purpose of compensation is to put you back in the position you would have been in, if the accident hadn't happened.

Depending on your circumstances, you will be able to claim for the following -

• compensation for pain and suffering
• past wage loss
• services ie help you have needed from your family, and help you have been unable to give your family, because of the accident.
• Expenses eg prescription charges, travel expenses, cost of treatment, and damage to clothing or possessions

In cases involving serious injury, you may also have claims for

• future wage loss
• pension loss
• nursing care
• equipment such as wheelchairs
• prosthetic limbs
• necessary modifications to your home

HOW DO I CLAIM?

We will ask you for full details about the accident and how it has affected you. We will

• submit the claim to the person or company responsible
• correspond with their insurers, and ask them to investigate your claim
• get a medical report from a suitable medical expert if liability is not disputed
• submit the medical report, together with any other evidence needed to value your claim, such as wages details, together with our valuation of your claim.
• advise you on any offer made by the insurers, and negotiate with them on your behalf.
• advise you on whether you should raise a court action, if the insurers deny liability, delay unreasonably, or make an unsatisfactory offer

Statistics show that most cases settle without court action, and most court actions settle without you having to give evidence in court.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
 

• You have 3 years from the date of the accident to raise a court action.
• You should instruct us as soon as possible after the accident so your claim can be progressed without delay.
• Once the claim is submitted most insurers will complete their investigations within a period of about 4 months.
• It is impossible for us or anyone else to predict exactly how long your claim will take. If the insurers deny liability or if your injuries are serious, then your claim will take longer.
• We will make every effort to conclude your case as quickly as possible. (Remember, because we are doing your case on a No Win No Fee Basis, we don't get paid until you do!)