Accident Claims

We are currently members of MASS (Motor Accident Solicitors Society) consisting of personal injury lawyers throughout the country specialising in personal injury claims.

Following settlement of a claim, we do not deduct fees from the damages awarded, unless the award falls below £1,000. For claims over £1,000, our fees are recovered from the responsible party's insurance company. Thus, if you are awarded £2,000 then the cheque you will receive will be £2,000 — without deduction. However, if the award is less than £1,000 then since fees will not be recoverable from the third party insurers, they would be payable by you.

We deal with a variety of claims, including road traffic accidents, accidents at work, accidents in the street (slips and trips), clinical negligence, claims against the police etc. Regrettably, Legal Aid is no longer available for personal injury claims. Cases will be considered on their merits and, subject to the circumstances, will normally be dealt with on a No Win No Fee basis. We will discuss the funding of the claim from the outset, and will record in writing for you how the case will be dealt with, to ensure clarity.

Amount of Damages

Each case is dealt with on its merits. Medical evidence will be collated and, subject to the opinion and prognosis, we will be able to advise you as to the value of your injury. Every case has different aspects incorporated within the claim, e.g. policy excess, vehicle repairs, loss of use and inconvenience, loss of earnings, medication expenses, hire charges, travel expenses, physiotherapy fees etc.

Although the examples below should not be considered as fixed sums, we have set out a rough guide to the level of damages that could be expected:

Fraudulent Claims

Unfortunately the insurance industry has been subject to many fraudulent claims and many companies are now employing private investigators to undertake surveillance of claimants. Beware if you are considering a fraudulent or exaggerated claim — you are likely to be caught out!

In a recent case, a man had an accident, which he claimed prevented him from lifting his arm above his head. However, the insurers disputed the claim and the matter proceeded to a trial. During cross-examination, the Claimant showed the Judge that since the accident he could only marginally lift his arm; the Claimant then proceeded to demonstrate to the Judge how, pre-accident, he had been able to lift his arm above his head! Needless to say, the Judge immediately dismissed the claim — and the Claimant was ordered to pay the costs for the fraudulent claim.

In another case, a man purported to have difficulty in walking — let alone any more vigorous activity. However, video surveillance evidence showed him with a sledge hammer smashing his front path and brick wall!

Whose Fault?

While there is no claim without blame, who is at fault may be a moot point.

If you have had an accident and you wish to receive advice then please contact us. We will endeavour to advise as to the merits of your case from the outset.

Article first published February 2004
Last Reviewed April 2007