Personal Injury Claims

Our personal injury solicitors handle all types of personal injury claims on a no win no fee basis. If you have been in an accident or suffered a personal injury that wasn't your fault you may be entitled to compensation.

More about Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury refers to any physical or psychological harm suffered by an individual as a result of an accident or other incident. Personal injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious life-changing injuries.

What is a Personal Injury Claim?

What is a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury claim is a legal action taken by an individual to recover compensation for the harm suffered as a result of an accident or other incident. Personal injury claims can be made against a person, company, or other entity that is believed to be responsible for the injury.

The Personal Injury Solicitors at Forbes handle all types of accident and personal injury claims on a No Win No Fee basis and offer a free initial consultation. The success fee we charge ranges from 0 - 25% depending upon the risks and complexity of the case and whether the disbursements to be incurred (eg medical report fees, court fees and barristers fees) are funded by ourselves or the client. If the claim is for an injured child, we do not charge a success fee. We are happy to discuss this during our free initial consultation. For a free initial consultation contact one of our specialist solicitors.

If you have been in an accident or suffered a personal injury in the last 3 years that wasn't your fault, you can claim compensation for pain, injury and private medical fees, loss of earnings, travel, accommodation, parking expenses and reimbursement of costs for vehicle hire or repair - by speaking to an accident injury solicitor today.

Common Types of Personal Injury Claims

Common Types of Personal Injury Claims

Common types of accident claims that our Personal Injury Solicitors handle include car and road traffic accidents, whiplash compensation, motor bike accidents, cycling and pedestrian accidents, accidents at work, accidents in shops, supermarkets and slips and trip falls on the street due to unsafe pavements. We also have a specialist team of Medical Negligence Solicitors.

At Forbes our personal injury claims team includes specialist personal injury solicitors and personal injury lawyers who can help you recover your losses. We are recognised by The Law Society Personal Injury Panel, The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and hold a Legal Service Commission (formerly Legal Aid) franchise for medical and clinical negligence cases. You can be sure that our No Win, No Fee personal injury Solicitors are experts, dedicated to getting the best possible results for accident victims.

Making a personal injury compensation claim could not be easier, we work on a No Win, No Fee basis, the success fee we charge ranges from 0-25%, and we offer a free initial consultation, so please contact us today. We are happy to speak to you at your convenience. If you would prefer to see us face to face, please call in at any of our offices, or we can arrange to see you at home, at work or by video link. We have expert personal accident injury Solicitors at each of our offices based in Blackburn, Preston and Leeds.

Recognition for our work

Additional Information

Funding a Personal Injury Claim

The Personal Injury Solicitors at Forbes understand people often think that they simply cannot afford legal advice and that help may be out of their reach. This is simply not true.

We offer free initial advice on your personal injury claim and work with you to ascertain whether you have a case. If we find you have a strong case we will discuss what options you have in regards to pursuing legal action with no obligation to continue your claim with us.

There are many options available for those needing legal advice regarding personal injury claims but the most common and cost effective on a no win, no fee basis. If the claim is for an injured child, we do not charge a success fee.

No Win, No Fee Forbes Solicitors can offer a range of services but the most common is our no win, no fee service. This means that there is no upfront or on-going cost to you whatsoever as we obtain our fee at the conclusion of the claim. Alternatively, if your case is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.

Our Personal Injury Solicitors will go through the charges involved should your claim be successful and keep you informed every step of the way, explaining any legal jargon.

Private services Our Personal Injury Solicitors are also able to offer their services via an hourly fee. In this case we will outline all costs involved and discuss how much your claim is likely to cost you.

For more information on our personal injury claim services, contact the experts at Forbes solicitors today.

Personal Injury Claims FAQs

How to Claim For Personal Injury

You can usually claim for personal injury compensation if it is possible to establish some fault against another party after an incident which caused you harm or suffering. According to the Law Society, over three million people in the UK are injured in accidents every year. Personal injury law can be very complicated, so it is best to get the help of a qualified solicitor if you wish to claim for a personal injury to help make the claim much more straightforward. Forbes Solicitors work on a no win, no fee basis meaning we will not charge if the case fails. If the case is successful we will claim our costs from the other party and you will only be charged a small success fee.

Generally, personal injury claims must be made within three years from the date of the injury. If the accident involved a child, then the three-year rule runs from the child's 18th birthday. There can sometimes be exceptions to this rule; so, for this, it's best to speak to a personal injury solicitor.

To claim for personal injury, your solicitor may need the following information:

  • Date of the accident

  • Where and how it happened

  • Contact details for any witnesses

  • Details of your injuries, medical diagnosis and treatment received

  • They may also ask if you are a member of a trade union or have legal expenses insurance as this may entitle you to free, or reduced-cost, legal representation

  • Any other evidence that could be used to support your claim

If you want to claim for loss of earnings as part of your personal injury claim then your solicitor will need to see proof of your loss and any other financial expenses you may have incurred due to your injury.

Your solicitor will be able to help determine if the case is likely to succeed and how much compensation you are likely to get.

Once the solicitor has taken on your case, they will need to do the following:

  • Submit details of the claim to those who are believed to be responsible for your accident. Known as the defendant If necessary

  • Get an expert opinion

  • The defendant should then reply within a fixed period (usually three months) and state whether they accept or deny liability for your injury

If they accept liability, your solicitor will aim to settle the matter out of court. An offer of compensation is then made by your solicitor.

If this is agreed then the case can be settled out of court. It is possible for the defendant's solicitor to make a counter offer; if this happens, your solicitor will advise you of your options. If the defendant says they are not liable, the case may have to court and it is then up to a judge to decide who is liable and how much (if any) compensation should be paid.

Do I have a personal injury claim?

Providing we can establish at least some fault against another party for your accident your claim should be successful.

For a free consultation call our Personal Injury Solicitors on freephone 0800 689 0973 or fill in our contact us form.

Will it cost me anything to claim compensation?

We operate on a No Win No Fee basis, so if your claim is unsuccessful we will not charge you anything. If the claim is successful, we will claim our base costs from the other party. For certain cases we may need to charge a success fee out of your damages, but this would be discussed with you in full before your case commences. Please call our help line 0800 689 0973 or request a call back to discuss your claim, alternatively if you would prefer to discuss your claim in person you can call in at any of our offices (by appointment only).

Call our freephone and ask for a free consultation with a Personal Injury Solicitor or complete the contact us form today.

How much compensation will I get for a personal injury claim?

How much you will get from a personal injury compensation claim can vary, depending on the particulars of the case. As a general rule, you should be compensated for all losses caused by the other party's negligence. This may include:

  • Loss of earnings

  • Damage to property

  • Continuing medical expenses

  • Future losses

  • Pain and suffering you have undergone

In regards to your injuries, the amount of compensation will go up in accordance with the severity of the injury or injuries you have sustained. When compensation is taken into account, it is divided into two groups; 'General' and 'Special' damages:

Special damages

Special damages are those which are easily quantifiable, like loss of earnings, medical expenses, taxi fares etc. To be able to be compensated for these expenses, you will need to try to make sure you keep a record, ideally receipts or invoices, of any expenditure you have occurred as a result of your injury.

General Damages

General damages refer to 'damages for pain suffering and loss of amenity (inability to do the things you enjoy). How much you receive will depend on your personal circumstances. Most lawyers and judges will look back at past cases that are similar, to determine the amount of compensation awarded.

How long will it take to get compensation?

It will usually take about 6 months to bring a straightforward personal injury compensation claim to its end. It may take much longer depending on the following:

  • If your injuries are more serious than first thought

  • If the other party (defendant) fails to co-operate

  • If the defendant refuses to accept liability

  • If the case goes to court

Use our Personal Injury Calculator to find out how much compensation you can claim for your injuries. Call our Personal Injury Solicitors for a free consultation on freephone 0800 689 0973 or contact us by email.

What is involved in making a personal injury claim?

To begin with giving us details of the case either in person or over the telephone. Keeping a written record of any losses, receipts where possible and attending a doctors appointment so that a report can be prepared on your injuries.

For a free consultation, call our Personal Injury Solicitors on freephone 0800 689 0973 or contact us by email.

Will I have to go to court to make a personal injury claim?

You will only have to go to court if the person/persons or company you are holding liable for your injury disputes liability, fails to co-operate or offers an unreasonable settlement. The vast majority of cases are settled out of court.

If your claim does go to court, a solicitor may need to do the following:

  • Appoint a barrister

  • Send you for a medical examination to an independent medical expert

  • They must serve proceedings on the defendant, together with the medical evidence to support your claim

The defendant will then serve their defence. If it's not possible to settle, the case will then go to trial. The court will provide both sides with directions for the case (i.e a timetable for disclosure of evidence).

It will be up to the judge to decide the outcome of the case and what, if any, compensation will be awarded.

Personal injury cases are decided by a judge and not a jury. Call our Personal Injury Solicitors for a free consultation on freephone 0800 689 0973, or fill in our contact us form.

Do I have the choice to go to any solicitor to bring my claim or must I go where my insurers or brokers tell me?

You can use any solicitor you choose.

At Forbes Solicitors, we handle accident and personal injury claims on a No Win No Fee basis. Call our Personal Injury Solicitors for a free consultation on freephone 0800 689 0973 or contact us by email.

If the accident happened at work will I lose my job?

No. All employers are insured by law and it is against the law to discourage or threaten or even suggest that your position at work will be affected.

To find out more, call our Personal Injury Solicitors for a free consultation on freephone 0800 689 0973 or contact us by email.

Does it matter if I am self employed and injured at work?

No. This is a common misunderstanding. If someone else is negligent you have a claim.

For more information, call freephone 0800 689 0973 and ask for a free consultation with a Personal Injury Solicitor or contact us by email.

Is it too late to claim compensation?

You have 3 years from the date of the accident or 3 years from the date of knowledge of the circumstances giving rise to the claim. Children and those under a disability have much longer in which to claim.

If you would like a free consultation, please call freephone 0800 689 0973 and ask to speak with a Personal Injury Solicitor or contact us by email.

Personal Injury Case Studies

Injury from Motorcycle accident

In 2021 the Claimant sustained injuries when they were involved in a road traffic accident whilst riding their motorcycle. on the A59.  As the Claimant was preceding through some roadworks just outside the petrol station before a village the Defendant pulled out of  a petrol station in order to turn  right and drove into the path of the Claimant.  The Claimant  was thrown over the front of the car sustaining injuries. Liability was admitted. Medical reports were obtained from a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Psychiatrist and Neurologist. The Claimant sustained injuries to his neck, lower back, ankle, foot and various bruises and abrasions.  He also suffered head injury and psychological dysfunction. There were concerns the head injury could lead to epilepsy and the issue of provisional damages was considered. A link could not be proved. In addition to their injuries, the claimant had time off work and claimed loss of earnings,

The Claimant accepted an offer of £30,000 plus payment of his legal costs.

Injury from Pedestrian RTA

The Claimant who was a Child at the time of the collision was a pedestrian crossing the road and had proceeded ¾ of the way across the carriageway when the Defendant drove into collision with him.  The defendants insurers failed to respond to the claim. A copy of the police report was obtained which confirmed the Defendant had pleaded guilty to driving without due care. Liability was admitted. As a result of the collision, the Claimant sustained injuries to their  left ankle, hip, lower back, arm/wrist,RTA and headaches.  They sustained a dental injury with the fractures to 2 teeth which would root canal treatment in the future.

This case had the potential for the insurers to raise arguments about who is to blame, the driver or the child.

In the case of  Gul v Mcdonagh, a 13-year-old was hit by Mr McDonagh who was fleeing from the police in his car. He was doing 45 in a 20 zone. There were speed bumps along the road.  On the face of it an open and shut case, however Mr McDonagh’s Insurers sought to contest the case, arguing that Gul’s claim should be reduced because he was contributory negligent. He was wearing headphones, presumably listening to music. The vehicle would have been visible, he should have kept an eye on it and should have appreciated it was travelling quickly.

It is often argued a very young child cannot be guilty of contributory negligence.  There is no precise definition of when this changes for an older child. A court should only find a child guilty of contributory negligence if they are of an age where they would be expected to take precautions. The older the child the more likely they have experience of such matters. Each case turns on its own facts.  There has to be some blame on their part.

The case of Ellis v Kelly in 2018 provides some help. Master Ellis was 8 when he ran diagonally across a road towards a zebra crossing,  when he knew a car was approaching. The court concluded that it was reasonable to infer he believed the car would stop at the crossing. He would have misjudged the speed and its ability to stop in time. There was no finding of contributory negligence.

Gul sustained catastrophic and life changing injuries.  The insurers for Mr McDonough sought a reduction of 25%.  The judge disagreed and found Gul was 10% contributory negligent. His claim is likely to be worth many millions. A 10% reduction will save the insurers a substantial amount.

The conviction following a guilty plea essentially put a stop to the insurers placing any blame on the pedestrian. The Defendant made an offer to settle the claim in the sum of £30,000 which was accepted by the Claimant.

If you, a friend or family member have been a victim of pedestrian road accident you may be entitled to recover your losses to help with your recovery. In a serious case like the one described above, catastrophic injuries can change the life of an individual and their family. They may need support, equipment and adapted accommodation. Here at Forbes we offer no win no fee advice. Please call one of the team if you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian road traffic accident.

Facial scar following a Road traffic accident

Forbes Solicitors has secured a settlement in the sum of £20,000.00 for a client after they were left with a facial scar following a road traffic accident on the 10th March 2022.

 

The day of the accident : 10 March 2022

The client was a passenger in a vehicle where the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided into a lamp post resulting in the client sustaining facial injuries.

Making the personal injury claim

Following the accident, the claimant contacted Forbes Solicitors to make a claim for the injuries they had suffered in the road accident.  When Forbes Solicitors contacted the Defendant, the Defendant admitted liability for the accident and negotiations between the parties resulted in a successful outcome for the client.

Settlement

The case was settled by Michelle Kemp, one of Forbes Solicitors Personal Injury expert solicitors for £20,000.00.

RTA Pedestrian injured near school

Forbes Solicitors has secured a 20,000 settlement for a Student after they were left with a broken ankle following a pedestrian road accident close to a school in 2022. The Clamant was crossing the road at a junction when the Defendant tuned into the road they were crossing and collide with the claimant.

Making the personal injury claim

Following the accident, the claimant contacted Forbes Solicitors to make a claim for the accident they had suffered at work. When Forbes Solicitors contacted the Defendant, liability was denied, the driver sought to blame the pedestrian for failing to look before crossing the road. Proceedings were issued and the Defendants offered to settle the claim after the case was allocated to the Fast track and timetabled through to trial.

Settlement

The case was settled by John Bennett, one of Forbes Solicitors Personal Injury expert solicitors for £20000.00

RTA (MOJ) - Passenger in family vehicle - Damage to teeth

Forbes Solicitors has secured a settlement for a client after they were left with injures following a road traffic accident on the 2nd December 2022.

The day of the accident : 02 December 2022

The client was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by a family member.  The vehicle in which the client was a passenger, was correctly proceeding through a green light, when the Defendant drove through a red light and collided into the client’s vehicle.

 

Making the personal injury claim

Following the accident, the client contacted Forbes Solicitors to make a claim for the accident they had suffered as a result of the road traffic accident. When Forbes Solicitors contacted the insurers for the Defendant, the insurers admitted liability following review of CCTV of the incident which clearly showed their insured to be at fault.  The client suffered neck, back, shoulder and wrist injuries together with damage to the teeth which resulted in future dental treatment being required.

 Settlement

The case was settled by Michelle Kemp, one of Forbes Solicitors Personal Injury expert solicitors for £8816.41.

Child Road Traffic Accident Claim

The Child Claimant was involved in a RTA  and had been injured in a pedestrian versus car road traffic accident. 

 The Child Claimant suffered an adjustment disorder with anxiety, plus minor physical injuries.

 On behalf of Forbes Solicitors, Barrister Cressida O’Connor of St John’s Buildings, advised on the value of general damages for the purpose of settlement negotiations and infant approval. The offers made by the Defendant fell below the figure advised would be a suitable settlement sum and the case proceeded to a Stage 3 disposal hearing.

 At the hearing, the Judge assessed damages in a sum much closer to what had been advised, beating the Claimant’s own best offer and securing a Part 36 uplift and penalty interest as a result. The sum of £5,600 damages was secured and the offer was accepted.

Our dedicated Personal Injury team

John Bennett.jpg

Partner, Personal Injury

John Bennett

Leonie Millard.jpg

Partner, Clinical Negligence

Leonie Millard

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Partner, Personal Injury

Robin Bower

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