Personal Injury
What is a personal injury
A personal injury can include, for example, an injury at work or in a traffic accident, an injury received as a result of faulty goods or services, an injury sustained by tripping over paving stones, an injury caused by errors in hospital treatment or one sustained by a victim in the course of a crime. An injury can be physical and/or psychological.
Personal Injury
Despite the common misconception that we live in a compensation culture, compensation claims are actually on the decrease, with Britain currently having the lowest level of compensation of any other developed country. One of the reasons for this is that people are put off by what they assume will be a complicated, costly and time-consuming process. However, with the right know-how and specialist knowledge, your personal injury claim can in fact be a simple, stress-free experience.
So, where to start? Well, first things first, you need to determine who was at fault before embarking on a claim. The term ‘personal injury’ is wide ranging, covering both physical and psychological harm. If, for example, your injury has come about as a result of medical negligence or a hazard in your workplace, and has caused you significant physical or emotional damage, or financial loss, your claim is far more likely to succeed. Another thing to consider is whether your claim is likely to prevent future injury or hazard to others, so if, for example, a new health and safety measure is put into place in your workplace as a result – this will further strengthen your case.
You should try and lodge your claim as soon as you can after the accident or injury has taken place, this way, you are far more likely to recall all the circumstances of the incident while it is fresh in your mind. Legal time constraints are also something to consider: three years from the date of the accident is the usual limitation period – so don’t delay.
Next, you need to find the right kind of personal injury specialist to assist you with your claim, and the internet is a great place to start your search. Many now offer a ‘no win no fee’ guarantee – meaning you don’t need to fret about the financial side of things. If your claim does fail, you will not have to fork out a penny. If it’s a success, you will be entitled to 100% of the compensation, with the other party liable for all legal costs.
In most cases, all it takes is a phone call or completing a claims form. From here, you can discuss your claim, your situation, and how you’ve been affected. Depending on your circumstances, you will then be put in touch with a personal injury lawyer who will give you a clearer idea of the level of compensation you are likely to receive.
Written in association with personal injury lawyers.