Injury or illness can happen to anyone. It can be more upsetting, however, when caused by the actions or decisions of someone else. In such events, you may be able to make a personal injury claim to secure compensation for what happened and the effects it had on your life.
Taking legal action might seem intimidating, especially if you’re busy dealing with the aftermath of a serious incident. But contacting a legal professional can make the process clearer, lift the burden and help claim the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Below, discover the key things to know about personal injury claims including the different types, compensation amounts and time limits.
Types of personal injury claims
Personal injury is a broad category covering different types such as:
- Medical negligence, including misdiagnosis and treatment errors
- Road traffic accidents, with 26,701 people seriously injured in Britain in 2021
- Accidents at work, such as trips and falls and handling injuries
- Industrial diseases, including hearing loss and respiratory issues
- Accidents in public places, such as slips on pavements and in shops
In each event, if you suffer ill effects due to someone else’s negligence, be it a surgeon, employer or local council, you could be due compensation.
Calculating compensation
Personal injury compensation is designed to return you to the position you’d have been in before your injury or illness occurred. It’s based on general damages outlined by the Judicial College Guidelines plus cover for loss of work, medical care and other factors.
Compensation amounts vary significantly between cases, so it’s worth using a personal injury claim calculator to get an estimate for your situation.
Time limits
In most cases, you’ll have three years from the date of your accident, or from the date you became aware of its effects or the negligence involved. There are exceptions, however, such as if you’re claiming on behalf of someone aged under 18 or someone lacking the mental capacity to claim themselves.
Whatever the case, starting a claim early can help with gathering accurate evidence and securing the compensation you need sooner.
Benefits of using a personal injury lawyer
It’s possible to make a personal injury claim without seeking professional help, but it’s not advised. Solicitors are on hand to assess the legitimacy of your claim, navigate complex legal processes on your behalf and calculate fair compensation.
Proving liability can demand a great deal of research and legal expertise, particularly in complex cases. A solicitor will also use their experience to negotiate with the other side and aim to reach a settlement without going to court.
Crucially, many personal injury lawyers work on a no win no fee basis. This means they’ll only collect a fee if your claim is successful; if it’s not, you’ll have no legal fees to pay.
If you’ve been negatively affected by the actions or errors of someone else, making a personal injury claim could be what you need to move forward.
