There are often stories in the media that describe the UK as becoming a ‘compensation culture’, and following in the footsteps of a trend that started in the United States of America.
For many years, the USA has been renowned for people taking legal action to claim financial compensation for illness, injury or other personal harm suffered due to the actions of a third party. In the UK, we often pride ourselves on a tradition of having a ‘stiff upper lip’ and not complaining where we feel we may have been wronged. This may be a sensible course of action to take when it comes to small and insignificant matters – but when suffering is involved, it couldn’t be less suitable.
It seems fair that if someone suffers an injury or illness through no fault of their own, whilst taking part in any kind of activity whereby they should reasonably expect their safety not to be in question, that they are able to claim for any suffering. If there is demonstrable blame that can be laid at the door of another, then surely seeking redress is an obligation?
In most cases where such a situation occurs, there is often some form of insurance policy in place. For example, when it comes to a road traffic accident, motor insurance policies, a legal requirement in the UK, will be used. Similarly, workplaces should have some form liability insurance in place to cover injuries or accidents which occur on the premises.
However, there are some cases where the matter needs to be taken further into the judicial system and this is where the USA has led the way in the past; mainly due to the complicated and potentially expensive nature of undertaking court proceedings in the UK.
No win no fee
In recent years, the situation has undergone massive changes with solicitors and lawyers now offering to take on cases on a no win no fee basis. Effectively this has meant that people who might otherwise be unable to pursue a perfectly reasonable claim due to the worry of been left with a large bill at the end of an unsuccessful campaign are now able to move forward without such concerns.
Basically the process works because companies, including Injurylawyers4u will carefully assess the likelihood of success before taking on a case. This has the added advantage of giving the claimant a sense that their case has a solid basis and is not a speculative measure. The basis of the agreement is that the client cannot be charged by the lawyer if their compensation claim is unsuccessful and therefore the lawyer only makes money if they get a positive result.
It is essential to make sure that any such agreement doesn’t have any hidden charges in the small print but this is unlikely to be the case if you use a firm of reputable lawyers who are experienced in this area.
Typically, customers pay 25% of the amount that is recovered. This can vary and maybe more or less. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your lawyer.
