Any type of injury can have life-altering consequences. It can be very frustrating if the accident was your fault, but it can be even more upsetting if the accident was caused by somebody else’s negligence. If your accident was caused by someone else then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. This compensation could help to lessen the impact of the injury and recuperate any lost costs that you experienced. Here is how you can make a claim for compensation if you decide that you want to.
Find Support
Although it is possible to make a claim for compensation without any additional support, most people choose to use a claims advisor or a solicitor. These professional are more likely to help you to win your case, because they have a great understanding of the law and they know about precedent. They will also have more time to dedicate to your case. There are countless national corporations which specialise in making personal injuries claims, however you can also approach your local solicitor’s office to see if they are able to help you with your claim.
Some claims advisors or solicitors will have a specialism. Wherever possible, it is best to choose a professional who specialises in your area of personal injury.
Discuss Your Case
If you wish to make a claim for compensation, you will have to be prepared to discuss your case. Many solicitors and claims advisors are prepared to offer free initial consultation sessions to allow potential claimants to see whether the law is on their side. You will be asked to explain the details of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Your legal professional or claims advisor may also ask you whether you have had any lasting effects after your accident.
By taking into account all of the information that they have given you, they should be able to advise you about whether there is any chance of making a successful claim. It is in their interests to manage your expectations properly, because they will not want to waste their time on an unsuccessful claim, especially if they are working on a “No Win, No Fee” basis. (I’ve now added a post on “No Win, No Fee”). They will also be able to tell you how much your claim could be worth. It is then up to you as to whether you decide to progress your claim or not.
Gather Evidence
In order to build a strong case, your solicitor or claims advisor will want to gather as much information as possible. They may need to gain access to your medical records to gain a proper understanding of how the accident has affected you. They may also need to see financial statements to see how the incident has affected you financially. They will search for evidence of lost earning, as well as considering how your earning potential could be reduced in the future. All of these things will also have an effect on how much compensation you may be entitled to.
In regards to the incident which caused all of your personal injuries, your representatives may also wish to find witnesses to the event. These witnesses can help to corroborate your story, so that it is clear that the accident was not your fault. They may also seek to find expert witnesses, who could be called upon to explain why an incident might have occurred or whether anything could have been done differently to prevent the accident from happening. In some cases, it may have been impossible to stop the accident from happening, but it may have been possible to take steps to reduce the impact of an accident.
Making the Claim
When your advisor or solicitor launches the claim, the defendant will have the opportunity to respond. In some cases, they will agree completely with the claim and they will be prepared to offer the full amount straight away. However, they may choose to make a lower counteroffer. If the offer is still reasonable, your lawyer or claims advisor may suggest that you take it. If all negotiations fail, then the claim may end up going to court. If you lose the case, you may be required to pay the legal fees of the defendant.