UK injury claims Compensation Solicitors
Claims can be made for virtually any type of injury so long as it is as a result of the negligence or deliberate harmful actions of a third party.
It is worth remembering that not all solicitors have in depth knowledge of personal injury claims, which is why it is always a good idea to go to a specialist injury claims company.
Many solicitors will have in depth knowledge about a particular type of claim, while others may have a different area of speciality such as medical negligence or work related injury claims.
Getting the right personal injury solicitor is crucial for your chances of winning your claim, just as getting the wrong injury lawyer can ruin your chances of negotiating a successful claim. That being said, your claim will rest on a few key points.
1.You need to have a third party to claim from.
Sounds pretty obvious, but unless you have someone to claim from, then you don’t have a claim. You may not always get compensation from the individual who was responsible for your personal injury claim, but you do need someone to be at fault for your claim.
2.Medical proof of injuries.
Again you will need to prove that the personal injury that you are claiming for was sufficiently serious to require medical treatment. A minor scratch on the hand or body that heals quickly and without further problems, wont do it.
Compensation is paid for the actual loss that is incurred, be it personal injury, loss of earnings due to time off work or some other form of personal loss or suffering.
This is why carefully documented medical evidence is crucial to your chances of making a successful personal injury claim.
Compensation is not paid as a punishment for the third party who was responsible for you injury.
3. You need proof that the accident actually happened.
Some accident claims are easily proved. Claims such as work related injuries, car accidents ( especially where the police attend ) and cases involving medical negligence are fairly easy to document and hence prove.
Criminal injuries such as assault are more difficult to prove unless witnessed by a third party.
Similarly tripping over a paving stone without a witness will require immediate action on your part to prove that the pavement was dangerous. This would require an immediate photograph of the offending paving stone. This need to be done at the time, not six months down the line.
You should not undertake the investigation work yourself. Consult an a personal accident claims solicitor as soon as you are able to do so. They will then advise on what immediate steps need to be taken to assist in the preparation of your claim.
Your first thoughts in the event of an accident should always be on your personal safety and of those involved. The time to worry about claiming or getting compensation can come later.
It is a good idea however to be prepared for the unexpected. Try to get hold of a checklist of things you need to do in the event of an accident. Your insurance company would be a good first port of call to see if they produce and pre accident packs.
One of the most common questions raised is “How much money will I get from my claim?”
While this is can be a natural reaction to making a personal injury claim, it should not influence you in your choice of injury claim specialist.
A good personal injury lawyer will generally get paid his fee regardless of the amount of compensation paid. You should not be swayed by companies offering guaranteed payouts, or by promising huge amounts of compensation. Some current promotions include “Cash for injuries” and “Cash upfront for claims” where they pay you several hundred pounds in advance just for letting them represent you. While they are not doing anything wrong in this, personally we believe that a good personal injury solicitor will view your claim as an accurate representation of the loss or injury you have suffered, and work with you to obtain the best possible settlement for your claim.
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