How to Make a Personal Injury Claim?
How to Make a Personal Injury Claim? Making a personal injury claim is more straightforward than you might think, especially with the help of DIYPI…
If you’re involved in an accident which was someone else’s fault – or caused by a company or organisation’s negligence – then you could be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim against those parties responsible. So why not do it yourself with a little help from us.
Here at DIYPI we simplify the personal injury claims journey for our customers, taking control of the entire process from beginning to end. Streamlining what might at first glance appear to be a daunting process, when it comes to claiming compensation. In this blog we explain the best way to go about making a personal injury claim, by following some basic rules of thumb.
Let DIYPI Offer You a Helping Hand Through a Difficult Time
Nobody should have to cope with additional stresses when they’ve been involved in an accident, especially when they’ve sustained an injury; be it physical or psychological. By following our guide on how to make a personal injury claim you can avoid any more stress and focus on recovering.
Admittedly, seeking compensation for a personal injury might not be your priority in the immediate aftermath of an incident, yet it should be something you look to action just as soon as you’re in the right headspace again. Plus, being awarded financial compensation further down the line could really help you getting back on your feet in more than just a physical way.
Having said that, personal injury claims are all about restoring some form of normality to your life, post-accident and resultant injury. Not solely the receipt of a financial windfall.
What is a Personal Injury, Exactly?
The term ‘personal injury’ covers a multitude of bases. And even some of the strangest of things can be misconceived as a ‘personal injury claim’.
Yet it’s originally a legal term, which roughly translates as ‘an injury – or illness – caused by someone else’s negligence’. When that ‘someone else’ is considered responsible for the personal injury that befalls the injured party (ie, the claimant who has suffered physically or psychologically as a consequence of their actions), then in the eyes of the law, accountability lies with them.
Below, we summarise some of the main types of personal injuries DIYPI deals with.
- Clinical negligence
- Dental negligence
- Road traffic accidents: including Bicycle and Motorcycle claims
- Accidents at work
- Slips, trips and falls
- Industrial illness
- Serious Illness
Who Do I Turn to First?
When considering making a personal injury claim, specialists like DIYPI are the ‘go to’ professionals you’ll need to recruit; experts at outsourcing solicitors to act on your behalf. In terms of determining compensation values, if you’re looking to make a claim for pretty much any type of personal injury, then our outsourced solicitors will take on your case typically based on what’s known as a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
Which affords claimants peace of mind by knowing that in the event of them losing their case they won’t be liable for settling the defendant’s legal bill.
What’s the Process for Making a Personal Injury Claim?
By and large, the traditional process of how to make a personal injury claim follows the path outlined beneath:
‘Let’s talk’ (claimants receive initial consultations) – Where specific case details are discussed, and a personal injury specialist advises claimants about the best way to move your claim forward. This initial exchange is both free and no obligation with DIYPI, while confidentiality is assured.
‘Sourcing a solicitor’ (moving your claim forward with the right guidance) – DIYPI will find you the best personal injury solicitor for your specific case, based on prior experience and their knowledge with regards to your particular claim.
‘The blame game’ (confirming responsibility) – Your new personal injury solicitor will work out exactly whose fault the accident was, which ultimately caused a claimant’s injuries. If it’s not easily and quickly identifiable, then DIYPI has an experienced team on hand to investigate further on a claimant’s behalf. Once the responsible party is confirmed, then they’ll be approached and asked if they’re prepared to accept accountability.
‘Bespoke claims’ (working out a claimant’s individual needs) – Every claim is different; therefore, every claimant and their requirements alter accordingly. DIYPI will scrutinise a claimant’s injury, understanding the exact nature and impact of it. Medical experts will help us to determine the clinical facts from the outset. From there, personal injury solicitors will be well placed to calculate the potential compensation.
‘Getting back on your feet (rehabilitation journey) – DIYPI works in collaboration with dedicated teams of medical experts who provide targeted rehab packages and clinical support every step of the way. If a claimant has suffered a serious injury, then DIYPI will ensure that receive a rehabilitation programme shaped around an individual’s needs, and which alleviates any further stresses.
‘Show me the money!’ (The compensation part) – What the personal injury process leads up to, and the responsible parties ensuring that their victims receive a financial package to help them fully recover with all losses directly related to an accident which wasn’t their own fault. Most claims are settled out of court, yet here are times when court appearances are unavoidable if those responsible refuse to accept the blame. If this scenario pans out, DIYPI will guide you through this part of the process too.
What’s the Normal Making a Personal Injury Claim Process Timeline?
There’s no one size fits all approach to the time it takes to fulfil the entire personal injury claims journey. Not least because everyone’s injuries and circumstances are different. On average, claimants can expect to receive compensation anywhere within 6 months to 2 years from the outset of the process. Should the case be complex – like for example if someone is pursuing a claim for life-changing injuries – then the process can take longer to resolve.
One of the most important of the deciding factors which influence when a financial settlement is reached, centres on a claimant’s recovery. Compensation is worked out on injury prognosis as much as initial diagnosis, and figures are arrived at after taking into account the way injuries have impacted on the claimant’s life since the incident. As well as looking further ahead, regarding ongoing rehabilitation measures and associated costs.
There’s no one size fits all approach to the time it takes to fulfil the entire personal injury claims journey. Not least because everyone’s injuries and circumstances are different. On average, claimants can expect to receive compensation anywhere within 6 months to 2 years from the outset of the process. Should the case be complex – like for example if someone is pursuing a claim for life-changing injuries – then the process can take longer to resolve.
Is There a Time Limit on When Claimants Are Advised to Make a Claim for a Personal Injury?
Yes. Within 3 years of first suffering a personal injury is the recognised sector standard when it comes to claiming compensation. To break it down still further, the following is applicable.
The acknowledged 3-year limitation starts from:
- The date of the incident which resulted in the claimant suffering the injury (or illness)
- The date the claimant first became aware of an illness caused by an employer’s negligence (for instance, exposure to asbestos)
- The date the cause of a loved one’s death was confirmed
Although there are exceptions to this time limit, including:
- Those who lack mental capacity (time limit waived)
- Children (adults can claim up to a child’s 21st birthday for injuries which befell them prior to them turning 18)
- Accidents – or illnesses – which happened outside of the UK (time limitations in other countries can be shorter)
- Defective products – Additional to the statutory 3-year limit, claims which cite defective products must be first lodged within 10 years of the product going into circulation
- Criminal injuries – 2-year maximum time limit for all claims made through the Criminal Compensation Authority
If you have any more questions contact our team now on 0800 048 8896.
