how do i start my personal injury or clinical negligence claim?
We offer a free initial consultation during which we will advise you about the merits of your claim. We will explain the process involved and answer any questions you may have. If necessary, we are happy to visit you at home or in hospital if required – social distancing regulations permitting.
Will I have to pay?
We are professionally obliged to advise our clients about the most favourable funding arrangement which best suits their needs. We’ll consider the full range of options available, including "no win no fee" arrangements, and whether you have legal insurance. If you are insured, your insurer might suggest you have to use the solicitor appointed by them. This is not correct. You are entitled to instruct any solicitor you choose and, if you are not happy with the solicitor appointed on your behalf, you are entitled to change to a new one.
Who can make a claim
Anyone who has suffered personal injuries as a result of the fault of another party can pursue a claim for compensation in respect of their injuries. The person bringing the claim has to prove that the accident or incident that caused them to suffer a physical or psychological injury was caused, wholly or partly, by the fault of another.
Road traffic accidents and cycling accidents are probably more well known causes of accidents. People are however injured in many different contexts including accidents in the workplace, on the highways, in public places such as shops, parks, hotels, public houses, museums, leisure facilities and prisons to name but a few. Please see our personal injury page for more information about the different types of accidents that our expert personal injury lawyers can help you with.
Types of injuries
Our clients suffer wide-ranging types of injuries. These can range from more minor injuries to injuries that have life changing consequences. Injuries include both physical and psychological conditions. When assessing the extent of an injury following an accident we are able to refer to a wide resource of specialist medical experts who can assess the extent of the injuries suffered and the longer term condition and prognosis.
When can I make a claim?
There are strict time limits in personal injury and clinical negligence claims within which you must start court proceedings. Therefore it is important that you seek advice promptly from one of our specialist lawyers. Under English law the time limits are as follows:
For most personal injury and clinical negligence claims, if aged 18 years or over at the time of the accident, the time limit is three years from the date of the accident/date of the negligent act , or from the date of knowledge of the accident/negligent act.
For those under 18 years at the time of the accident, the time limit for making a a claim is three years from the date of your 18th birthday.
These time limits do not apply to people who are unable to make a claim because mental incapacity prevents them managing their legal affairs (this may differ for a defective product).
If your accident occurred outside England and Wales, during the course of international travel, or if a defective product is involved, different time limits may apply. Time limits and legal procedures vary from country to country. In many countries, the time limits for taking action are much shorter than three years. In cases involving accidents on aircrafts and on ships, a two year time limit applies. Early action is always recommended.
If you wish to bring a CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) claim, a two-year limit applies from the date of the incident.
NOTE: If you believe you have missed an important deadline, we recommend that you speak to one of our specialist lawyers urgently to see whether the deadline can be extended.
How much compensation will I be awarded?
In personal injury and clinical negligence cases in this country the amount of compensation you receive depends on a number of factors including:
The seriousness of your injuries and how they have affected your life.
Your financial losses, past and future.
At City Lawyers we will always use our best endeavors to ensure we have the best possible information as regards the long terms prognosis of any injuries suffered. We can then assess the impact on future work and domestic life.
With the benefit of expert medical opinion we are then in a position to call upon an array of other professionals to assist and advise in relation to future needs including the need for care, specialist aids and equipment.
Can you take over from my current lawyers?
If you have concerns about the way your legal claim is being handled and would like to consider instructing City Lawyers to take over your case, we would be happy to discuss the matter with you. We have taken over a number of cases in circumstances where:
Clients have been advised they do not have a claim.
A client's claim was worth significantly more than they had previously been advised.
Clients were unhappy with the service provided, often by a panel solicitor appointed through their insurance company or union.
If you have any concerns about the way your claim is being dealt with, please speak to one of our specialist lawyers, who will be happy to discuss your situation with you – and how we might be able to improve it.
How does the claim process start?
If you have been injured as a result of the fault of another and would like to discuss whether you might have a personal injury claim please contact one of our specialist team of personal injury lawyers. We will advise you on whether we are of the opinion that you may have a claim and how your claim can be progressed.
For any further questions, please call us on 01727 228890 or email us at enquiries@city-lawyers.compersonal injury page