Mar
Three Steps of a Personal Injury Claim
It is estimated that there are over three million people are injured in an accident each year. This can be at home, in their own car, at work or even outdoors. Most of the time, these accidents are someone else’s fault. This leaves the accident victims with the right to claim compensation. But how should you do this? What is the process of a personal injury claim? Read on to find out.
Personal injury claims can be a daunting and complicated process, especially for those who have never been through it before. However, with the help of a knowledgeable solicitor, the process can be made as easy and straightforward as possible. At Chartlands Chambers, our solicitors can help you navigate through the three main steps of a personal injury claim.
Step 1: Expert Opinions
The first step in making a personal injury claim is to send a claim letter to the person, people, or company that is responsible for the accident. This letter contains details of your injury and what happened. To support your claim, an expert opinion may be needed from a doctor or specialist. The defendant then has a fixed period of time, usually no more than three months, to respond to the letter. In their response, the defendant must outline whether they accept or deny liability for your injuries. If liability is accepted, then the matter can be settled out of court.
Step 2: Offer
After liability is accepted, your solicitor will notify you of what they think the value of your claim is likely to be. They may ask you how much compensation you are willing to accept and whether you would want to ‘offer to settle’ for that amount. They will make you aware of whether you should accept and how this would affect you. If the defendant accepts the offer and the figure, the matter can be settled out of court. If the defendant makes their own offer, your solicitor will advise you on what to do next.
Step 3: Court Settlements
If a settlement cannot be reached, your solicitor may advise you to take legal action. If the defendant responds to your claim letter by stating that they were not liable for the accident and will not be paying compensation, you may be advised to go to court.
If you have been injured in an accident and think you have a valid claim, our solicitors at Chartlands Chambers can help guide you through the process. We can provide expert advice and support every step of the way, ensuring that your circumstances are considered fully. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today to learn more about the personal injury claims process or file your own claim, do not hesitate to get in touch today.
Resources
Citizens Advice: Personal Injury Claims: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/personal-injury
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL): https://www.apil.org.uk
NHS: Guide to Personal Injury Compensation: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/medico-legal-issues/personal-injury-compensation
Ministry of Justice: Making a Personal Injury Claim: https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/make-a-personal-injury-claim
Law Society: Personal Injury: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/for-the-public/personal-injury