HomePersonal Injury & Accident Claims - FAQ's

Personal Injury & Accident Claims - FAQ's

When you need help, we're here for you...

Do I have a claim?

If you have been involved in an accident within the last 3 years in which you suffered an injury and someone else was to blame, you are in a position to make a claim.

How much compensation will I get?

This does depend on a number of factors. Compensation is split into two parts. The first is to compensate you for your pain and suffering. The amount depends upon the type of injury received, how long the symptoms lasted for and whether there are any lasting problems which interfere with daily living.

The second part of your claim compensates you for any financial loss such as loss of earnings, travelling expenses or medical aids.

We have a team of solicitors and legal executives who all specialise in personal injury matters. You will not have anyone without a legal background handling your claim. You will be assigned a single person who will handle your case so you will quickly develop a working relationship with them.

If you handle my case, how much will it cost me?

Probably nothing!

We offer no win no fee agreements which means that if you lose there are no costs to be paid to your solicitor. In some cases however we may suggest that you take out a policy to insure against losing which would cover any other costs such as the defendant's costs. The cost of this would be refundable if the case was successful. Usually if a case is successful there are no legal costs passed on to the client.

So how are your fees paid?

Quite simply if you don't win your case, we don't get paid which is why we always give a realistic appraisal of your claim. If you do win our costs are paid by the other side.

How much of my compensation do I keep?

You keep everything that is awarded to you. All costs incurred in your case (eg our bill) are paid for separately by the other side.

How long will it all take?

This often depends on the attitude of your opponent. They do have to acknowledge the claim within 21 days and only have 3 months after that date to set out their views. Therefore you will generally know within 4 - 15 weeks whether the claim will be resisted or not.

What happens if the claim is contested?

If your opponents indicate that they wish to contest the claim then we would ask them to substantiate their views with documentary evidence and argument. We would then review the merits of their defence and discuss this with you. If there were no substance to the defence then we would advise you to consider bringing legal proceedings against them, usually in the county court. The no win no fee agreement would continue but we would advise you to take out an insurance policy to protect you from paying the other side's costs. This normally costs between £90 and £230 and will be refunded if your case is successful. Unfortunately if the defence were a cast iron one then we would sadly advise you to withdraw. There would be no costs payable to you as a result.

And what if they accept the responsibilty straight away?

This simply speeds up the process. If you have recovered from your injuries we can proceed to have you medically examined and settle your claim. If however you have not recovered then we could apply for an interim payment on your behalf to help you through this difficult time.

Do I have to go to court?

If the claim is contested a court case will be scheduled, however cases are usually settled before the court hearing. If it does proceed to trial you will have to give evidence and will be cross-examined in court. The vast majority of cases are settled in advance and therefore no court appearance is required.

What do I need to do now?

Keep a diary of how your symptoms affect your daily life and keep the receipts of all your expenses relating to the injuries. Also note any lost earnings and retain old pay slips as evidence. Make a note of how family and friends have had to provide assistance. Photographic evidence is always very useful. For example, if you were involved in a tripping case take a photograph immediately of the pavement where it happened and measure the depth. If your injuries are visible, then take a photograph of them.

How do I contact you?

We have three offices and you may prefer to deal with someone at the office which is most convenient for you to visit.

• Manchester office - 0161 832 3304 and ask for Kate Oldfield

• Glossop office - 01457 860606 and ask for Jon Litherland

We are able to offer home visits for those people whose injuries make it difficult for the to travel.