Unsure Whether to Make an Accident Claim?
Being injured in any sort of accident as the result of another person’s negligence is frustrating and distressing and the consequences can be far reaching. As well as the physical pain, distress and trauma can last longer, as can the treatment, ongoing care and absence from work. These are just some of the reasons why making an accident claim might be the right thing for you after your injury. But the process of doing so is shrouded in secrecy and few people are fully aware of what to do.
The first thing to do before making an accident claim is obviously to have your injuries treated. Not only is this important to your physical and mental recovery but it will also help your accident claim to ensure that your doctor has recorded the details of any injuries.
If your injury takes place at work it is important the health and safety officer is notified and that the accident is logged in the company’s accident book. You should also report the injury to your trade union, if appropriate, as they may be able to support you in your accident claim and recovery.
In the weeks after an accident there are many expenses so if you decide to make an accident claim, keep receipts for expenses such as taxis to hospital appointments, medication, care or early private treatment such as physiotherapy because you may be able to claim them back later.
Because evidence to support your claim could be lost or disappear, you should contact an accident claim solicitor as soon as you can once you’ve decided the step is right for you. This is particularly important in cases of slip and trip accidents caused by poorly maintained pavements because once the pavement is repaired your evidence is lost.
You might see adverts on television for accident claim management companies who offer to handle your claim on a no win no fee basis. Think carefully before contacting such a company because they are not actually lawyers, but rather auction details of claims they have ‘farmed’ to the highest bidding law firms. All of that means that your element of choice in who handles your claim is removed. Potentially you could be given a poor quality solicitor. If you are worried about legal fees it is worth remembering that there are many law firms who you could go to directly who will offer no win no fee services. Furthermore, if your injury happens at work, there is a possibility your trade union can help with costs.