Personal Injury Claims

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.

You 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

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 contact us by email

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 click here to 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 contact us by email today.

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.

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.

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

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 contact us by email

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

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

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

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