Claiming Compensation for Personal Injuries

Personal injury claims can be made on the basis of injuries which are physical or psychological as well as diseases and illnesses. The personal injury solicitors at Truth Legal have handled multiple claims of this kind, made against people such as employers, local authorities, private businesses and medical practitioners.  

For an injury claim to be successful you’ll have to show that another party had some kind of duty of care towards you and failed in that duty of care. This negligence led to an accident, and as a result you suffered an injury.

The nature of personal injury claims means that the injury might be anything from cuts and bruises or a broken arm up to life-changing injuries that have a permanently disabling impact. In some cases you may even be able to claim following the death of a loved one in an accident that was someone else’s fault.

How does the Law Define a “Personal Injury”?

The law defines a ‘personal injury’ as any kind of harm you may have suffered following negligence on the part of another party, or, in some cases, the actions of another party. The harm in question can range from cuts and bruises all the way up to deep psychological trauma and serious injuries which have a permanent negative impact.

The laws which apply to personal injury claims vary depending upon the circumstances. If you’re injured in an accident at work, for example, then the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 might apply, or safety regulations for particular tools or pieces of equipment.

If the accident took place in a public place, on the other hand, then your personal injury solicitors might refer to the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 when proving negligence. There are also specific laws relating to industrial diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

In all personal injury claims, the basic criteria for seeking compensation will be the same:

• You were owed a duty of care by another party
• The other party failed to meet that duty of care
• As a result of that failure, you suffered some form of personal injury causing pain and suffering and financial loss

No matter how complex the details of a case may be, the experts at Truth Legal can build a case based on these clear principles. If you’ve been injured and it wasn’t your fault then you deserve to be compensated, and we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.

Types of Personal Injuries you can claim Compensation For

There are numerous types of personal injuries that compensation can be claimed for. If the personal injury happened because someone else was negligent in some way then you may be able to claim  for the pain and suffering you’ve been through and any expenses directly related to your injury.

Examples of the kind of personal injury claims we handle on a regular basis include the following:

Work Accident Claims

Your employer has a legal duty to minimise the risk of accidents in the workplace. If you’re injured as a result of something like a slip, trip or fall or a fall from height that could have been avoided then you may be eligible for compensation. Negligence in the workplace could take the form of faulty equipment, a lack of risk assessments or personal protective equipment (PPE) that isn’t fit for purpose. No matter how it happens, it’s something you should never have to put up with.  

Road Traffic Accident Claims

Many of the personal injury claims we deal with are road traffic accident claims. If the accident in question happened because another road user wasn’t driving with due care, was driving too fast, or failed to pay proper attention to other road users, then you may be able to claim compensation. Claims of this kind can even be made if the other road user can’t be traced or is uninsured, through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

Public Liability Claims

Public liability claims are personal injury claims that can be made if you are injured following an accident that wasn’t your fault in a public place. Claims of this kind can include slips, trips or falls in a supermarket or on a pavement and accidents caused by faulty equipment in a gym. In simple terms, if the person responsible for the safety of people in a public space has been negligent and this led to an accident and injury then you may be able to make a personal injury claim.   

Serious Injury Claims

Serious injury claims can involve almost any kind of accident. If the accident was caused by another party’s negligence and leaves you with long term or permanent injuries then you may be able to make a serious injury claim for compensation. When the injuries suffered are serious the compensation awarded can pay for things like medical bills, long term care needs and adaptations to your home or vehicle. 

Medical & Clinical Negligence Claims

Medical and clinical negligence claims can be particularly stressful because of the trust people place in the medical practitioners they visit. They can also be complex, involving issues such as birth injuries, GP negligence, cancer misdiagnosis and dental negligence. For both of these reasons you need the expertise and support of the experts at Truth Legal if you think you might have been the victim of medical or clinical negligence.        

Professional Negligence Claims

If you employ the services of a professional – from builders and architects to mechanics or gardeners – then you have a right to expect a certain level of care in the services they provide. If they fall below that level and you are injured as a result then you may be able to claim compensation. Examples could include an accident involving DIY work in your home, gardening equipment that wasn’t cleared away or a malfunctioning vehicle repair.

Do I need a Solicitor or Legal Expert for a Personal Injury Claim?

There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor or legal expert when making a personal injury claim. Going ahead with a claim of this kind without expert help would be extremely risky, however, and far less likely to lead to compensation being awarded.

We’re experts when it comes to personal injury claims of every type. After a free initial consultation we’ll know whether you have a good case for compensation, and if you do we’ll guide you through the process one step at a time.

We understand what counts as negligence in every kind of personal injury claim, and the kind of evidence you’ll need to collect to demonstrate that negligence. We’re also used to dealing with other parties such as insurers, employers, businesses, local authorities and medical trusts, and how to counter any arguments they might put up.

We can arrange medical examinations to gauge the full extent of your injuries and the prognosis for recovery, both of which will impact the amount of compensation you could receive. In addition to this we’ll explain exactly what other expenses you can claim for as part of a personal injury claim.

If compensation is offered we’ll explain whether it is a fair amount in our expert opinion, and if it isn’t we’ll keep negotiating on your behalf. If the other party denies liability your personal injury claim will be settled in court, and our legal expertise will be more vital than ever.

Throughout this process the help, advice and support we offer will be provided on a no win no fee basis, meaning that you won’t have to pay us anything unless your claim is successful, and even then you’ll get to keep the majority of any compensation awarded.

Why claim with Truth Legal?

Our personal injury lawyers provide clients with exceptional service and legal support. Based in Harrogate, Hull and Leeds, with a presence in York, Manchester and London, our personal injury team have represented hundreds of clients nationwide.

We are personal injury lawyers you can trust

Easy for us to say! But for over 10 years clients have been entrusting us with their personal injury claims.

And our client reviews on Trustpilot and on reviewsolicitors.co.uk are overwhelmingly positive.

We hold ourselves to the very highest ethics and principles – priding ourselves on integrity and professionalism yet still being extremely approachable and friendly.

If you would like to know more about the ethical approach we take, our page here has further details and you can read about our community initiatives here.

No Win No Fee – Affordable and client-friendly funding options

Our solicitors work on a no win no fee basis when handling personal injury claims.

This means that you can seek compensation for injuries which weren’t your fault without having to pay anything up front, and without worrying about spiralling legal fees.

In simple terms, our costs will only be covered by a success fee if you win your claim. This will never be more than 25% of the compensation you receive, with any further costs being met by the other party in the claim.

In the event of an unsuccessful personal injury claim the costs of the other party will be met by After the Event (ATE) insurance, which we encourage our clients to take out at the start of the process. In some personal injury claims existing insurance policies such as home or car insurance will offer this kind of cover.

After an initial 30 minute consultation which is always free, everything we do when working on a claim is done without any charges being made, from gathering evidence and taking your own detailed statement to arranging a medical evaluation and negotiating with the other parties.

We think that people should be able to pursue personal injury claims and get the compensation they deserve without having to worry about whether they can afford to do so. Our no win no fee approach makes this possible for injuries of every type and severity.

Our team’s experience is vast and varied

A big part of trusting a lawyer is trusting in their expertise. Our dedicated personal injury team are experienced in dealing with a wide range of personal injury matters.

Our senior lawyers and solicitors are assisted by knowledgeable paralegals meaning you can be sure of skilful practitioners throughout the team.

And if that wasn’t enough, we have good relationships with specialist personal injury barristers who can be called upon to assist in your claim where necessary.

We go above and beyond

One of the key things that Truth Legal offers is top-quality customer service.

Unlike some larger law firms, our team has a manageable number of claims to run so that each of our clients receives the time and attention that they deserve.

If you are making a claim with us, you won’t be just a reference number to us. All of our clients are important and we will do our utmost to achieve the right outcome for you.

Even when a possible claim is close to being prevented by legal time limits, we will listen to you and do our best to help you. This means, even if you are worried you have left a claim too late, you can always get in touch with us to discuss it and we’ll see what can be done.

And wherever possible, we work flexibly to suit our clients; so we may be able to offer consultations outside of 9 to 5 where that would be helpful to you.

We understand that communication is key

We know that making a personal injury claim can hold a lot of significance. It might represent a fight for a just outcome, or a way of obtaining much-deserved compensation for harm you’ve suffered. The process itself may also be unfamiliar to you. In any case, the last thing you want is to be left in the dark about what’s happening.

If you make your claim with Truth Legal, you can expect regular contact and updates from us throughout.

You will be provided with the mobile number of the lawyer dealing with your claim, so you can speak directly to us. Your lawyer will be are assisted by experienced paralegals who you will also get to know, giving you multiple points of contact with us. And we are happy to communicate with you in whichever way suits you best, whether that is by email, text, telephone, WhatsApp, post, or a combination.

We also ensure that all information we give is provided to you in a clear and straightforward way – keeping legal jargon to an absolute minimum (and explaining any which can’t be avoided).

So why not have a chat with us?

If you are wondering about making a personal injury claim, and you think we might be the right firm for you, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.

Our lawyers would be happy to talk you through the claims process and discuss your situation – all at no cost to you and with no obligation to proceed any further.

How much Compensation can I expect to win from an Injury Claim?

The compensation you can expect to win from an injury claim could range from a couple of thousand pounds up to millions of pounds in the most serious accident claims.

The figure depends on the type and severity of your injury, whether you’ll make a full recovery and how long any recovery is expected to take.

Any compensation payment made is divided into general damages and special damages. General damages are related to the nature of the injury and special damages to any expenses directly linked to that injury.

How is Personal Injury Compensation Calculated?

Personal injury compensation is calculated on the basis of the injury you suffered in an accident.

It will vary depending upon the part of the body which is affected, how severely it is affected, what the prognosis for any recovery is and what expenses have been generated.

A publication called the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) is used when deciding how much should be awarded in general damages for personal injury claims. Recommended amounts in the latest edition of the JCG include the following:

• Moderately severe brain injury –  £267,340 – £344,150
• Moderate post-traumatic stress disorder –  £9,980 to £28,250
• Serious jaw fracture with permanent consequences –  £21,920 to £37,210
• Loss or damage to two front teeth –  £5,310 to £9,310
• Minor permanent damage to vision in one or both eyes –  £11,120 – £25,600

As well as the nature of the injury itself, general damages will reflect what is called ‘loss of amenity’. This means the way in which the injury stops you from leading a full life, by making it difficult to enjoy hobbies, interests, leisure pursuits and take part in everyday activities.

Compensation for Loss of Earnings & Treatment/Rehabilitation Costs

Compensation for loss of earnings and the cost of any treatment or rehabilitation needed because of your injury will be paid in what are called special damages. These will be awarded in addition to any general damages, as outlined above.

The principle behind special damages is that they should return you to the financial position you would have been in if the accident had never happened. They will do this by covering any costs which are directly related to the accident and its immediate and long term impact.

Special damages will include a full reimbursement of any earnings lost as a result of your injuries if you have to take time off work, give up working altogether or switch to another job which doesn’t pay as well. The same will apply to any pension provision impacted by your reduced ability to work.

Other expenses which the team at Truth Legal would include in any claim for special damages in a personal injury claim include the following:

• Medical costs which arise now and are expected to arise in the future
• The costs of any care needed as a result of your injuries
• The cost of any specialised equipment required as a result of your injuries. Examples could include a wheelchair, hearing aids or a mobility scooter.
• The cost of any adaptations you need to make to your home or vehicle to maintain accessibility following your injuries
• Any travel costs which are directly related to your injuries
• The cost of any therapy or counselling needed following your accident

Throughout the claims process, we will advise you to keep precise records, including receipts, of any expenses which wouldn’t have arisen if it wasn’t for the accident and your injuries.

What does the Injury Claim Process Look Like?

Making a personal injury claim can seem like a daunting prospect, all the more so in the case of complex situations such as medical negligence.

No matter how you came to be injured, however, Truth Legal will help by breaking the process down into simpler individual steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately following any accident or the onset of any symptoms of illness – Prompt medical help will increase your chances of making the fullest possible recovery. It will also create an official record of the accident, including where and when it happened and the extent of your injuries.
2. Report the accident to the proper authorities – Many public spaces and workplaces will have an accident book in which you can record the detail of the incident. Alternatively, you should inform your insurance company of any car accident, alert authorities such as the police where necessary, and lodge a record of any medically related incident with the relevant health provider. Even if you can’t make an immediate report – because you’re being treated for your injuries, for example – you should do so as soon as possible. At the very least you should email an account of what happened to the relevant party in order to create an official record of your version of events.
3. If you think you may have been a victim of negligence then contact Truth Legal – An initial free consultation will enable us to explain the principle of personal injury claims, take the details of your particular case and decide whether you have good grounds to seek compensation.
4. If we think you have good grounds for a personal injury claim then we’ll set about gathering the relevant evidence – This would include the time, place and nature of any accident, evidence of the circumstances in which the accident took place and anything which indicates that the other party acted in a negligent manner.   
5. We will arrange an independent medical assessment – We can use this to build a full picture of the extent and nature of your injuries and the impact they have had on you, as well as the prognosis for any recovery. We will also access your broader medical records with your permission, to be able to understand your state of health prior to the injury in question, and the details of any treatment you have already received. 
6. While this is happening we will inform the other party of your intention to claim compensation – Our experience of public injury claims means that we can present your case as forcefully as possible, with reference to similar cases which have led to compensation being awarded.
7. If the other party admits liability and makes an offer of compensation we’ll judge that offer on the basis of our past experience and knowledge of special and general damages – If the offer is fair, we’ll recommend that you accept it. Most personal injury claims are settled in this way.
8. If the other party denies liability or refuses to make a fair offer of compensation, the personal injury claim will be decided in court – Our expertise and experience when it comes to personal injury claims will be invaluable when presenting your case before a judge.   

Personal Injury FAQs

How do I Start my Personal Injury Compensation Claim?

You can start a personal injury compensation claim by calling us or using our contact form. We’ll take the details of your situation and decide whether it sounds like you’ve been the victim of negligence of some kind.

If we think you have then we’ll explain how the personal injury claims process works, including how our no win no fee approach means that you won’t have to make any upfront payments. If you decide to make a compensation claim we’ll take a detailed statement and start pulling together the evidence needed.

We’ll also arrange a medical examination, contact the other party on your behalf and negotiate in the hope of a quick but fair settlement. If needed, we’ll take your personal injury claim through the courts, presenting the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Throughout this process we’ll communicate clearly, using jargon-free language and adopting an empathetic, supportive approach. We know how upsetting a personal injury can be, and our no win no fee clams process is designed to be the first step towards recovery.

When you start a personal injury claim with Truth Legal you do so safe in the knowledge that you’ll keep the majority of any compensation you receive and won’t face unexpected costs or legal bills, no matter what happens.

Fill in a contact form today, and leave the rest up to our expert solicitors.