Personal Injury

The short answer is yes.  However, our personal injury team will always be happy to explore all options available to you and advise you fully on each option so that you can make an informed decision if we think you have a realistic prospect of success. A no-win, no-fee arrangement – sometimes called a conditional fee agreement – is the most common way to fund a personal injury claim.  We’ll explain how it works and the rules that govern this form of funding and all other options before you decide whether to pursue a claim or not.

Most claims should be made within three years from the date of the accident or from when you first became aware of your injury (for example the date of a medical diagnosis). Only on very rare occasions will the courts extend this time limit so you should always contact your solicitor as soon as possible.

It depends. Cases where:

• The defendant quickly admits he or she is to blame for your injuries;
• The extent of your injuries is clear; and
• You have calculated any financial loss

Can usually be settled and disposed of relatively swiftly.

We understand that when you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, making a legal claim for damages can be daunting. For most of our clients the priority to is to put things behind them and move on with their lives. So it can be sometimes tempting to agree to settle your case sooner rather than later. However, we would always take the time to make sure you understand all your options, know how serious your injuries are and what kind of long-term medical treatment you may need as a result of the accident, before you agree to any settlement. Cases where your prognosis is unclear, or where injuries are particularly serious tend to take longer to settle. (Although we can apply for interim compensation to be paid to you and for you to get any crucial medical treatment until there is a final settlement.)

In our experience, complex cases can take several years to be fully completed, especially where there is a dispute over who was to blame for the accident in the first place or when the injuries are complex. More simple cases, on the other hand, can often be settled in a matter of months.

However, you can rest assured that we make sure we are with you every step of the way.

The underlying purpose of personal injury compensation is to compensate you for the injury and any financial loss sustained. You should be compensated for your pain, suffering and what is known as the loss of amenity (this portion of your compensation is called general damages). You should also receive damages for financial losses, including loss of earnings and any outlay you have had to make because of what happened, for example modifying your home or seeking treatment. This part of the award is called special damages. The amount of special damages is supported by evidence which we will discuss with you very early on and ask you to provide evidence of expenses you have incurred. In relation to general damages, the value of the claim is based on both guidelines and case law.

We are committed to working with you should you have an accident at work.  Whilst you may have suffered an accident, we can understand the anxiety and concern which you may feel by bringing a claim against your employer.

We will take you through the process step by step and advise you on all your options before we take any steps to move forward with the claim.

Sometimes the person who was injured is unable to bring a claim – they may be a child, or they could be vulnerable and therefore unable to pursue a legal claim. In some instances, a claim can be brought on behalf of the estate of a person who has passed away. In all of these situations, there are legal mechanisms in place which allow others to pursue the legal case on the injured person’s behalf and we will spend time talking you through all of your options so that you can make an informed choice that’s right for you.