Statistics show that in the U.
K.
nearly 3 million people suffer personal injury every year caused by the negligence or carelessness of another person.
Those same statistics also show that there appears to be a lot of ignorance among accident victims regarding compensation claims.
If you or a family member is among the millions of personal injury sufferers, you have the right to compensation if your injuries caused sufficient financial loss.
Read on to learn what you need to know.
Before you begin the process of a personal injury claim, understand that British courts view litigation as a last resort.
The court will require that you first consider other methods of settlement including mediation, arbitration, and ombudsman intervention.
Only when these other methods have been determined ineffective will the courts allow a compensation claim.
You should also be aware of how awards are determined in the U.
K.
Unlike the U.
S.
and other countries, awards are not determined by a jury based on the defendant's wealth or reputation.
Punitive damages are also not considered.
Rather, compensation awards are determined based on the assessment of an injury specialist and the evidence presented at trial.
In a nutshell, you'll only receive an award for pain and suffering that can be proved.
If you are considering a personal injury claim, you'll first need to procure the services of an experienced accident claim solicitor.
No doubt any licensed attorney could represent you, but an accident claim specialist has all the knowledge and experience to do the best job.
A good solicitor will be able to settle the case before it goes to trial most of the time.
A winning attorney costs money, but not to worry.
In all likelihood you won't have to pay a dime due to what's called "no win, no fee.
" With this fee system the lawyer prepares and litigates the case under the assumption that the defendant will pay his fees as part of the award.
If you lose the case, you still don't pay anything.
Make sure your attorney explains his fee system before you agree to his representation.
Due to the nature of personal injury claims in the U.
K.
, the "no win, no fee" model is used almost exclusively by accident claim solicitors.
One possible exception might be claims of medical negligence.
Medical cases can be very long and complicated to pursue, thus attorneys sometimes require a client payment of some sort to get started.
Settling a claim usually takes from six to nine months from the time the case is initiated.
Your attorney should be able to give you a reasonable time frame during your initial consultation, but remember it will only be an estimate.
More complicated cases can take longer than expected.
Making a personal injury claim against someone whose negligence has caused you verifiable pain and suffering is your right under the law.
It also may be your only recourse for lost wages and unpaid medical bills.
If you've been injured in a car crash, workplace accident, or a fall in a public building, seek the advice of an attorney.
Making a claim may be right for you.