How do I make an accident claim?

Types of accident you can claim compensation for

Accidents happen in a variety of different settings and circumstances. You may have a case to claim compensation if someone else caused the accident or it occurred in a setting where someone failed in their duty of care to look after your health and wellbeing.

Some of the commonest types of accident claim that we deal with here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors are:

Why claim compensation for an accident?

While claiming compensation cannot undo what has happened, it can relieve financial strain and help put a distressing incident behind you.

As well as acknowledging disruption to your life as well as pain and suffering you have endured, financial compensation can also assist with:

Recouping financial loss from time taken off work
Compensating future loss of income due to not being able to work
Personal help or care you’ve received or are receiving while you recover
Medical care costs
The cost of ongoing rehabilitation treatment
Other expenses incurred as a result of the injury

Am I eligible to claim compensation for an accident?

If you have suffered an illness or injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may have a case to claim compensation.

Most successful accident claims meet the following criteria:

The accident occurred within the past 3 years.
The accident occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence
You suffered both physically and financially as a result of the accident

Every accident claim is unique, so if you’re not sure if you’re eligible, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to discuss your case in more detail.

To begin your claim, give our team of specialist solicitors here at Mark Reynolds a call on 0800 002 9577 to arrange a free consultation.

We will listen to the details of your accident and advise whether we believe you have a case to claim compensation.

Rest assured we understand that taking a first step towards claiming compensation can be daunting and we will always handle your case with the discretion, confidentiality and sensitivity it deserves.

If our team are satisfied you have a case, they will begin building one on your behalf, providing you with support and guidance throughout the whole process.

Can I claim for conditions and illnesses at work?

While the most common types of accident that happen in the workplace are slips, trips and falls, many of our clients successfully claim compensation for conditions or illnesses they have developed or suffered due to their line of work.

No one should suffer illness due to their employment, and if you do develop a medical condition or illness due to unsafe working conditions or exposure to hazardous materials then you have the right to claim.

Some of the occupational illness that we regularly claim compensation for include:

Mental illnesses like stress, anxiety or depression
Noise-induced hearing loss
Repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and hand/arm vibration syndrome
Lung disease and lung cancer
Occupational dermatitis caused by exposure to hazardous substances
Asbestos-related diseases

How do I claim for an accident at work?

If an accident happened while you were at work, the prospect of claiming compensation can be particularly daunting.

It’s important to remember you are entitled to compensation for an accident that wasn’t your fault, and that any awarded will be claimed from your employer’s insurer rather than their own pocket.

To arrange a free consultation with our team of expert solicitors, give us a call today on 0800 002 9577.

How do no-win, no-fee accident claims work?

Here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors, we operate a no-win, no-fee service, allowing you to pursue your claim without financial risk.

Our no-win, no-fee arrangements don’t require you to pay upfront.

Simply speak to a member of our team to find out if you have a case to claim. If we believe you do, then we will begin work straightaway.

If we win, you will be required to pay for our services once you have received the compensation sum.

You owe us nothing if we don’t.

What evidence do I require to make an accident claim?

To make a successful accident claim, your solicitor must prove the following:

There was a legal duty of care owed to you
That the duty of care was breached
That you suffered injury or illness
That the other party’s negligence caused your illness or injury

The more evidence you have that clearly shows your injury or illness was caused by the negligence of another party, the stronger your claim will be.

Our solicitors will help build a compelling case, advising you on how and where you can gather the evidence you need to make sure your claim secures the maximum amount of compensation you are eligible to.

It is helpful to keep clear and accurate records about any specific incidents that led to your injury or illness.

Just some of the details that you should keep a record of include:

The names and contact details of any people, businesses or organisations involved
The names and contact details of any witnesses
The time, date and location of the accident if you suffered one
Names and contact details of any medical staff that treated you
The time, date and location of any medical treatment you received
The registration number of any vehicles involved
Details and evidence of all expenses you incurred due to the accident

Witness statements and medical records also play a key part in building a compelling case.

How long do accident claims usually take?

The timescale from beginning to build your case to receiving compensation can vary greatly depending on several factors including:

How complex your case is
How serious the illness or injury you sustained was
How long it takes to gather evidence for your case

While compensation for straightforward cases may be gained in just a few months, complex cases can take years to resolve.

Your solicitor will be able to give you a rough idea of how long you can expect a case to go on for.

How much compensation could I receive?

The amount of compensation that can be won for an accident claim varies depending on the circumstances surrounding it as well as the severity of the impact it has had on your life.

Some of the factors that will be considered when calculating how much compensation you are due are:

The physical pain and suffering caused
Psychological suffering caused
The seriousness of the injury
Any ongoing disability caused
Expenses incurred due to the injury or illness
Any ongoing loss of earnings

Your solicitor will be able to advise you on the average amount of compensation awarded for cases like yours.

Time limits for claiming for an accident

The general time limit for making a compensation claim for an accident is usually three years from when the injury was sustained or the illness was first diagnosed.

The only exceptions to this rule are for cases where a brain injury was sustained or where the claimant was under 18 years of age.

If you’re unsure if you have a case, get in touch with the team at Mark Reynolds Solicitors to receive free advice.

Claiming compensation for an accident with Mark Reynolds Solicitors

Here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors, our experienced team of specialist solicitors have many years’ experience helping individuals claim the maximum amount of compensation due to them following an accident or illness that wasn’t their fault.

We will provide you with support, guidance, and a discrete and sensitive service that makes compiling a compelling case for compensation, simple and stress-free.

Our no-win, no-fee policy also means you can pursue a case with no financial risk.

For more information about making an accident claim, or to request a free initial consultation, get in touch by giving us a call on 0800 002 9577.