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.

 

The 5 things everyone needs to know about Personal Injury Law

We all are aware of accidents on our roads because, unfortunately, they are a common occurrence. However, a large number of these accidents could have been avoided and, due to the extreme dangers associated to motor collisions, it is important everybody looks for ways to reduce accident figures.

What is personal injury?

There are a range of personal injuries that can occur. This could be anything from psychological illness to death. Personal injuries can arise from a number of different situations; such scenarios could be from a faulty product or service, tripping over debris or rubble as well as psychological and physical injuries from employment or as a result of a crime.

What happens after a personal injury?

Of course, after a serious personal injury, medical care is the most important factor. Once the individual who has been injured has had medical attention they may want to take action. Having a medical report could be very worthwhile should the injured party wish to lodge a claim later on.

Also, the police should be informed in various situations when there is an accident or personal injury. They will be able to assess the situation and make sure that the others involved provide the necessary information.

People involved in accidents can make complaints to the organisation or individual they feel is responsible for it. They may then receive an explanation or an apology.

Depending on the accident, an individual may wish to contact their employer, the police, local authorities or hospital.

How to make a compensation claim for personal injury

The person who has suffered an injury may wish to make a compensation claim for the trauma which they have experienced. Most people who have been wrongly injured make a compensation claim to address the loss of earnings incurred after the accident and to compensate them for their injuries.

In order to gain compensation for a personal injury, legal action will be taken in a civil court by using either a criminal compensation order, a claims assessor or with government compensation schemes.

Compensation: General or special damages?

When making a claim for personal injury you can gain general damages or special damages.

General damages provide compensation for those who have been unable to work, lost earnings or suffered pain after having experienced a personal injury. The court will establish the chosen compensation amount.

Special damages are given to those who have been injured and as a result experienced a permanent financial loss. Special damages will cover the cost of medical care, travel, belongings and repairing items.

Those who were not responsible for the personal injury will receive the largest payout in compensation.

What happens if somebody dies from an injury?

The worst possible outcome from a personal injury is death. If this is the case then a family member can represent the individual who died.

It is then their responsibility to complain and make a compensation claim. At injurylawyers4u, we make this whole process simple and straightforward. Contact us today to find out more about making your personal injury claim.