Recently been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault? It can be a stressful and overwhelming time. You may be in a lot of pain. You may still be recovering, both physically and emotionally, and your injury may be having an ongoing impact on your day-to-day life. Which is why, reaching out to an injury lawyer can feel a little daunting.
Is it really worth it? The short answer is yes, absolutely.
To ensure you receive both the support and financial justice you deserve, having a specialist on your side – someone who is skilled and experienced in this area of law – is invaluable.
Read on to find out how an injury lawyer could help you.
What is a personal injury lawyer?
An injury lawyer or personal injury solicitor is, essentially, a specialist in compensation claims.
Their role is to provide legal representation for people who have been hurt in an accident that was someone else’s fault, or have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence.
The cause could be anything. Perhaps a road traffic accident, a trip, slip or fall in a public place, a workplace accident, the error of a medical or dental professional etc. And the injury can be physical, emotional or psychological, ranging from minor ailments to major life-changing traumas.
As long as the accident wasn’t your fault and occurred within the last 3 years, an injury lawyer can handle your claim and seek compensation from the party who is responsible. And in most cases, they’ll be glad to do this on a completely ‘no win no fee’ basis.
How can an injury lawyer help?
- Advise on your eligibility
Most personal injury lawyers have excellent knowledge of ‘English Tort Law’, as well as experience in handling a wide range of injury and accident claims. Which means, following a quick initial chat, they should be able to advise on your eligibility to make a claim and your realistic chances of success.
Their goal is to ensure you know your rights and the options available to you – therefore allowing you to make a fully informed decision on whether you wish to proceed with legal action or not.
- Put your injury claim together
If you do decide to go ahead, your chosen personal injury lawyer will then get to work – putting together the strongest possible case on your behalf and guiding you step-by-step through the claims process.
This typically involves:
- gathering factual evidence to support your claim – including photos from the scene, witness statements, dates and times of medical appointments, medical records and police reports.
- contacting the person or organisation responsible to request further information.
- arranging a medical assessment with a qualified expert.
Ultimately, their goal is to prove the accident was someone else’s fault, and you have experienced pain and suffering as a result – in the hope of securing the maximum amount of compensation.
- Fight for financial justice
Compensation awarded for a personal injury can vary greatly.
General guidelines are set by the Judicial College. However, the exact amount will depend on a range of different factors, including the type and severity of the injury and its impact on your life.
With significant experience in this area of the law, a good injury solicitor will carefully assess every aspect of your circumstances – including both the pain and suffering experienced (general damages) and any financial losses you have incurred as a direct result of the injury (special damages).
This information will then be shared with the defendant.
If necessary, they will begin negotiations, using techniques such as mediation and informal discussions to encourage a fair compensation offer. Whilst also providing you with ongoing advice and recommendations on whether the figure offered is satisfactory and the best way to proceed.
- Help with your recovery
A personal injury solicitor will attempt to achieve the best possible settlement on your behalf. This is their area of expertise, after all, and they will provide you with the best possible chance of securing your rightful level of compensation – without you personally having to lift a finger.
But they’re not just about the money.
Not many people are aware, but injury lawyers can provide the continued support and rehabilitation you need to recover and get your life back on track. This could be anything from physiotherapy and counselling to any home adaptations or aids that you may need following your injury.
It may also be possible for them to arrange interim compensation payments, to help pay for any immediate medical care that you need and cover any rehabilitation expenses.
Take the first step today
Most reputable injury lawyers will offer an initial consultation free of charge.
So if you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault or was caused by someone else’s negligence – and think you may be entitled to compensation – where’s the harm in having a chat?
Personal injury solicitors can give you the advice and support you need at this difficult time. Having them fight your corner could be the difference between you winning or losing the case, and they’ll ensure the process of claiming is as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Leaving you to focus on what’s important – making a full recovery and getting your life back on track.
