What To Do If You Suffer a Personal Injury in an Accident
The aftermath of an accident can be an extremely upsetting time for all involved but for anyone who suffers an injury or illness due to an unexpected event, it can be life changing – in the worst possible way.
Accidents come as a result of all manner of circumstances, from road traffic incidents to mishaps in working environments right through to complications arising from the negligence of someone working within the medical field. The actual term ‘personal injury’ covers a wide range of items, from things that don’t have a physical manifestation (such as psychological conditions) right up to the most extreme type of physical injury; a fatality.
The source of such outcomes can lie in the most innocuous places. Whether that be a short local road trip in your car through to using a piece of equipment that proves faulty or even simply falling or tripping whilst walking on a surface that should be perfectly safe, the negligence of others can often be to blame.
When such unfortunate things occur, the last thing on people’s minds would be to wonder if their might be any financial benefit involved in pursuing a claim. However, if you are an innocent party whose injury arises from no fault of your own and there is a third party who is essentially responsible for your predicament, then you are most likely in a position where you are entitled to make a claim through the process of personal injury law.
Your right to claim
The basis of any payout may be linked to pain, suffering and trauma which the injured party has suffered. It may also take into account any loss of earnings attributable to the injuries or any other expenses such as medical treatment or rehabilitation procedures that you may have had to undertake.
Often an insurance policy will be in place and if the matter is relatively straightforward, i.e. where one party accepts blame, then the question of the claim being successful is reasonably clear. However, in many cases legal action may have to be taken in a civil court and this is where things can get very complicated.
It is almost impossible for the layman to take matters into their own hands when it comes to fighting a claim of this nature in the court system, so it is advisable to seek the knowledge of an experienced claims lawyer as soon as possible.
The question of whether you will be claiming for ‘General’ or ‘Special’ damages may play a part, as might the ability to take advantage of a ‘no win no fee’ arrangement with you legal team. As long as you seek the advice of a reputable firm of specialist claims lawyers you will be fully apprised as to whether or not your claim is likely to succeed and therefore have a clear idea of what the outcome is likely to be.