How long will it take?

This is always difficult to say. We try to resolve claims for people as soon as we can do. We do not get paid for unnecessary work. Whether a claim settles normally depends on firstly whether the Defendant, the person who has been negligent and their insureres accept that they are at fault. If they do not and we need to get more evidence, this can take longer. The other main factor is how quickly you get better. We do not want to settle the claim if we do not know how you are going to be in the future. However, we update you regularly throughout the claim as to how long it is likely to take. Most claims take between 12 - 18 months.

How much compensation will I get?

The value of your claim depends entirely on the effect this accident has on you personally. When we look at how much compensation you should get we look at what kind of injuries you have had, how long it took for you to recover and whether there are any long term problems. The Court has set guidelines as to what kind of injuries have what sort of value. We also calculate any financial losses you personally have had e.g. wage losses and medical expenses. These factors determine how much compensation you will get.

Will a claim affect my insurance premiums?

The claim will only affect the insurance of the person or organisation that you are bringing the claim against. If, for example the driver of the car that caused your injuries is your partner there may be a slight change in the insurance premium the following year. Please do be reassured that this is a civil claim only and does not involve the police e.g. for a road traffic accident. There does not have to be a criminal prosecution for a compensation claim to be successful.

Will I have to go to Court?

This is very unlikely. Most cases are settled before proceedings are sent or issued with the Court let alone having to go to trial. However, if the Defendants will not pay what your claim is worth and we think we can win, occasionally we do have to take this step. At Court you would be with your Solicitor and a Barrister who will explain what will happen. But please do not worry about this at this stage as it is very unlikely.

Will I have to pay expensive legal costs?

No, you should not have to. If you lose under a No Win No Fee agreement then you pay nothing at all. If the claim is successful we will try and ensure that the Defendants pay for all of the legal costs.

Please also see "what will it cost?"

Will I win?

We hope so! To bring a successful claim for compensation we will need to be able to prove that someone else was negligent. It is not enough just that you fell or just that you were injured at work. We need to show that the Defendant was responsible and was not taking the care that they should have been. We will advise you in detail about the prospect of success in your claim when we have been able to discuss the circumstances of your accident with you.

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