FAQs

In most cases you have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you first realised your injury was linked to someone else's fault, to start court proceedings. Important exceptions exist: children have until their 21st birthday, and different rules apply where someone lacks mental capacity. Three years sounds like a long time, but building a strong claim and getting ready to issue court proceedings takes work, so it's always best to seek advice early. 

We act for people injured in accidents at work, those suffering industrial diseases caused by their employment, and people hurt in road traffic accidents, whether as passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians. We usually don't take on claims by drivers as their claims are often limited by fixed tariffs. We also represent families in fatal accident claims, and we take on professional negligence claims against solicitors who have mishandled personal injury cases.

Your solicitor gathers the evidence, such as accident reports, witness details and photographs, arranges an independent medical assessment of your injuries, and sends a formal letter of claim to the person or organisation at fault or uploads details of the claim to an online claims portal, usually dealt with by their insurer. Most claims settle through negotiation without a court hearing; where court proceedings are needed, we guide you through every step.

Compensation has two parts. "General damages" cover the pain, suffering and impact on your life, assessed with reference to medical evidence and judicial guidelines. "Special damages" cover your financial losses, including lost earnings, treatment and care costs, travel and anything else the injury has cost you, both already and in the future. The aim is to put you, as far as money can, back in the position you'd have been in without the injury.

Most personal injury claims are funded through a "conditional fee agreement", often called "no win no fee", meaning you don't pay our fees if the claim is unsuccessful. You may also have legal expenses cover through your home or motor insurance, or through a trade union. We'll explain the funding options and what they mean for you clearly before your claim begins, so there are no surprises.