Personal Injury
What it is: A personal injury claim seeks compensation for physical or psychological harm caused by someone else's negligence or breach of duty in England and Wales. Claims cover road traffic accidents, accidents at work, slips and trips in public places, and injuries from defective products. When it applies: You may have a claim if you were injured within the last three years and another party was at fault, whether wholly or in part. Compensation can cover pain and suffering, loss of earnings, care costs, and future losses. Different rules and processes apply to lower-value road traffic claims through the official portal. How a solicitor helps: A personal injury solicitor assesses liability, gathers evidence, obtains independent medical reports, and values your claim fairly. Many act on a conditional fee, or no win no fee, basis, so there is usually nothing to pay upfront. They negotiate with the other side's insurers and, where a fair settlement cannot be reached, pursue court proceedings. First steps: Seek medical attention and ensure the injury is recorded, report the accident, and keep evidence such as photographs, witness details, and receipts for expenses. Note the three-year limitation period, which runs from the date of the accident or knowledge of the injury. Scotland applies different limitation and procedural rules.
