Accident

A serious accident can change the course of a person’s life in an instant.  If you have suffered an injury following an accident which was someone else’s fault, our personal injury solicitors will work quickly to ensure you receive the compensation and rehabilitation you need to recover.

Faradays Solicitors has years of experience in managing personal injury claims.  We hold a Lexcel accreditation from the Law Society of England and Wales; this demonstrates our commitment to providing quality legal advice and delivering exceptional client care.

Please contact us on 0207 281 1001 or at enquiries@faradayssolicitors.co.uk.

Our team can assist you in all types of accident situations, including:

• workplace accidents
• trips, slips, and falls
• catastrophic motor and pedestrian accidents
• accidents abroad

We have relationships with some of the best medical examiners in the country who can provide expert evidence on the extent of your injuries and the impact they will have on your life, both in the long and short-term.  We understand the Pre-Action Protocol for personal injury claims, and in most cases, we are able to reach an out-of-court settlement which means you will not have to go to court.

We offer Conditional Fee Arrangements (commonly known as “no win, no fee”), and arrange After The Event insurance which will protect you from having to pay the other sides costs if your claim is unsuccessful.

Can I make a claim if I was injured in an accident at work?

Despite increases in health and safety law over the past 40 years, accidents at work are still alarmingly common, with sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture being responsible for hundreds of thousands of employees suffering non-fatal injuries every year.

Many employees are concerned that their employer will be personally out of pocket if they make a compensation claim following an accident.  This is not the case.  All employers who have staff working for them must carry liability insurance.  If you make a compensation claim following a workplace accident, our solicitors will be dealing with your employer’s insurance company.  

You cannot be dismissed from your job for making a compensation claim.  If you are, you are likely to have a claim in the Employment Tribunal for unfair or constructive dismissal.  Most employers understand that bringing a compensation claim is nothing personal against them; you are simply exercising your legal right to be compensated for the losses you have suffered due to your injury.

I fell over a pothole in a footpath, who do I make a compensation claim against?

The state of many of the nation’s footpaths leave a lot to be desired, and countless people suffer serious injuries after falling over potholes and crevices.  If you suffer an injury after tripping, slipping or falling due to a defect in a pavement, you may have a compensation claim against the local authority or landowner.

To prove negligence, you must show, on the balance of probabilities that:

1. The local body or landowner owed you a duty of care, 
2. They breached that duty (for example, they did not carry out appropriate inspections of the footpath and/or maintain it, and
3. This led you to suffer damage.

If you do suffer a trip, slip or fall, regardless of where it happens, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible to show our team, so we can build a strong case for compensation.  Types of information that are useful include:

• photographs of the area the accident happened
• a measurement of the pothole or raised ledge which caused the trip or fall
• the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident
• medical reports related to the incident

Is there a time limit on making a personal injury claim?

Unless exceptional circumstances apply, you need to make a claim for compensation within three years of the accident occurring.  If you were under the age of 18 years when the accident happened, the three years runs from the day you turn 18 years old.  The court does have the discretion to allow a claim that is technically ‘out-of-time’ so it is crucial that you talk to one of our solicitors even if you think you may have left it too late to make a compensation claim.  We may be able to help you.

How much compensation will I receive?

The amount of compensation you receive for an injury suffered in an accident will depend on several factors, including:

• the seriousness of your injury
• the long-term impact the injury 
• whether you had to take time off work because of your injury and the amount of income you lost as a result
• the out-of-pocket expenses resulting from your injuries, such as parking at the hospital and petrol (remember to keep your receipts)
• the cost of rehabilitation and any future needs (for example, if your house needs modifications, so you can get around it with a wheelchair)

Our team will keep you informed of all the factors relating to your case.  Our focus is on you and your recovery.  You can be assured that you will never be left wondering what has happened to your matter and are able to contact us for updates at any time during business hours.  

What is meant by a ‘no win, no fee’ arrangement?

If we take on your case, you will be able to enter into a Conditional Fee Arrangement, commonly known as ‘no win, no fee’.  This means that if your compensation claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees, however, you may be required to pay any expenses relating to your case (known as disbursements).  We can arrange for After The Event (ATE) insurance to protect you from this and any adverse costs orders the court may make against you.

To find out more about making a claim for a personal injury following an accident, please phone our office on 0207 281 1001.  You can also email us at enquiries@faradayssolicitors.co.uk.