Frequently Asked Questions
- Are you claims handlers or solicitors?
- Will I have to pay anything?
- How much is my case worth?
- How long will it take?
- Do I have to visit you at the office?
- Do I have to make a visit to my GP?
- Am I able to claim out-of-pocket expenses?
- Will I have to go to court to obtain my compensation?
Are you claims handlers or solicitors?
We are a firm of Solicitors with offices in Manchester and Bath with a national reputation in the field of personal injury claims.
Our approach is pro-active. We aim to obtain the best possible settlement for our clients.
Will I have to pay anything?
There are a number of different ways to fund your claim. Which funding option will depend upon the circumstance of your claim.
If you have suffered an accident (i.e. Road Traffic Accident, Accident at Work or have a head or spinal injury) we will ensure that win or lose, you will not have to make any payment from your own pocket. If you win, your legal costs will be paid by your opponent. If you lose, your opponent's costs will be paid by an insurance policy. You may already have existing cover or if not we will take out a policy at no cost to you and we will not charge you for our fees.
If you have suffered any other type of injury, such as workplace injury or criminal injury, other types of funding are available. These include Conditional Fee Agreements, Private Funding, Trade Union Funding, and Legal Expenses Insurance.
We will provide free initial advice in relation to your claim and the range of funding options can be explained to you fully.
How much is my case worth?
Compensation awards depend on how serious your injuries are and what other losses you have, for example lost earnings. An individual valuation will be carried out when the medical evidence is obtained. We will help and assist you throughout this process.
How long will it take?
It all depends on the type of accident and the extent of the injuries suffered. It normall takes between 6 months to 2 years to finalise settlement of claims.
Do I have to visit you at the office?
No. If you wish everything can be done by letter, telephone or via e-mail which eliminates the need for you to take time out to visit us at our offices. However, if you would like to have a meeting with us this is fine. If your claim is complicated then we may wish to meet you. If you have been seriously injured we will be happy to see you at home.
Do I have to make a visit to my GP?
If you have suffered injuries, no matter how small, it is worth visiting your GP unless you have recovered fully. Your injuries and visit will be recorded on your medical records, which will be used as evidence.
Am I able to claim out-of-pocket expenses?
In most cases yes. It makes it easier if you keep all your receipts. For example, taxi to hospital for an appointment - obtain a receipt from the taxi driver. A list of the money you spend and the reason would also help.
Will I have to go to court to obtain my compensation?
Very few personal injury compensation claims proceed to Court as this leads to an increase in the legal costs, which would be payable by the person responsible for the injury or their insurer.
If there is no dispute regarding who was at fault for the accident and no dispute about the level of injuries sustained, an insurance company would rather settle the claim outside of court to avoid paying the bill for the increased legal costs.
In extreme cases, where there is a dispute, you may have to attend Court; however, your Solicitor will talk you through the whole process to ensure you are comfortable with it long before the final decision needs to be made.
