When you’ve suffered from an injury that was caused by another person’s negligence, you’ll feel very hard done by. However, you could be entitled to compensation for your personal injuries, which can cover lost earnings, medical expenses and more. In the UK, acting quickly matters, as you only get three years from the date of the accident or when you first become aware of the negligence to start your claim. This means that you need to understand all your legal options and speak to a professional to boost your chances of a successful claim.
In this guide, we will explore the legal options available to you if you’ve fallen victim to an injury that wasn’t your fault and was due to someone else’s negligence. Continue reading to find out more.
Negligence Legal Options
No Win, No Fee
Most personal injury claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis. That means that if you get in contact with personal injury solicitors in Liverpool, you will generally only have to pay them if your case is successful. This means that if you are unsuccessful, you won’t have to lose out on more money as you don’t own legal fees. Even if you do have to pay, the money will be taken directly from your compensation, so it won’t come from your own pocket.
This route is ideal for accidents at work, public liability or medical negligence. This includes any injuries that have happened to you during surgery, post-op treatment or poor aftercare.
Official Injury Claim Portal
If you don’t want to speak with any solicitors, some claims can be handled yourself for free in England and Wales. The government’s Official Injury Claim portal helps to walk you though the process, which is intentionally designed to be user-friendly without requiring a lawyer. To be eligible for this, the accidents must have occurred on or after 31 May 2021, where the value of the injury claim is up to £5,000 and total claim value is up to £10,000.
This is perfect for less serious injuries, such as road traffic accidents like whiplash. It’s not recommended for more serious injuries as you’ll likely need support from professionals who can guide you through the process, including any court proceedings.
Specialist Solicitors
If you’ve experienced a unique type of injury, such as losing a limb, you should seek advice from specialist loss of a limb compensation solicitors. If these injuries are severe, complex or the accident happened at work or in a public place, getting professional legal representation is highly recommended. A solicitor can collect all the needed medical evidence and negotiate with insurers to increase your chance of a successful claim.
You can consult organisations like the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers to locate accredited professionals in your specific area.
Citizens Advice
If you are unsure about anything to do with your claim you can get free, impartial advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau. They will give you step-by-step guidance on your legal rights and the claiming process, so you can make an informed decision about any action you wish to take. They can also point you in the right direction, so you can speak with specialist solicitors regarding your claim.