We have covered the most commonly asked questions below. If you require more specific information about your accident or injuries, please call our specialist personal injury lawyers on 0800 121 8646 or email claims@sclaw.co.uk
- Can I claim compensation?
- How long will my claim take?
- Will I have to attend a medical examination?
- Can I can for my losses and expenses?
- Can you arrange rehabilitation or medical treatment?
- Do I have to go to Court?
- Will I have to pay legal or other fees?
- How do I start my claim?
Can I claim compensation?
If you have been involved in an accident in the last 3-years, through no fault of your own and suffered an injury then you may be entitled to make a claim. If you are not sure whose fault it was, then call us on 0800 121 8646 and we will be happy to advise you and discuss your potential claim. Different time limits apply in certain situations.
Children have until their 21st birthday to make a claim. Where an illness or disease occurs over a period of time, the 3-year time limit usually starts from the date the person realised they were suffering from a disease or illness. If a Claimant dies within the basic 3-year limitation period, it is extended to three years from the date of their death. This is to allow bereaved relatives to make a claim. For patients under the Mental Health Act 1983, the time period does not begin until they cease to be a patient under the act and their legal incapacity is removed.
With a criminal assault, the time limit to make a claim is strictly 2-years. Accidents that occur whilst on board an aircraft or ship will also usually be subject to a shorter time limitation period of 2-years. Accidents occurring outside the UK carry different time limits depending on the country where the incident occurred. Some foreign time limits are less than the 3-year period for a civil claim in the UK.
The Court has discretion to extend the basic 3-year limitation period, but only in exceptional circumstances.
The sooner you seek legal advice and submit your claim, the easier it is for us to investigate your claim and obtain any necessary supporting evidence.
How long will my claim take?
This depends on a number of things, from how quickly the insurers deal with a case to how badly you have been injured. Usually, if an injury is more serious it may take longer for your claim to settle. A straightforward road traffic accident claim, for example, can take just six to eight months. A serious or catastrophic injury can take several years to settle, to ensure your compensation is properly assessed. Often this involves ensuring that the maximum sum is recovered so it is enough to provide for a lifetime’s needs. Click here to go to our Serious Injuries section.
Will I have to attend a medical examination?
A medical report is usually required to assess the level of compensation to which you are entitled. After attending a medical examination with one of our medical experts, they will prepare a report detailing your injuries, on how well you have recovered and whether you are suffering any ongoing problems and how the injuries have affected you personally, socially and at work. At SC LAW we will usually arrange an appointment near you. In serious injuries cases, often several reports are required from different experts depending on the complexity and severity of the injury. Click here to go to our Serious Injuries section.
Can I claim for my losses and expenses?
In addition to the compensation for your injury, pain and suffering, you can claim financial losses and expenses that you have incurred. These may include loss of earnings, out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel costs, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, nursing or home help, modifications to your home, specialist equipment, DIY and maintenance. Click here to go to our Losses and Expenses section.
Can you arrange rehabilitation or medical treatment?
Where appropriate we will make arrangements for rehabilitation or medical treatment. In serious injuries cases, early rehabilitation may facilitate a better recovery. If liability for your accident is accepted by the third party, often they will agree to fund the cost of treatment. In certain situations it is possible to obtain an interim payment from the third party to assist with these costs.
Do I have to go to court?
We cannot guarantee that you won't have to go to Court, but it is usually unlikely. Generally, we estimate that Court proceedings only have to be issued in about 10% of cases and on average only 2% ever go all the way to a final hearing. If your case does go to trial, we will fully advise you and appoint a barrister on your behalf. By this stage your legal team will have prepared everything in detail and will tell you exactly what to expect.
Will I have to pay legal or other fees?
If your claim is successful, our legal costs are recovered from the third party’s insurers and you will receive 100% compensation. There are no hidden deductions. If you lose your claim, our “no win, no fee” arrangement ensures you are fully protected from any legal fees. This is subject to full compliance with our terms and conditions.
How do I start my claim?
Call our friendly team on 0800 121 8646 for a realistic assessment of your accident claim or complete our quick online claim form and we will contact you to discuss your case further. Click here for our Contact Us section.
