Claiming compensation after an injury or accident can be a daunting prospect. But it can also mean you get the recompense you deserve and might also help you speed up your road to recovery.
This blog takes a look at what a personal injury claim is and how, if your claim is successful, it can give your finances a boost and relieve some of those money worries you’ve had to endure.
What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim can sometimes be made after an accident in the workplace or in a public place. If the injury was a result of someone else’s neglect or actions, then compensation might be awarded.
Accidents can take many forms including, but not limited to, slips, trips and falls, road traffic accidents and injuries caused by machinery.
Workplaces must have proper risk management tools and health and safety protocols in place to help mitigate hazards and a failure to do so can result in liability.
How can you begin to make a claim?
To make a personal injury claim, the accident needs to have occurred within the last three years. It’s recommended to speak to a personal injury claim solicitor to begin processing a claim.
The length of time it takes to be awarded compensation depends on the nature of your accident and injuries, as well as a combination of other factors such as the other party’s involvement and any disputes.
Why claim for personal injury?
Research by National Accident Helpline showed that 32% of people saw their finances take a serious hit after their accident. And 42% of those who suffered an accident at work struggled financially.
You might be able to make a claim to help recoup some of the income you’ve lost and to compensate for the hardship and stress you’ve had to deal with as a result of the accident. These can include:
- Loss of earnings: an inability to work can dramatically affect income and any statutory sick pay might not be sufficient to fully cover your outgoings.
- Medical fees: you might have had to shell out for medical expenses or costs to adapt your home if you’re suffering from mobility issues.
- Travel costs: journeys to hospital, physio or doctor appointments can add up and leave you struggling to find the cash.
- Missed holidays: cancelled trips might have left you out of pocket or you might have had to pay an excess to claim on your holiday insurance.
- Specialist care and assistance: If you’ve suffered a serious accident, you might need professional help in the form of physical care or even counselling.
Compensation pay outs can vary greatly, depending on the accident you’ve suffered and how it’s affected each aspect of your life and ability to earn. Many claims can be made on a no win no fee basis, meaning there’s little risk to your finances should you not be successful.
However, it’s a good idea to speak to a professional before deciding to go ahead with any claim and make sure you’re aware of the process and the potential outcomes.
