Interview

How can a personal injury solicitor help me?

If you find yourself injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you may be able to claim compensation for what happened. Personal injury claims are not about receiving a windfall but are instead designed to help restore your quality of life to how it was before the accident, and the resulting injury.

In short, the process aims to help you back on your feet, and to finance any necessary adjustments that may need to be made because of your injury.

How do you go about making a claim?

Many people are hesitant about making a personal injury claim, even if they have a strong case. They are put off by what they perceive as a lengthy and complicated process. They may fear that it’s costly, and the risks are too great for them to proceed.

Although the process can be lengthy and does require a satisfactory amount of supporting evidence to be provided, it is by no means impossible. In fact, thousands of claims are successfully made every year across the UK.

If you have a good case, with proper preparation and the right advice you can receive the compensation to which you’re entitled.

What is the role of a personal injury solicitor and how can they help?

Personal injury is a serious matter.  Depending on the extent and severity of the injury, it can be incredibly traumatic and even life-changing for you and your family. It can have a wide range of consequences, from pain, to loss of income, to care costs and psychological trauma. If you have a family, they too will be impacted by your injury.

There’s also issues to consider if you make a claim.  There are deadlines to meet, and potential procedural pitfalls that could scupper your claim, even if you have a strong case. With so much at stake, it might be considered foolhardy to try and make a personal injury claim without the help of a personal injury solicitor.

So, what exactly do they do, and how can they help you secure compensation for your injury? Let’s explore further…

Do you have a case?

You may feel that you have a case for a personal injury claim, but an experienced legal professional in the field of personal injury will be in a far better position to make a fair evaluation of its strength.

Your personal injury solicitor will look at your case in detail. They will look at the evidence you’ve gathered and examine its relative strengths. They will ask questions and go into what happened in more depth. From this information they will then be able to assess whether or not they think you have a viable case. They understand the process, they know what to look for and have experience of what has and hasn’t proven successful.  

Most credible personal injury solicitors will have pursued more successful personal injury claims, than they’ve have had claims rejected, and will operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.  This means that they’ll only collect payment as a percentage of the total compensation amount awarded if your case is successful. If it isn’t then, they won’t be paid. They have no self-interest in pursuing a case they don’t think is strong enough to succeed. So, if a no-win, no-fee personal injury solicitor agrees to take your claim on it’s already cleared a significant hurdle.

If your claim is rejected as not being strong enough, you will, in all likelihood, have saved yourself a considerable amount of stress, time and anguish.

Many people worry about their chances of success so may be hesitant about making a claim. A personal injury solicitor will give you confidential and credible advice that allows you to make a proper decision.

Key questions they will look at

A personal injury solicitor will want to be satisfied that you can prove the following:

  • Your injuries were caused as a result of a particular accident.
  • The accident was caused due to someone else’s negligence or mistakes.

These two points may sound relatively simple but proving this in court is another matter. If the claim has reached that stage, the defendant will probably deny all charges and plead innocent. For your case to be successful you must be able to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that the defendant is to blame for your accident and injuries.

What kind of evidence will a personal injury solicitor be looking for?

To help support your claim, and to help a personal injury solicitor make a judgement about its likely success, you should try to provide as much of the following as possible:

  • Details recorded at the scene – if you’re involved in an accident, any details recorded at the scene or shortly after can be very helpful. The first priority should always be ensuring you receive any medical help required, but if you or someone else is able to write down details of what happened then this can be helpful.  If you’re incapacitated, and no one nearby records what happened, you should record what you can remember as soon as possible afterwards
  • Witness details – first-hand accounts from witnesses to your accident are an extremely powerful piece of supporting evidence. Many people presume that witnesses will automatically come forward if a case reaches court. This isn’t always the case so it’s imperative that you take their details so you can follow up.
  • Photographic evidence – photos of your injuries and of the scene of your accident can be incredibly useful. If you’re involved in a road traffic accident, this might include the position of vehicles on the road.

Helping with the documentation process and evidence gathering

A key part to strengthening your personal injury claim is properly documenting your injuries and building up a case to support your claim. Before they agree to represent you, a personal injury solicitor will examine what you already have and advise if they think you need to produce more.

A solicitor will then help you gather further evidence. This might include statements from emergency services and medical records. They may ask that you have a medical examination to assess the extent of the injury and the ongoing challenges it presents, or a psychological assessment.

Calculating Compensation

Other evidence the personal injury solicitor will want to gather will be details of your finances to help calculate the level of compensation to be claimed for. Pay-slips, bank details, receipts from any travel to receive medical treatment may all be required. Your solicitor will look at the medical evidence and your own statements and then assess:

  • the pain and suffering you have experienced because of your injury
  • the prognosis for your injury
  • whether the injury has caused a loss of earnings
  • the expenses you have incurred because of your injury

They will then come up with a figure that they believe adequately compensates for what you have been through, and the amount you will need to return your life to the standard it was before your injury.

Approaching the negligent parties

When your solicitor has the evidence they require and have worked out the value of your claim, court papers will be lodged detailing your case and the amount of compensation being pursued. The defending parties will then be made aware of an impending court case. This will give them the opportunity to make an out-of-court settlement.

Only a small number of personal injury cases ever reach court, with the vast majority resulting in an out-of-court settlement. You may initially be offered an inadequate amount, but at this point the defendant will have admitted culpability creating a basis for further negotiations if they wish to avoid court.

Negotiating the out-of-court settlement

Sometimes cases can drag on, with defendants refusing to reach agreement. This can cause real personal hardship and distress, but your personal injury solicitor can at this stage secure a partial payment ahead of a full agreement being reached. If the defendant has admitted liability, then it is generally in their own interest to bring the matter to a close. If a company is involved the negative publicity of a court case is to be avoided.

Liaising with insurers

Your personal injury solicitor will also liaise on your behalf with your own and your defendant’s insurance company if appropriate.

Your ally at a difficult time

Experienced personal injury solicitors will have dealt with hundreds of cases, securing compensation and helping to guide people through a difficult process. At a challenging time, they are a valuable ally providing advice, perspective and much-needed legal muscle as you seek redress for a traumatic experience.

The experienced personal injury solicitors at Mark Reynolds Solicitors can help you secure the compensation you deserve. If you think you might be entitled to personal injury compensation call us on 0800 022 957 to speak to one of our professional team.

If you have any further questions, you can also view our personal injury FAQs.

The unseen effects of a personal injury

When they hear the words personal injury, most people immediately think of a physical injury that could have temporary or permanent consequences. Broken bones, fractures, cuts and bruising may all be obvious, and can easily be displayed when you make a personal injury claim.

Physical injuries can usually be treated. They may take time to recover from, or force changes in lifestyle, that can be directly compensated for, but the less tangible effects of personal injury are sometimes even more devastating.

Emotional problems

Emotional problems cover a wide range of experiences with varying severities of symptoms. It may be mild anxiety that passes with time, or a more long-lasting condition that takes lengthy treatment to recover from, such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or depression.

The trauma of being involved in an accident must be considered when you make a personal injury claim. The consequences can be profound and are often more long-lasting and debilitating than the physical injuries. Whether it’s loss of income, reduced career opportunities, a more restricted life or other factors, they all influence a compensation claim.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a debilitating condition that occurs as a result of suffering an injury, serious accident, or being exposed to traumatic circumstances. PTSD can manifest itself in a number of different ways. These might include flashbacks, periodic intense anxiety, trouble sleeping and difficulty carrying out everyday tasks. Sufferers may experience bouts of anger and distress, panic attacks and feel an intense need to withdraw. It’s a complex condition that often combines a variety of symptoms which when taken together cause a great deal of distress.

Depression

Often a symptom of PTSD, depression is not an uncommon response for anyone who has been involved in a serious accident.  It’s not just periodic low mood, it’s an ongoing disorder which in some cases can make it extremely difficult to function in daily life. It often requires medication and therapy to help people make a recovery, which can be a slow process. If depression arises because of an accident it can impact on an individual’s ability to work, socialise and go about their business.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common response to an accident. It can sometimes be generalised, or more specific, related in some way to an accident. If you’ve been in a car accident, you may find it difficult to drive again, or even travel in a car. If you need to drive to get to work, or as part of your job, the impact on your career will be considerable. It can create difficulties, sleeping and eating, and can lead to other long-lasting mental health issues. If your injury happened as a result of your working life, it’s not uncommon for workplace or task related anxiety to arise. It may need cognitive behavioural therapy.

Phobias

Accidents can lead to a range of different phobias developing because of the injury. These can be related to the incident specifically, or more general, but depending on their severity can cause the sufferer real problems, making it difficult to live their lives as fully as they would like.

Pernicious and ongoing

It can sometimes take a while for an accident victim to fully realise that they are suffering from a psychological disorder. They can be hard to admit to, even to yourself, and by the time many people feel treatment the problem has become embedded.

That’s why it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible and to be as open as you can be with your GP and other medical professionals.

As well as seeking medical help, it’s possible you may be able to make a personal injury claim because of the psychological distress you have suffered. It may be possible to receive financial compensation from the individual or company responsible for the accident. This could be used to pay for private treatment or other support to help you resolve or manage your problems.

The professional and experienced personal injury team at Mark Reynolds Solicitors can advise you about your case, and a provide a no-win, no-fee service should you decide to proceed with a claim.

Call us on 0800 002 9577 or get in touch via our online contact form.

Personal Injury and Clinical / Medical Negligence Lawyer

The Myths About Personal Injury Claims

If you believe the headlines you might be forgiven for believing that we’re a nation that’s quick to claim compensation if we suffer a personal injury. In fact, all those adverts for companies encouraging people to make a claim are actually telling a different story. The personal injury market in the UK is fairly small and companies are chasing the same people.

The data provided by the government illustrates that claims have been falling over the previous few years. In 2017 the number of settlements recorded by the Government Compensation Recovery Unit was 1,013,490. In 2018 this fell to 894,563. It fell again in 2019 to 853,259 . This figure is believed to represent just a fraction of the number of people who are entitled to make a claim and could do so successfully.

Brits don’t like to make a fuss

British people are slow to make claims even when they’ve suffered serious injury. Data gathered over a number of years all points to the same key trends. While a quarter of Brits say they would be likely to make a claim, over eighty per cent believe other people are right to do so. While the ending of legal aid for personal injury claims some years ago reduced the number of claims, other factors also play a part in public attitudes.

So why is there such a mismatch?

There is no ‘compensation culture’

Media coverage of personal injury claims tend to focus on non-representative cases. It rarely touches upon the daily hard work of securing adequate compensation for people who have suffered life changing injuries. These people are now having to deal with the emotional, financial and employment consequences of their injuries. This mismatch between reality and the media story can serve to make claimants look greedy or somehow deceitful. This is an unjust characterisation based on distortions of the data. Compensation is simply about ensuring that people who have had an accident are able to rebuild their lives.

Fear of going to court

There’s a widespread belief that personal injury claims mean you will have to go to court. This provokes an understandable fear that puts people off making a claim. In fact, the overwhelming majority of cases are settled without going anywhere near a courtroom. On those rare occasions when a claimant has to visit court, they will have a specialist solicitor on hand to guide them. Your solicitor will be upfront about the likelihood of this being needed from the very beginning, meaning you have the chance to make an informed choice.

Making a claim is costly

Many people fear hefty upfront costs for launching a claim and the removal of legal aid support for personal injury claimants only served to reinforce that belief. They also fear that if their case is unsuccessful, they’ll have to pay solicitor fees that they cannot afford. With no-win, no-fee claims the process is risk free for the claimant. If the personal injury solicitor does not think your claim is likely to succeed, they’ll discourage you from making a claim. Only if you win do you pay a percentage of the final settlement to the solicitor who acted on your behalf. The level of this will be discussed and agreed upon before the claim is made.

Personal injury claims are complicated

Any kind of legal matter is often believed to be complex. This is particularly so in relation to personal injury claims. The process is in fact reasonably straightforward and you will not be left to make sense of it on your own. Your solicitor will take you through the procedure step by step, explaining in a completely jargon-free way how a claim works. If we can’t take on your case, we’ll make sure you understand why in clear language.

You can lose your job if you make a personal injury claim

This is one of the biggest fears of people who could be in a position to make a personal injury claim. They worry that an employer might look to get rid of an employee who makes a claim following an accident in the workplace. This would in fact be illegal. There are strict rules governing dismissal and it’s illegal for an employee to be either dismissed or treated unfairly as a result of a personal injury claim. Any employer who acted in such a manner would be liable for further legal action. In reality however, many employers express remorse for workplace accidents that involve valued members of staff and can be keen to ensure a just and fair settlement. A personal injury claim should find a fair outcome that both employee and employer can accept.

A big company will always win against the little guy

There’s a widespread belief that somehow large companies have the law in their pockets and are always likely to win when it comes to personal injury claims. In fact, some of the biggest companies in the UK have settled personal injury claims and are treated no differently to a local corner shop or window cleaning business in the eyes of the law. England and Wales has some of the most detailed and comprehensive laws in the world covering any number of different scenarios. It doesn’t matter if your employer is a FTSE 100 listed company, the local authority or a small business, the laws are there to provide us all with adequate protection. 

Personal injury payouts are taxable so it isn’t worth it

Another myth we often hear is that personal injury payouts are subject to income tax. This is not the case. Compensation is completely exempt from income tax.

Talk to a professional

Unfortunately, widespread myths prevent many people from even making an initial phone call or from sending an email. A legal professional well versed in personal injury claims will be able to advise you how best to proceed. It’s important to put the myths to one side to ensure that you’re not missing out on compensation to which you are legally entitled.

We offer free, impartial advice about personal injury claims. Why not call us or fill in our contact form today?

cycle accident

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.

How do I make an accident claim?

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:

  1. There was a legal duty of care owed to you
  2. That the duty of care was breached
  3. That you suffered injury or illness
  4. 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.

possible respiratory problems for which one could claim

What Kinds of Industrial Disease Can I Claim For?

Industrial diseases are an unfortunately common occurrence in the workplace. At Mark Reynolds, our lawyers know that this shouldn’t be the case.

We are here to help you and to fight your claims for compensation from negligent employers. Industrial diseases can take years to appear, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t claim for the injury that’s been done to you over time. Our experts have the necessary skills and experience to know when and how to fight cases.

There are many different types of industrial disease that you can claim for, so we’ve put together this rundown of the most common occupational illnesses.

What is an Industrial Disease?

Industrial diseases are chronic, debilitating and potentially life-threatening illnesses that are caused over time due to inhospitable or unhealthy working environments.

Industrial diseases range from dangerous respiratory diseases to disabling forms of tinnitus. There is a range of different illnesses and diseases that can occur depending on where you work, how long you have worked there for, and what the safety standards and precautions in place have been like.

Industrial diseases form over time and can be caused by exposure to deadly substances such as asbestos or due to not having been issued correct or adequate safety equipment in industrial jobs.

Types of Industrial Disease

It’s important to know which industrial diseases you may be susceptible to and which you can claim compensation for if your employer is at fault. Here’s an incomplete rundown of common forms of industrial diseases that our clients have contracted due to bad health and safety practices in the workplace.

Occupational Cancer

One of the most dangerous industrial diseases that we fight claims of compensation relating to is occupational cancer.

Occupational cancers form due to poor health and safety standards in the workplace, and over time have led to employees being subject to carcinogens or radiation while on the job. This is one of the worst and most unpredictable industrial illnesses, as cancers can form variously in the body and can be caused by a variety of exposures.

The type of job you’ve worked can influence the type of cancer you could potentially contract. Construction workers can end up with lung cancer related to asbestos exposure, while even simply working too long in direct sunlight with inadequate protection can result in skin cancer.

Occupational cancers can, in some circumstances, be difficult to directly prove as being directly caused by the workplace environment. However at Mark Reynolds, we have the experience to know when you need to press for a claim.

Respiratory Diseases

Another unfortunately all too common type of industrial disease that we fight cases for are respiratory diseases.

These are diseases that affect the respiratory system, namely diseases that affect the lungs and your ability to breathe. There are many different types of respiratory disease, but common types include emphysema, bronchitis and asthma.

While some of these can occur naturally, these diseases can be fiercely exaggerated by inadequate safety standards in workplaces, in particular in construction work, factory jobs or scientific research roles. Even office job workers can contract respiratory diseases due to inadequate ventilation systems or out-dated, asbestos-lined workplaces.

Asbestos-Related Diseases

One of the most infamous forms of industrial disease that our lawyers at Mark Reynolds deal with on a regular basis is disease related to asbestos.

It’s unfortunately common for us to deal with clients suffering from exposure to asbestos, particularly as this deadly material was used so prevalently in construction in the past. These diseases can take years to appear after exposure, but asbestos is known to cause lung cancer and many other respiratory illnesses.

Many construction workers in past decades didn’t know the dangers of asbestos and suffered dire consequences because of this lack of knowledge. Today, while the dangers are very much well known, there’s still a danger of exposure to asbestos in certain industries.

Skin Diseases

In some industries, skin diseases can commonly occur in workers. In fact, skin diseases are amongst the most common type of industrial disease that we fight compensation claims for.

Skin diseases are generally caused by handling carcinogenic substances, chemicals or irritants. There is a wide range of substances that can cause skin diseases, and you can contract cancer or eczema from mishandling products and chemicals while at work.

Hazardous chemicals that are handled with inadequate safety precautions in place can cause long-term damage to your skin, while simply working in the sun can lead to forms of skin cancer too.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a common occurrence in workers operating for long periods of time in loud environments, be it using heavy machinery consistently or working in noisy industries such as the aviation world and at airports. It is a persistent ringing or humming in the ears that can last for the rest of one’s life.

Tinnitus occurs in a large percentage of the population, and it can be exacerbated due to poor working conditions and in situations where employers fail to provide adequate safety equipment, especially noise-cancelling headphones or ear protectors. Tinnitus can lead to hearing disruption and loss, especially as you age, and it’s an industrial disease that you can definitely claim compensation for.

You can find out more about what counts as a claim for industrial disease in a previous blog post.

A Duty of Care to Employees

All employers have a duty of care to their employers, and it’s for this reason that we at Mark Reynolds know that you can fight for compensation and win if inadequate working conditions have been provided for you during your career.

The Government has passed several Acts of Parliament in its history, deliberately targeting malpractice of employers and lax safety standards, so if you have a case, then you have the force of the law behind you. Workplace health and safety standards are incredibly important. If your employer has breached those standards and broken their duty of care to you, then you deserve compensation.

Get in Touch Today

If you believe that you might be entitled to claim for an industrial disease related to your working environment, then don’t hesitate to contact Mark Reynolds Solicitors today. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you have nothing to lose by discussing your case with our dedicated lawyers.

 

Construction site

How long do you have to claim after an accident at work?

Talk to Mark Reynolds Solicitors today if you have suffered following an accident at work that was not your fault. If the blame for the accident can be linked to someone else’s actions or negligence, there’s a sizeable chance we will be able to help you get compensation. In most cases, you will need to take legal action within three years of the date of the accident if your quest for justice is to be successful.

A duty of care

Whilst you are at work, your employer has a duty of care to you. Your working environment should be safe to work in. Those that are concerned about their safety at work often get in touch with The Health and Safety Executive. This is an industry regulatory who ensures standards are being upheld and takes action when they are not.

Keep hold of evidence

You can strengthen the chances of your case being successful by keeping hold of evidence related to your accident. If you have been forced to pay out for medical care as a result of your accident, make sure you keep the receipts and other documents associated with your treatment. You should also gather together as much other evidence related to your accident and injuries as possible to help us make your case watertight.

Common workplace accidents and injuries

People can become injured in the workplace for many reasons. Falls, slips and trips commonly occur in the workplaces of the UK. You may have been hit by an unstable object, or you could have been instructed to lift unreasonably heavy items. Faulty equipment and machinery are other big causes of workplace accidents and injuries. Accidents often occur because staff have not received adequate training to carry out their roles. An employer may have failed to provide you with the equipment you need to do your job safely, or they could have failed to carry out a health and safety risk assessment before certain work takes place.

Physical and psychological symptoms

An accident at work can result in various physical injuries, but you may also experience psychological problems such as anxiety and depression if the event was particularly traumatic. You may have also been forced to take time off work following your injury, which can be very expensive for those with bills to pay. Whatever the case, we can help you get the maximum amount of compensation for your accident and injuries.

Strengthening your case

Remember, your employer is duty-bound to report your injuries. If they have failed to do so, they have broken the law. Eye-witness accounts, statements and even video footage can be used to strengthen your case. We can help you collect as much evidence as you need to support your claim. If you came to harm in the workplace no longer than three years ago but have only recently experienced symptoms that could be connected to the incident, we may still be able to help.

Getting in touch

To find out more about how we can help with a workplace accident or injury claim, contact Mark Reynolds Solicitors today. We can help you get the outcome you deserve.

Lady justice

No Win No Fee Explained

With no win no fee, you only need to pay for the legal services you have received if your claim is successful. No win no fee was first launched in the 1990s to encourage people with limited funds to make claims and get the compensation and justice they deserved. If you have been in an accident or sustained an injury that wasn’t your fault and someone else was to blame, no win no fee legal services can help you achieve the outcome you require.

Covering the costs of claiming

In the past, many people were put off making legitimate claims due to substantial upfront legal fees. No win no fee was also introduced to support people who were not covered by insurance but wished to make claims.  If you do lose a claim, you may need to pay court fees and the other sides costs, but you won’t normally be required to pay solicitor fees. If you do win your case, you can pay solicitor fees with part of the compensation you have received.

After the event insurance

No win no fee services are also called confidential fee agreements. If you do want to make a claim but are worried about what will happen if you lose, you may be able to take out something called after the event insurance to cover you and protect you from costs. No win no fee legal services are most commonly used following instances of medical negligence, workplace accidents, road accidents and slips, trips and falls.

How we can help with no win no fee claims

At Mark Reynolds Solicitors, we are eager to hear from you if you have been in an accident or sustained injuries that were not your fault. We have many years of no win no fee legal experience behind us and are confident we can provide the first-class service and representation that you are looking for. Over the years, we have won a robust reputation for quality. We can offer specialist advice and representation in several legal fields and can provide a bespoke service tailored to your specific requirements.

The clarity you require

Our no win no fee legal specialists are noted for their friendly and approachable manner and always explain legal information to you in a jargon-free fashion to deliver the clarity that you require. Your best interests are prioritised from the outset, and we can help you collect all the vital information you need to strengthen your case and optimise the chances of it being a success. We have offices in Liverpool, Leigh, Runcorn and Warrington and specialise in fields like serious injury, family law, wills and probate and medical negligence.

Contact Mark Reynolds Solicitors today

Don’t be put off by the costs of making a claim. It’s important to get the justice and compensation that you deserve if you have come to physical or psychological harm as a result of someone else’s actions or inaction. Get in touch with us today for further information on making a no win no fee claim.

Personal injury resulting in wheelchair use

What Kinds of Personal Injuries Justify a Claim?

Personal injuries are what they describe: injuries that you sustain to yourself. These might be physical, but they can also be psychological.

If you suffer a personal injury, you can claim for the personal pain and suffering you experience, and also for expenses such as damaged clothing, travel costs, and certain help and equipment you have needed as a result of the injury.

Types of Personal Injuries

Personal injuries can vary, according to individual circumstances, but typical injuries include:

These injuries can occur as a result of vehicle accidents, equipment failure, work-related accidents, construction site incidents, medical malpractice and various forms of workplace negligence.

They can be slips or falls from walking on ice or tripping over hazards; a severe bite from a dog not on its leash; a chemical burn from spilled, hazardous materials.

Personal injuries may happen at work, in the home, while travelling or on holiday.

What Can You Claim For?

When it comes to personal injuries claims, you can claim for the pain and suffering you experience and compensation for your physical injuries. These injuries can include scarring, disfigurement and psychological injury.

How much you receive in compensation will depend on how severe your injuries are; whether your injury has resulted in long-term or permanent disability; and how much your injury has disrupted your life.

As well as claiming for pain and suffering, you can also claim for loss of earnings.

An accident may cause you to have to take time off work, and you can claim to recover any loss of earnings. Normally, this claim is based on your average take-home pay during the three month period before the accident.

You may also be able to claim for future loss of earnings, if, for example, you cannot return to your old job, or you find you must give up work because of an accident.

There are other expenses associated with personal injuries claims. These include damage to clothing or personal effects.

You might also claim for travel or prescription charges, if these are things you must pay following an accident.

If, following an accident, a family member has to look after you, you may be able to claim compensation for them, because they are providing services to you.

There can also be costs for nursing care and equipment following a serious injury, if, for example, you require a wheelchair.

Why Make a Personal Injuries Claim?

Sometimes people are scared off making a personal injury claim because they think the process will be too complex, drawn-out and will not be worth it.

Claiming is your right, under law, and, if you have experienced physical or mental discomfort, or a life-changing injury, then it is perfectly fair that you should be able to seek compensation for it.

Advice and Support for Personal Injury Claims

We can assist you with your personal injury claim, if you are eligible. Please contact us today for advice and support. Call our local office or complete our online contact form.

Analysis of traumatic brain injury

What Is a Brain Injury?

The brain is the most vital organ. It acts as the command centre for the entire nervous system, receiving and sending signals throughout the body. Cognitive functions like language and visual processing also rely on input from the brain.

Any physical blow to the head can disrupt those functions, resulting in mild to severe physical or mental disabilities. In fact, brain injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide according to the International Brain Injury Association.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury or TBI is defined as a sudden blow to the head from an external force. The extent of the damage depends on several factors including the type of injury sustained and the health of the individual.

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to classify TBI according to its severity with 15 being normal and 3 reserved for those in a comatose state. A TBI can result in long-term problems on even basic cognitive functions, from getting ready in the morning to having a regular conversation.

Common causes of traumatic brain injury include:

  • Vehicle collisions
  • Physical assault
  • Sports injuries
  • Workplace injuries
  • Explosive blasts
  • Falls or accidents

Symptoms of brain injuries generally fall into four categories: Cognitive, perceptual, physical, and behavioural. Those with moderate to severe cases of TBI may exhibit the following:

  • Memory loss or concentration problems
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding others
  • Impaired decision-making ability
  • Changes in vision or sense of touch
  • Loss of fine motor skills
  • Extreme physical or mental fatigue
  • Problems with sleep
  • Increased aggressiveness

Injured individuals typically show improvement between six months to two years with rehabilitation. Each case is different though, as injuries typically damage a different part of the brain with varying degrees of force. For this reason determining the length of recovery is difficult.

Going through a serious injury can be a traumatic event especially when they occur in loved ones. If a loved one has sustained an injury from a third party, you may be able to make a claim. Contact Mark Reynolds personal injury solicitors today for more details.

Personal Injury Accident Claims

The Most Common causes of accidents and injuries in the workplace

Depending on your job you will face a variety of dangers and hazards to different extents. If you work in an office for example, you are much less likely to be at risk of burns than you would working in a kitchen. However, there are a wide range of accidents and injuries that can occur across all occupations, the most basic being falling/tripping over which in 2008 accounted for 4 out of every 10 major injuries occurring in the workplace. Statistics from the same year also Personal Injury Solicitors Accident Claimsshowed that the other most common injuries were caused by lifting or carrying objects.

Because of these seemingly minor accidents, a total of 34 million work days were lost. Out of these 34 million, 6 million were due to injuries that happened within the workplace, whilst the remaining 28 million were lost to work related illnesses. That year a total of 229 people were killed at work which in total comes to only 0.8% per every 100,000 workers but is still a phenomenal amount of lives unnecessarily lost. In the long term the death rates have fallen but over the past 6 years the fatality figures have disturbingly remained the same.

As it stands, more than 2 million people feel that either their current place of work or previous work places have caused them to suffer from illness or have caused already existing illnesses to worsen over time.

Statistics show that overall currently the three most common types of accident and injuries in the workplace are:

  • Tripping/Slipping/Falling over
  • Electrical based incidents
  • Manually lifting/carrying items

As a result of this, the most common injuries were:

  • Neck Injuries
  • Back Injuries
  • Head Injuries
  • Sprains and Strains
  • Reoccurring Strain Injuries

Less common injuries and illnesses that have been recorded include:

  • Asthma (occupational)
  • Hearing problems/ Deafness
  • Dermatitis
  • Vibration White Finger

For a free, no obligation chat about the concerns you have about a personal injury occurrence please contact one of our accident claims specialists on 0800 002 9577 or complete our online enquiry form in the red box on the right or by clicking here.