If you have had an accident and been injured, due to the negligence of another party, then you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim in the civil courts. For example, you may have injured your wrist through a tripping accident involving an unattended hazard at work; or you may have suffered whiplash from a road traffic accident.

The best course of action would be to contact a personal injury solicitor, in order to obtain expert advice on starting legal proceedings. A specialist solicitor can help you gather the evidence you will need to support your claim, such as medical reports; and they will ask to see any bills for medical treatment that you have had to pay, so that you may be recompensed.

There is a time-limitation of three years in which to start a claim for personal injury compensation, therefore you will need to consult a solicitor without delay.

Legal action can be expensive; however, your solicitor may offer a no-win, no-fee agreement. This means that you would not have to pay legal fees, should you lose your claim. On the other hand, there are other costs to take into consideration, and you should discuss the terms of the agreement with your solicitor in advance.

If you win your claim, your compensation award will have two components:

  • General damages are compensation for the pain and suffering experienced as a result of your injury, and for loss of amenity. That is, the loss of any ability to live in the way you lived before the accident or illness
  • Special damages relate to the financial losses and expenses suffered by a victim. For example, if you need regular treatment by a physiotherapist or repeat prescriptions as a result of your injury; then you may be awarded special damages to cover these costs. The court will require an expert medical opinion, to support a financial claim in these matters

If you have been injured by someone else as the result of a criminal act of violence, then you can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). They can award compensation for your injury as well as for loss of earnings and other expenses, such as medical bills. Awards can range from £1,000 to £500,000.

Last Updated on 19/09/2011





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