Why Claim

People remain reluctant to claim compensation for injuries. Reasons vary. Client’s have said to us that …

• They feel uncomfortable claiming. They feel there is a social stigma associated with it.
• They cannot be bothered – its too much hassle.
• They don’t want to go to Court.
• They feel they may have to pay something.
• They’ll get over the injury – it was nothing really.
• They don’t know what is involved or who to go to.

Almost everyone now realises that they can bring a claim where fault for an accident lies elsewhere. Indeed most, like yourself, consider making a claim. Very few actually do so.

Do you feel uncomfortable about making a claim?

As a result of rising concerns that we were turning into a “compensation culture” society, the government commissioned a task force to investigate and report. The conclusions were that:-

• The number of injury claims made each year has reduced in each of the last 3 years. Furthermore, awards are relatively modest. The government, the Courts, and society as a whole have no appetite for becoming “just like America” as far as compensation is concerned.
• Compensation culture does NOT exist.
• The feeling that there is a compensation culture DOES exist.

Over the course of the last 10 years or so there has been constant lobbying in parliament from insurance companies and regular drip feeding or stories to the press. The compensation culture debate has never been far from the front page. The debate certainly exists as do the ridiculous stories of conkers being banned in playgrounds and people staging car accidents. The fact remains however that this does not reflect reality.

Insurance is taken out to cover risks – foreseeable risks. It is properly costed by insurance companies and affords protection for the insured and profit for the insurer. The myth of “compensation culture” and the associated stigma deters genuinely injured people from bringing claims and serves to benefit the insurer.

Can you be bothered?

It really should be no hassle at all to seek advice on the merits of bringing a claim. We have a reputation for giving prompt, clear and easy to understand advice without any obligation to subsequently take further action.

Are you scared of going to Court?

Very few people need the Court to become involved with their claim. If you have any concern about going to Court we can always agree with you to present your claim on the understanding that you will not give instructions to involve the Court in any way.

Are you worried about fees?

If we are prepared to take your claim on, there will be nothing for you to pay – win or lose. If you have already got insurance cover then your insurance policy should fund our work. If not, we shall consider entering into a no win-no fee agreement with you. You will be protected from paying an opponents costs by either your before the event insurance policy or a subsequent insurance policy that we will take out on your behalf.

Do you think your injury is so minor as to not warrant consideration?

Symptoms however minor, can drag on. If you make a decision not to proceed with a claim, it may well be that you regret it later on if your symptoms do not recover as you expect. You may also be surprised at the level of damages that you are entitled to receive for relatively minor injuries. May we suggest that you discuss your injuries prior to making the decision as to whether to proceed or not.

Do you not know where to go or what will be involved?

It is very difficult to know who to approach unless you have been specifically recommended to a firm of Solicitors. What is important is that you do not approach an Accident Management Company who is not regulated by the Claims Management Regulation Monitoring in Compliance Unit. As a firm of Solicitors we are exempt from such regulation. As a firm of Solicitors we are regulated by The Law Society. We have been involved in Claimant personal injury work over the course of the last 20 years. We will be able to provide best advice to you on day one. Please telephone today.