Is there a time limit on submitting a personal injury claim?
Yes. Under UK law, you must start a personal injury claim for compensation within three years of the date of the accident. In reality, it is likely that in order to allow enough time to appoint a personal injury solicitor and establish the extent of your personal injury claim, it really needs to commence within two and one half years.
What types of personal injury can I claim for?
You do not have to sustain a serious personal injury to be entitled to make a claim for compensation. You are legally entitled to be compensated for any personal injury arising out of a non-fault accident that you suffer and this can include cuts, bruises and soft tissue injuries such as whiplash.
Should I have reported my injuries to my GP or hospital?
It is not essential but it is certainly recommended. The opinion of an expert in the medical profession will give your personal injury claim more credability and the details of your personal injuries will be on record as proof.
How can a claim cost me nothing?
When we appoint a personal injury solicitor, they agree to enter into a Conditional Fee Agreement in respect of their legal costs and take out an Insurance Policy to protect you against any other potential costs.
If your claim is successfully agreed in your favour, then the responsible third party insurers are required to pay all of your legal costs including the cost of your insurance premium. If for any reason you are unsuccessful in your claim the Insurance Policy will cover you against all the legal costs. When we say no charges, we mean no charges!
Who funds the insurance and disbursements?
Your Appointed Solicitor provides funding. You are not responsible for any funding costs.
What cover does the Insurance Policy provide?
If your personal injury case is not successful the Insurance Policy covers you for any liability in respect of legal costs, disbursements and the cost of the insurance premium. You receive full cover and incur no charges at all.
When you are successful the Appointed Solicitor recovers the insurance premiums from the third party insurers and therefore you incur no costs at all.
Who will represent me with my personal injury claim?
Our specialist personal injury solicitors will represent you throughout your claim. Even if the case has to go to court.
Is my claim limited to just the personal injury?
No. If as a result of the accident you had other losses, such as damaged clothing, lost earnings due to absence from work, additional expenses such as home help, travel costs, etc, they are all valid parts of your total claim.
Will I have to visit the personal injury solicitors office?
It is very rare that this would be necessary. Almost all the information required is handled by telephone and post. Sometimes, it is necessary to appoint an agent who will visit the client to obtain some details face to face. An example of this would be if the client suffered personal injuries that would keep them in hospital for a long period of time. Sometimes it is also necessary to carry out a home visit in order to obtain information from you.
What if another Claims Handling Company is already dealing with my claim?
If another company is already dealing with your claim for you, you must ask yourself, 'Am I satisfied with the service I am getting?'
If the answer is 'NO', you then need to think about the following;
1. Did the accident happen more than three years ago?
2. Has the current solicitor issued legal proceedings?
3. Has my case already been taken to court and been lost?
If all the answers are still 'NO', then it is possible to move your claim to a new Claims Handling Company. We could appoint a new solicitor who will then handle the transfer of the file and get on with resolving your claim. Get in touch with us and we will obtain advice for you.
Sometimes, you will find that the firm has not started work on your claim because, in their opinion, it is too small, or tricky. Let us have a look. We will tell you within 24 hours, exactly how you stand, even if you just want a second opinion! Just complete the on line form or telephone us and we will get a solicitor to contact you.
Do you deal with claims in my area?
We are a national organisation and we deal with claims in England,
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
How do I submit details about my personal injury claim?
Simply enter your details on to the claim form and send it to us. We will then ask a personal injury solicitor to contact you within 48 hours to discuss your claim.
Alternatively, if you prefer to make a claim by telephone, just call us on 0845 644 5135 (calls charges at local rate) or you can fax details on 01275 343294.
