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Personal Injury |
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| Click on the team page to find our who our Personal Injury specialists are |
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| Q. |
I had an accident two years ago. Is it too late to make a claim for compensation? |
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| A. |
No. A claim should normally be brought within three years from the date of the accident, although there are exceptions to the rule most notably in the case of children where the three-year rule does not begin until their 18th birthday. In all cases you should seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity.
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| Q. |
How much will it cost to bring about a claim for damages? |
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| A. |
There are various methods of funding available for personal injury claims of which a solicitor can advise you which is best and which you are eligible. The funding methods currently available include:
Public Funding - The government, through the Community Legal Service (formally the Legal Aid Board), will support your claim by providing funding for the initial investigation of your case.
Privately - This means you are responsible for all your own legal costs. If you are successful and win your claim then the costs will be recovered from your opponent.
Conditional Fee Agreements - This is also known as "no win no fee". It involves entering into an agreement with a solicitor who will not seek to recover his or her costs from you unless the case is successful. If your case is successful then legal costs, plus a success fee, will be sought from your opponent. Most agreements of this type are backed by insurance which will cover the costs of both sides should your case be unsuccessful.
After the Event Insurance - An insurance policy can be taken out after the accident to fund your case and cover the costs of both sides should you lose your case. Again, the insurance premium is recoverable if successful, but in this event a success fee isn't charged. Both After the Event Insurance and Conditional Fee Agreements with insurance-backed funding, can be instigated without the client having to pay the premium upfront. These methods of funding give greater access to justice for those who would otherwise not pursue claims.
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| Q. |
Is my job at risk if I bring about a claim for damages for an accident I suffered at work? |
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| A. |
You cannot be dismissed for bringing a claim against your employers where you have suffered injury due to their negligence or breach of duty, particularly in relation to health and safety issues. (For further information go to the 'employment' section on the website)
Employers have a duty to provide you with a safe place to work and to provide full training in health and safety issue and the handling and operation of machinery.
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If you have any further questions please call us on 0115 878 9000
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