Understanding How Personal Injury Law in the UK Works
With over three million people injured every year through accidents at work, in cars, outdoors and at home, understanding how personal injury law works is crucial for many people. It is useful to know where to start if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate position.
If the cause of an accident can be attributed to the actions of another person, as it so often can, compensation may be available to the injured party. If you think you are entitled to compensation you should contact a solicitor to find out more. Most solicitors can offer you a free consultation to establish whether you have sufficient grounds to make a claim.
You may have a non-specialist solicitor who you wish to use, or you may need to find one with expertise in personal injury law. Choosing a solicitor on the recommendation of friends or family can be a good idea, or you could contact a professional legal body such as the Law Society, which provides lists of appropriate solicitors.
Be prepared
After you have researched solicitors from personal injury law firms and chosen the right one for you, it helps to be prepared when you progress your case. Keeping records and documenting your injury will be a big help. When you consult with your solicitor you should have the following details to hand:
- When, where and how your accident happened
- Eyewitness details
- Injury and medical details including treatment and follow-up care
- Proof of related expenses and loss of earnings (if relevant)
- Insurance documents and any other supporting information
Your solicitor will provide you with an overview of what you need to go forward, but it is worth knowing what you can do to start the process.
Consult with your solicitor
When you meet with your solicitor you will be able to describe in detail the circumstances surrounding your accident and what you have had to deal with since in terms of injury and treatment. Your solicitor should be able to give you an idea of whether your case is likely to be successful or not and what kind of compensation you may be able to claim for and expect. You will also be talked through what happens once you decide to progress your claim. If the legal process being explained seems confusing or daunting in any way, you should feel free to take notes and ask questions at any point.
When you decide to go ahead with your claim your solicitor should confirm that he is happy to deal with your case. He will confirm your main point of contact and give you an idea of time scales. The solicitor will also ask how you intend to fund your case and he should give you a breakdown of the legal costs involved.
Choosing a solicitor from the huge range of personal injury law firms out there may seem daunting, as might getting to grips with how your case will progress through the legal system. However, once you have had your first meeting with your solicitor you should feel more comfortable with making your claim.
AUTHOR BIO
Smith writes for a number of websites and print publications. A former legal practitioner, Smith specialises in personal injury law.
Category: Law
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