No one can predict when accidents and injuries will happen. By taking basic precautions most people are able to avoid simple accidents, and by being a little more aware of our own surroundings we can normally avoid the majority of risks when they present themselves.
But, a serious personal injury can be potentially devastating both for you and your loved ones. In some cases, a personal injury can create long term problems both physically and financially, by affecting your ability to work as well as your earning potential.
This could be a road accident, an accident at work, on holiday or at home, and it can seem enormously unfair to have to suffer when it was not your fault. At Injury Lawyers 4U we aim to redress that balance, and if the accident wasn’t your fault, help you receive the compensation you deserve and need to get your life back on track.
What is personal injury?
The term relates to any injury to a person, physiological or psychological, that is sustained as a result of the negligence of another party. If it can be proven that the negligence of the third party was responsible for an injury arising from a preventable accident, then compensation may be due.
At Injury Lawyers 4U, we have vast experience dealing with claims for a variety of injuries, including:
- Head injuries and brain damage
- Broken bones and loss of limbs
- Back and spinal injuries
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD
- Chronic pain conditions that develop as a result of the injury
- Internal injuries affecting organs
What kinds of incidents qualify for a personal injury claim?
You’re eligible to claim personal injury compensation whenever you’re injured due to someone else’s failure to keep you safe. We handle claims for all types of accidents where someone else was at fault, including:
- Accidents at work, such as those occurring in industrial environments, kitchens, or on construction sites
- Incidents on the road, covering everything from bicycle accidents and motorbike accidents to pedestrian injuries
- Claims for injuries in public places, like slips and trips, gym injuries, sports-related accidents, and dog bites
- Medical negligence cases, where poor care from medical professionals led to injury or worsened conditions
- Accidents occurring during holidays, including travel-related injuries and hotel accidents
- Injuries from faulty products, which can include anything from electrical goods to children’s toys
Am I entitled to a claim?
If you’ve suffered any injury following an accident that was someone else’s fault, then you could have grounds to make a compensation claim. This is done by first establishing what evidence you have that your injury was a result of someone else’s negligence. You should then get in touch with us to understand the potential of making a claim.
Treating injuries can be expensive, and rehabilitation can take a long time. The money from a compensation claim can help you to pay for treatment, and to ensure that it doesn’t impact your quality of life, as well as recouping any lost expenses through an inability to work now and in the future.
What details are needed to initiate a personal injury claim?
To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, we need to be able to demonstrate that your injuries resulted from another party’s lack of care.
Therefore, we’ll need specific details about the incident to understand your situation better and determine the compensation you’re entitled to. The information you provide is invaluable. Here’s what we typically ask for:
- The date and location of the accident
- The nature of your injury or injuries
- Who you think is responsible
- Any official reports made about the accident
- Supporting documents like witness statements, accident reports, photos, police reports, or CCTV if possible
- Details of your medical treatment and any medical reports you have
- The impact of your injuries on your life, including work absences and any financial losses
- Changes you’ve had to make in your personal life or home due to the injury
If you’re missing any details, our expert lawyers can assist in gathering the necessary information.
How does the personal injury claim process work?
The personal injury claim journey usually consists of five steps:
- Figuring out who’s at fault
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Filing the claim
- Negotiating compensation with the other party
- Settlement and payment
With our skilled solicitors guiding you, you’re in good hands. We’ll keep you informed on the progress of your claim and what to expect at every step throughout your claim journey.
When can I make a claim for personal injury?
You can start a personal injury claim if you’ve suffered due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, but rather the result of another’s negligence.
In some cases, even if you share some responsibility for the accident leading to your injuries, you might still be eligible to claim.
The deadline to begin your claim is generally three years from the date of the accident, however there are some exceptions.
What is my potential compensation for a personal injury claim?
Your potential compensation for a personal injury hinges on which body part was injured, the seriousness of your injuries, and their impact on your day-to-day life.
Do personal injury claims usually end up in court?
There is a small chance that your personal injury claim will need to be settled in court, but around 95% of claims are resolved before reaching that stage. In many cases, even when there is a disagreement over which party is responsible for the accident, an agreement can be reached without the need to settle in court. However, in the event that your claim does make it to court, it’s often not necessary for you to be there in person.
How is personal injury compensation calculated?
The compensation for personal injury is worked out by looking at two things: general damages and special damages. General damages are calculated according to the severity of your injury or injuries, while special damages cover the impact the injury has had on your life.
The Judicial College Guidelines offer guidance on how much you may receive for general damages. These ranges are based on the part of the body that has been injured, the severity, and the likelihood of ongoing, potentially long-term symptoms as a result. To find out what you could be owed for a personal injury you’ve suffered due to another party’s negligence, use our personal injury claims calculator.
What are special damages in a personal injury claim?
Beyond what you can receive for general damages, you can also claim for any money you’ve had to spend or will spend because of your injury – this is called special damages.
This part of your claim is really important, especially if your injuries are serious and you need ongoing medical care, special equipment, or changes to your home.
Here are the items you may claim as special damages:
- Lost income or pension
- Costs for your rehabilitation or ongoing medical care
- Money spent on making your home accessible
- Costs for any care you need, even from family or friends
- Any other money you’ve had to spend because of your injury
We understand that no amount of money can fully make things right, but our expert personal injury lawyers take the utmost care to make sure you’re fairly compensated for the impact on your life, including any financial strains and lifestyle changes.
How much time does it take to settle a personal injury claim?
Every personal injury claim is different, so there’s no fixed time between filing a claim and the final settlement. Simpler claims may only take a few months, but more complicated claims could stretch beyond a year. How quickly your claim takes will depend on the specifics of your injury, the complexity of your case, and the challenge of proving liability.
Who covers the compensation for my personal injury?
The compensation you receive for your personal injury claim is typically paid by the insurance of the party at fault. This could be an employer, a business, a local authority, or another individual (in the case of road collisions). By law, they should have insurance that takes care of any claims for injuries made against them.
Is it possible to make a personal injury claim if I was partially responsible for the accident?
Yes, you can still make a personal injury claim even if you were partially responsible for the accident, provided it can be proved that another party shares a portion of the blame.
In situations like this, the compensation amount will likely be adjusted based on your share of the fault. This is known as “contributory negligence,”. For instance, if you’re found to be 30% responsible for the accident, you might be eligible for 70% of the compensation you would have received had you not been at fault at all. To understand how this might apply to your claim, speak to our expert personal injury lawyers.
Is it possible to file a personal injury claim for someone else?
You can act on behalf of a friend or family member to file a personal injury claim in some cases. For example, if you’re a close relative or caregiver, and the injured person can’t make the claim themselves due to mental capacity issues (as outlined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005), you’re allowed to step in for them. Similarly, you’re also able to claim on behalf of a child under the age of 18. In both scenarios, you would proceed as a “litigation friend” to advocate on their behalf.
How do I claim compensation for a personal injury I’ve sustained?
To discuss whether you may be able to claim compensation for you or someone close to you, call Injury Lawyers 4U today on 0333 400 4445. Alternatively, use our contact form and one of our team will get in touch at a time to suit you.
We operate on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, meaning that in the event that your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay a penny. This way, we’re able to remove all risk to you of making a claim, helping you to get on with your life.
