Personal Injury Lawyers

If you have suffered any injury due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to make a compensation claim. If you want to claim, personal injury lawyers can guide you through the claims process, offering you support and advice at every step.

Many accidents could lead to personal injury compensation, including traffic accidents, accidents at work and medical negligence. These can cause injuries that range from sprains and strains to life-threatening brain and spine trauma.

As long as another party was at fault, a personal injury lawyer could help you secure compensation for the pain, suffering and financial losses you incurred. They will offer you a no win no fee service, so you can claim without worrying about any financial risks.

If you would like to start a claim with the help of a personal injury lawyer, please call 0800 032 3660 today or use our online claim form to request a call back.

What is a personal injury lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer, also known as a personal injury solicitor, is a legal professional who can legally represent people who have suffered an injury and other losses due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Personal injury claims cover a wide range of circumstances, including accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, workplace injuries, and more.

They will advise you on your rights and legal options and guide you throughout the claims process. They will explain the merits of your case, potential compensation award, and the legal process involved. Your solicitor will protect your rights throughout the claims process and help you recover the best payment for the physical, mental and financial impact of your accident and injury.

How do I choose the best injury lawyer?

If you suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence and want to start a claim, you will likely want the best specialist injury lawyer to represent you. You may need help figuring out where to begin, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed with so many firms to choose from.

At InjuryClaims.co.uk, we work with some of the best no win no fee personal injury lawyers throughout the UK. After a thorough assessment of your case, we will pair you with a solicitor that is right for you. They will be experienced with your type of claim and use their legal expertise to build a strong case on your behalf.

If you want to choose your lawyer yourself, you should follow these guidelines:

• Choose a solicitor who handles personal injury cases exclusively;
• Do not use a solicitor from a company that uses spam marketing to get clients;
• Seek legal advice elsewhere if you feel pressured into starting a personal injury claim during your first consultation;
• When you contact an injury lawyer, ask them questions to assess their level of expertise and their track record of success;
• Make sure they make you feel comfortable and able to communicate with them, as the claims process typically lasts several months to a few years;
• Check to see if they have any online reviews and the experiences other people have had working with them.

Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, you should also verify that they have the proper accreditations. There are several online resources you can refer to, such as:

• The Law Society is an independent organisation that grants certification to solicitors to acknowledge their expertise;
• The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is the main body that regulates solicitors in England and ensures they consistently act in the best interests of their clients.

Can I start a claim with a personal injury solicitor?

If you were injured in an accident, it can be hard to know if you are entitled to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer can verify this during a free initial consultation. They will ask you a few questions to determine whether:

• Another party, such as your employer or a business owner, had a duty of care towards you;
• They breached this duty through an act of negligence or wrongdoing;
• Their action or lack of action caused an accident to occur;
• You suffered an injury or illness as a result within the last three years.

Various pieces of legislation place a duty of care on different parties, such as:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to provide a safe working environment that is free of hazards;
• The Occupiers Liability Act 1957 asks owners of public premises, such as shops and restaurants, to take all reasonable measures to keep visitors safe from injuries;
• The Consumer Rights Act 2015 allows you to start a claim if you suffered an injury due to a defective product;
• The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that all road users must act with care to protect their own safety and that of others on the road.

Once a breach of duty is established, your solicitor will help you gather everything you need to start your claim and secure the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

What will my solicitor do for me?

Your specialist personal injury solicitor will only have one task during the claims process, and that is to win your case. They will use their legal expertise to build a strong claim for you and include all the losses you have suffered as a result. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process and offer support and advice at every step along the way.

They will also take care of the following:

• Conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence related to the accident and your injuries;
• Negotiate with the defendant or their insurance company to reach a fair settlement on your behalf;
• Keep you updated about how your case is progressing;
• Handle all communication and legal aspects of the case on your behalf;
• Arrange a free independent review with a medical specialist for a thorough assessment of your injuries and care needs;
• Ensure you have access to private treatments that are not always available through the National Health Service
• Arrange interim payments on your behalf to help cover your financial needs before the claim settles if you are eligible

These are just some benefits of hiring a no win no fee personal injury lawyer to make your claim. Furthermore, there will be no financial risk to you, as you only pay them anything if your case is successful.

What are the stages of a personal injury case?

If you want to claim for personal injury, the first thing you should do is get in touch with an experienced solicitor. When you make a claim with a personal injury lawyer, your case will typically go through several typical stages:

Discussing your claim during a free initial consultation

They will assess its merits, potential value, and whether it’s worth pursuing. They may ask you several questions, such as who you believe was at fault, what injuries you sustained and how the accident happened. If you would like a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to call us today on 0800 032 3660 or use our claim form to get a call back.

Appoint your injury lawyer

If your case has merit and you decide to proceed, you will be paired with a personal injury claims solicitor that is right for you. They will help and support you at every step and keep you informed about the case’s progression.

Investigation

After liability is assessed, your solicitor will begin to collect evidence of how the accident occurred and how it has affected your life. Once they have all the details, they will send a claim notification form to the responsible party, outlining the allegations and damages you incurred.

Rehabilitation

If you have suffered a severe or life-changing injury, your solicitor will appoint a medical professional to assess your care needs. Early rehabilitation is essential to maximise your recovery, and your personal injury lawyer will prioritise this.

Negotiating a settlement

Once you have all the details of your case, you can begin to negotiate a settlement if the other side admits liability. Both parties could make several offers until they reach a figure acceptable to everyone. Most cases (more than 95%) are settled at this stage to avoid a trial.

Going to court

If there are liability disputes or you cannot negotiate a settlement, your solicitor will initiate court proceedings. Both parties will present their evidence and arguments before a judge. They will issue a verdict, determining whether the defendant is liable and, if so, the damages to be awarded.

Receiving compensation

If you negotiate a settlement or a judge has ruled in your favour, you should receive your payment within four weeks.

What evidence do solicitors need to claim compensation?

If you want to start an injury compensation claim, you need relevant evidence to show how your accident happened and how it has affected your life. Based on your circumstances, your solicitor could use the following types of proof to build your case:

• Medical records. In personal injury cases, medical records are crucial. They establish the extent of your injuries, the treatment you’ve received, and their impact on your life. This evidence is often used to determine the compensation amount for your pain and suffering.
• Witness statements. If anyone saw how your accident took place, you should get their names and contact details. Statements from witnesses who can corroborate the details of the incident are valuable. They can help establish what happened and who was at fault if there are liability disputes.
• Photographs and videos. Visual evidence, like photos and videos, can be essential in demonstrating the conditions, injuries, or events that led to your claim. Take pictures of the accident scene before anything is moved or replaced.
• Incident reports. Having an accident report filed with your employer is essential in workplace accidents. It records the date, time and location of the events and is a formal record of the incident.
• Expert opinions. Depending on the case, experts may be called to provide insight into what happened. For instance, medical experts might testify about the standard of care provided in medical negligence cases.
• Financial records. If your claim includes financial losses, such as lost wages or medical bills, you’ll need documents like pay stubs, invoices, and receipts to substantiate your claim.
• Correspondence. Any written communication related to your claim can be crucial. That may include emails or letters with the other party involved or their insurance company.
• Police reports. In cases involving accidents on the road or criminal activities, police reports can provide essential information. These are especially needed if you want to claim for a criminal assault through the CICA.
• Work records. For workplace accidents or occupational disease claims, you may need details of your employment contract, job duties and work conditions.
• Documentation of property damage. If the incident involved property damage, such as in a car accident, provide proof of the damage and estimates for repair or replacement.

If you need any other evidence to make a successful claim, your solicitor will help you secure it to get the best compensation for you.

What types of accidents could I claim for?

You could claim for a wide range of accidents. However, the eligibility and success of your claim will depend on various factors. These include the circumstances of the accident, liability, and the extent of your injuries. Personal injury solicitors can help with a wide range of accidents, such as:

• Road traffic accidents. These include car, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents. Every 16 minutes in the UK, a road user is killed or seriously injured. In 2022, there were 1,766 fatalities and 28,941 severe injuries to people on UK roads.
• Accidents at work. You can also claim for any injuries sustained in the workplace that were caused by negligence or unsafe conditions. Your employer has a duty of care towards you; if they breach it, they are liable for compensation.
• Medical negligence. Claims related to substandard medical care, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes. Clinical negligence is often more challenging to prove than other types of claims, and your solicitor will work with medicolegal experts to prove a breach of duty.
• Public liability claims. Accidents that occur in public places or on someone else’s property, such as slips and falls in stores, parks, or public buildings. Owners and occupiers of public premises must take all reasonable measures to keep visitors safe from harm and are liable for compensation if their negligence leads to an injury.
• Accidents involving defective products. Injuries caused by products with manufacturing defects or inadequate warnings. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, you are entitled to compensation without having to prove any negligence. You must only show that the product was defective and it caused you injuries.
• Criminal injuries. Injuries resulting from a violent act can sometimes be claimed through a government compensation scheme. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) supports victims of violent crimes where the assaulter is unidentified or cannot afford to pay compensation.
• Sports accidents. Injuries during sports or recreational activities due to negligence or unsafe conditions can also lead to a personal injury compensation claim. Examples include poor ground conditions, negligent advice from a coach or faulty equipment.
• Accidents on public transport. You can also claim for injuries sustained on buses, trains, trams, or aeroplanes. These may include collisions with other vehicles, falling objects such as luggage from overhead compartments or slips and trips.
• Accidents abroad. Injuries while travelling abroad, including holiday accidents or incidents on cruise ships. If you suffer an accident that wasn’t your fault, you are still entitled to compensation from the liable party. Based on your case, you may be able to claim in the UK, or you may have to pursue your claim abroad.
• Slip, trip, and fall accidents. These are the most common accidents that happen at work and in public despite being mostly preventable. They can be due to slippery floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting or objects left in walkways.
• Industrial disease claims. Claims related to long-term exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. Such illnesses include asbestosis and mesothelioma, which usually take years or decades to develop.
• Accidents involving animals. Injuries caused by domestic pets or other animals, such as dog bites, can also be grounds for a compensation claim.

What injuries could entitle me to make a claim?

Any injury that wasn’t your fault could entitle you to make a no win no fee claim. The most common types of harm that personal injury lawyers deal with include:

• Head and brain injuries. These can range from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. They can have long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical function.
• Back and spinal cord injuries. Typically caused by accidents like slips and falls or car collisions, they can result in chronic pain, loss of mobility, or even paralysis. They may need long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
• Whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury usually associated with car accidents and can cause neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. It may lead to ongoing discomfort and may need physical therapy.
• Burns. Burns can occur due to various incidents, including fires, chemical exposures, or electrical accidents. They can cause physical and psychological scarring and may need surgery.
• Sprains and strains. These involve damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They can lead to chronic pain and long-term mobility issues.
• Cuts and bruises. Deep cuts, lacerations, and bruises can cause a lot of pain and lead to complications such as scarring.
• Fractures. Broken bones are typical in accidents such as car crashes, falls, or workplace incidents. Their severity can vary, but fractures often require medical treatment and may lead to long-term issues.
• Amputations. Losing a limb in an accident can have severe consequences, affecting your daily life and mobility. There can be traumatic amputations from an accident itself, or they may be surgically performed due to the extent of the injury sustained.
• Internal injuries. Severe trauma or accidents can cause injuries to internal organs like the liver, kidney or spleen. These injuries are often life-threatening and may require surgery or other medical interventions.
• Psychological injuries. Emotional and psychological trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, can result from traumatic incidents. These are often as debilitating as physical injuries and may need long-term counselling or therapy.
• Occupational illnesses. These conditions typically result from prolonged exposure to harmful substances like dust or asbestos.
• Wrongful death. When someone loses their life due to another party’s negligence or intentional acts of violence, certain family members may have grounds for a claim. This type of claim seeks compensation for loss of financial and emotional support.

Can my solicitor help me claim for a loved one?

If a loved one suffered a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, a solicitor could help you claim on their behalf. If they cannot claim themselves, you could apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend. This system is typically used when the injured person is:

A child under 18. In the eyes of the law, children do not possess the necessary judgment to make decisions about a legal case and cannot claim on their own behalf.

An adult who is considered a protected party under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. A protected party is anyone who lacks their mental capacity due to:

• An intellectual disability like autism
• A mental health disease such as schizophrenia
• Severe sleep deprivation
• A neurodegenerative condition like dementia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• A traumatic brain injury or stroke

To act on behalf of your loved one, your accident lawyer will help you fill in and file the necessary documents with the court. Before appointing you, the court will verify that you:

• Can conduct legal proceedings in a fair and reasonable way
• Have no conflict of interest with the victim

Becoming a litigation friend can be a long-term commitment, but your solicitor will support you every step of the way. They will advise you on the best course of action and ensure your loved one is compensated for their accident or illness. You will have several responsibilities, such as:

• Deal with correspondence and sign legal documents
• Help your solicitor gather evidence to support the case
• Take legal advice and instruct personal injury lawyers
• Pay all the fees ordered by the court
• Ensure your loved one attends all medical appointments
• Make decisions about the claim and consider any compensation offers

To start a claim on behalf of a loved one, call 0800 032 3660 today or enter your details into our online claim form to request a call back. If your case has merit, you will be paired with an injury solicitor near you who will guide you through all the steps of the claims process.

Will my solicitor take my case to court?

Most personal injury claims (more than 95% of them) are settled without going to trial, so the chances of you going to court are relatively low. Negotiating a compensation settlement is beneficial to both parties and brings a series of advantages, such as:

• It generally leads to a quicker resolution, allowing the injured party to receive compensation sooner;
• Settling out of court often results in lower legal fees for both parties;
• When you negotiate with the other party, you know exactly how much compensation you will receive, but a court decision may be unpredictable;
• Court cases are a matter of public record. Settling keeps the details of the case confidential, which can be especially important in sensitive cases;
• Settling out of court can reduce the stress and anxiety associated with litigation;
• In a settlement, both parties have control over the outcome;
• Both sides can conserve resources, including time, money, and effort, by reaching a mutually agreeable settlement.

Nonetheless, your personal injury lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court if you cannot settle otherwise. The most common reasons for which a claim may go to court include:

• There’s a dispute regarding who is at fault for the accident, in which case a judge may need to decide liability;
• You cannot agree on the appropriate amount of compensation for your accident and injury;
• Some personal injury cases involve complex legal issues that need a court’s intervention for a resolution;
• Cases involving severe injuries or substantial damages go to court more often, as the stakes are higher;
• The other party or their insurer are slow to respond or ignores your claim notification form;
• You want to apply for interim payments to cover immediate financial needs, such as the cost of care or private treatments.

Even if your claim goes to court, your solicitor may be able to represent you. If you have to go to trial, they will ensure you are fully prepared and will support you throughout the hearing. You should know that there will be no jury, and your case will only be presented before a judge.

How much compensation could my injury lawyer secure for my injuries?

Each case is different, and how much you could receive will depend on your specific circumstances. Your personal injury lawyer will work hard to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to for your losses, known as damages. Each claim covers two types of damages:

General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. The value will depend on the type and extent of your injury, expected recovery time and any long-term effects. General damages could include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional and psychological distress
• Physical and mental disability
• Inability to enjoy hobbies, activities and social interactions
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of consortium and companionship

Special damages are losses or expenses incurred as a result of your accident. They include but are not limited to:

• Loss of earnings from taking time off work
• Loss of earning capacity
• Ongoing specialist care and medical expenses
• Cost of assistance with daily tasks
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Travel expenses to medical appointments and therapy sessions
• Modifications to your home or vehicle, such as installing ramps
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident

Special damages are calculated based on evidence such as receipts, invoices and payslips. General damages are awarded based on the guidelines published by the Judicial College. You can refer to our online compensation calculator for a rough idea of how much your injuries could be worth.

Time limits to start a compensation claim

The Limitation Act 1980 imposes strict time limits for every personal injury claim. Typically, you must start legal proceedings within three years of your accident, or your case will become statute-barred and no longer valid. There are, however, several exceptions to this rule:

• If your injury developed over time or did not become immediately apparent after an accident, the three years begin on the date of knowledge. This date refers to when you knew or should have reasonably known you suffered an injury or illness due to someone else’s negligence.
• For children, the three-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday. Therefore, they have until turning 21 to start a claim. Before that point, a parent or legal guardian could represent them with the help of an accident solicitor.
• The time limit is suspended if the defendant is a protected party and lacks the mental capacity to start legal proceedings due to any of the conditions mentioned above. A litigation friend could claim for them at any time.
• If you have suffered an injury due to an assault or another violent crime, you have two years to start a CICA claim.
• You have seven years to claim compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) if you have been injured while working in the military.
• If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you could start a claim within three years from the date of death. Alternatively, the time could start to run from when a post-mortem confirmed the cause of death.
• If you had an accident abroad, the personal injury team of solicitors we work with could still help you claim compensation. In this case, the time limit could vary significantly between countries and may be shorter than three years.

Regardless of how much time you may have to claim, you should always contact us as soon as possible. This will ensure you remember any crucial details about the accident and help your solicitor gather evidence to start your claim.

How quickly will a specialist lawyer settle my claim?

Each personal injury claim is different, so it is difficult to say how long it may take to receive compensation. Several factors influence how long a case may take to resolve, such as:

• The type and severity of the injuries you suffered
• Whether you have suffered one or more injuries and their long-term effects
• The kind of accident that caused your injuries
• The parties involved in the litigation process
• Whether you know the defendant’s identity or you were involved in a violent crime or a hit-and-run accident
• The availability of witnesses and other types of evidence
• Whether there are liability disputes or the other side has admitted its fault
• The estimated value of your claim
• The speed at which the defendant’s insurance company responds to your claim
• Whether the other side is willing to engage in negotiations or you must take your case to court
• How long it takes to negotiate a settlement that all parties find fair

These and other factors will determine how quickly your personal injury lawyer can resolve your case. The most common types of claims take the following amount of time to settle, on average:

• Road traffic accidents: 4-9 months
• Workplace accidents: 6-12 months
• Medical negligence cases: 12-36 months
• Claims for industrial diseases: 12-18 months
• Public liability claims: 6-12 months

After a thorough assessment of your circumstances, your solicitor will be able to offer you a fair estimate of how long your claim may take and how much personal injury compensation you can expect to receive.

Can I make a personal injury claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

If your case has merit, one of our personal injury lawyer partners will offer you a conditional fee agreement. That means you will not have to pay them anything upfront for their legal representation. The no win no fee agreement removes the financial risk of making a claim, as you do not have to pay a penny to anyone if your case is unsuccessful.

Your solicitor only receives a success fee if and after you receive compensation. The value of the success fee is a maximum of 25% of your settlement that you will agree to from the beginning. There are no hidden charges or surprise expenses involved.

Under a no win no fee service, you will also benefit from After the Event (ATE) insurance. This legal expenses policy covers all the costs of litigation if your claim fails, such as:

• Police and medical reports
• Court and counsel fees
• Travel expenses related to the case
• Expert witness fees
• Costs of printing and copying
• Barrister fees, if the case goes to court
• Paralegal and other staff time
• The defendant’s solicitor and legal costs

If you make a no win no fee compensation claim, you only have to pay anything if your case is successful. In this case, you will receive your compensation amount minus the success fee paid to your solicitor.

To start a claim or learn more about how a personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation for any harm you suffered due to the negligence of another, call 0800 032 3660 today. Alternatively, you can use our online claim form to request a call back, with no obligation to start legal proceedings.