Important Things You Need to Know About Making a Personal Injury Claim

If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, it can be incredibly frustrating and upsetting. It can also be very expensive too, as you are faced with everything from medical costs to the loss of income while you recover. This is why it is important to make a claim for compensation. Nevertheless, with so much information online today and endless conflicting statements about claiming, it can be difficult to know where to start. No matter whether you have been the victim of criminal negligence or you have slipped on an unmarked wet floor, read on to find out everything you need to know.

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You can claim for someone else – You are able to claim on behalf of someone else in some circumstances. If your child has been the victim of an accident, you can claim for them. If you don’t, they will have the option to do so once they turn 18-years-old. You can also make a claim if someone you love has been involved in a fatal accident or their injuries are so severe that they do not have the capacity to claim for themselves.

There is a time limit on personal injury claims – This is something that a lot of people do not realise until it is too late. Unfortunately, you can’t suddenly decide to claim ten years after the accident occurred. This is why it is advisable to claim as soon as possible. Not only will you ensure you don’t fall foul of the deadline, but you will also have the details fresh in your mind and it will be a lot easier to gather evidence, such as witness statements.

It’s better to work with a specialist solicitor – There are so many different personal injury firms to choose from, which can make it somewhat overwhelming. The best way to narrow down your search is to look for lawyers that are specialists in the type of incident you have been involved in. So, if you have been the victim of a road traffic accident, get a dependable car accident lawyer. If you have suffered an accident at work, look for a workplace accident lawyer. By doing this, you will know that the legal expert you have chosen will have worked on similar cases time and time before.

There are no guarantees regarding payout amounts – If you take a look on the Internet, you will see many personal injury firms claiming to offer you ‘x’ amount of money. You may also find compensation calculators, which promise to give you an accurate quote regarding the payout you will get. It is important to consider these figures as rough estimates only. No solicitor should ever promise you a certain sum of money, as every personal injury case is different and there are so many variables involved.

Compensation varies widely depending on individual circumstances – Of course, you will receive general damages for the injuries and suffering you have encountered. However, there are many other forms of compensation. This includes money for property damage, travel expenses, loss of earnings, past and future medical costs, therapy expenses, and childcare fees. If you have also required help around the home while you recover, the person that looked after you may be able to launch a care claim. In cases of wrongful death, you can claim for the likes of loss of consortium or companionship, related medical expenses incurred prior to death, loss of benefits and financial support, and burial and funeral expenses.

You don’t need to hire an attorney – You are not required to hire a personal injury attorney in order to make a claim. You can go about it yourself. Nonetheless, this is a risky route to go down. It always helps to have someone more experienced in your corner. Plus, the last thing you need is more stress on your shoulders.

You need to provide documentation of any out-of-pocket expenses – As touched upon earlier, there are a number of different things you are able to claim for. From loss of income to related travel costs, any expense you have encountered because of your injuries will be covered. However, this is only going to be the case if you can provide documentation that proves these out-of-pocket expenses.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what is entailed when it comes to making a personal injury claim. This can sometimes be a long and frustrating process, depending on the circumstances of your case. However, it can certainly make a difference to your life.