Being the victim of clinical negligence, an injury or illness as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing is an emotional and stressful time. Making a claim may not immediately be your top priority as you recover, however if you believe that you are entitled to compensation there are things you need to do, some of which are time sensitive, to help make your claim and get your life back on track.
Universa Law is a team of specialist personal injury and clinical negligence solicitors and have put together the following advice for making a claim.
1. Act quickly
Following any incident, you must seek medical help and advice. Some injuries can be worse than originally thought. Medical professionals will identify what’s wrong and will also keep a record of diagnoses and treatments which can form part of a claim. Secondly, it is vital to report any incident as soon as possible – this could be with the police, or a Health & Safety Manager in the workplace for example. Proper documentation of the event is important evidence.
2. Take photos
It is really important to take photos and keep a chronological album of these. Take photos of the location of the accident, including detailed ones such as slopes, curbs and hazards – particularly if your injury is a result of tripping or falling. If vehicles are involved, take photos of any damages and the scene.
Although it may be difficult, ask a trusted friend or family member to take photos of any personal injuries. If you don’t make a claim straight after an injury (especially as there is a 3 year period in which you can claim), some injuries and scars heal with time. Take photos as soon as possible and continue to take updated photos as a record.
Photos can form vital evidence to show the circumstances of how you sustained your injury and help identify any negligence.
3. Document everything
Keep well documented records of the following:
- Receipts and documents of costs and expenses incurred. This could include hospital parking costs, fuel costs for third parties who help you get around, private taxis or public transport fares due to not being mobile on your own.
- Loss of income as a result of the injury or negligence (timesheets, payslips, hospital appointment letters).
- Cost of carers.
- Record the amount of time friends and family help you following your injury. Keep a timeline and the type of care they provide for you (personal care, shopping, housework and so on).
This information helps your claim and means your solicitor can seek compensation to cover all expenses.
4. Timing is key
Ensure a claim is lodged within the allowed time limits, otherwise you will lose the right to claim compensation. Usually claims must be submitted within 3 years of the accident or negligence taking place, however there are exceptions to this particularly when children are involved. Get in touch to find out more.
5. Seek advice from experts
Some people query if it is worth using a specialist personal injury or clinical negligence solicitor and many wonder if they can handle the claim themselves. However, handling insurance companies singlehandedly and being faced with legal documents to sign that you don’t fully understand are just some of the challenges that lie ahead.
The main benefits of engaging the experts, like Universa Law, is that we are experienced in making claims, it is what we do day in, day out, and have been doing for over 40 years. We understand the law and legislation. We work on a No Win No Fee basis, which we believe is the most risk-free and stress-free way of making a claim as you never have to send a payment to us, win or lose.
We also pride ourselves on our integrity. We only take cases that we have faith in. If we do not believe that we can achieve a successful and just outcome for you, we won’t take your money. And while we may not understand exactly how you feel, we are compassionate and empathic; we will reassure you and, crucially, we will believe you.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness that you believe was someone else’s fault, please call the Universa Law team on 08000 121130 or contact us.