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No win no fee can be used for all types of personal injury claims

BY READERS DIGEST

6th Jan 2022 Insurance & Legal

No win no fee can be used for all types of personal injury claims
If you’ve suffered an illness, an accident at work, or you’ve been injured because of someone else’s reckless behaviour, you’re within your rights to make a claim against the negligent party.
The personal injury process is somewhat complicated and the costs might deter you from making a claim to receive compensation for the losses that occurred. No win no fee is the low-cost approach available to consumers. It was back in 1995 that conditional fee agreements were introduced. By 1998, no win no fee was accepted for all civil cases, with the exception of matters pertaining to family courts.
With access to legal services diminishing in several areas of the law, no win no fee agreements make it possible for individuals, who would otherwise not be able to, to make personal injury claims against negligent individuals or organisations. The claimant pays a limited fee, only if the case meets with success, so they’re fully protected against liability. The solicitor will obviously check eligibility before accepting to make a claim. If the client has strong grounds for litigation, the solicitor will take on the case. Attention needs to be paid to the fact that there are many charges to be paid during the course of litigation. If you have any questions about how a no win no fee claim works, seek expert advice.

What types of cases does no win no fee relate to? 

A no win no fee claim can be processed for anything, from a personal injury case to a road traffic accident. Any incident can lead to a personal injury case, yet these are the most common types of claims:
  • Serious Injury
A serious injury is one that requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours. It can result in the fracture of a bone, involve lacerations that cause severe haemorrhage, entail injury to an internal organ, or concern second- or third-degree burns. Needless to say, a serious injury has long-term effects, as it causes obvious mutilation, a range of health issues, not to mention that organs or anatomical structures can lose their function. A serious injury is emotionally and financially draining. Litigation should be to the highest standards.
  • Road traffic accidents
Numerous accidents and casualties are reported on the roads of Great Britain. An auto accident can cause serious injuries to any part of the body. Examples of common injuries include TBI, back injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, fractures, facial injuries, and limb loss. The rules for making a small personal injury claim have recently changed; more exactly, the government introduced a tariff on whiplash claims, tying up compensation awards to the duration of the injury.
  • Medical negligence
While the NHS is very good, things occasionally get out of hand. Taking legal action is no longer expensive owing to no win no fee arrangements. Nonetheless, a lawsuit is stressful and time-consuming. In a personal injury claim, it’s necessary to prove that whomever was responsible for what happened owed a duty of care, there was a breach of that duty of care, which resulted in your suffering. Have a discussion with a solicitor before taking legal action. If your claim is unsuccessful, the law firm will write off the costs that have been accrued.
  • Accidents at work
Workplace accidents happen all the time, especially in the construction industry. Non-fatal workplace accidents are caused by slips, trips, and falls, manual lifting and handling, falling from height, and being struck by an object, just to name a few. Employer’s liability insurance isn’t the only resource for a workplace injury. There are several situations in which you can sue for damages caused by your injuries. Let’s take an example. If you were injured because of the employer’s intentional conduct, you might be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit.
  • Accidents in public places 
Some of the most common places that accidents take place are restaurants, supermarkets, leisure centres, sports clubs, and fast-food outlets. Injuries suffered as the result of an accident in a public place include broken bones, torn muscles, and bruises. If you’re looking to make a claim, make it within the time limit. You have three years from the date of the accident to take legal action. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer and check what time limit might apply to your own case.

Top things to look for when hiring a solicitor

It’s perfectly legal to enter a no win no fee agreement with a solicitor and you’ll find many legal professionals that operate this way in Great Britain. Keep in mind that the conditional fee agreement differs from solicitor to solicitor, so discuss all aspects pertaining to the case before moving forward. Contrary to popular opinion, no win no fee solicitors don’t offer substandard representation. It’s within their best interest to make sure that your case is successful. During the initial consultation, it’s essential to be honest with the solicitor and provide relevant documentation.
Depending on your situation, legal advice may be available via online resources, local authorities, trade unions, and support charities. Establish whether your legal issue requires the help of a professional. If the answer is yes, look for a solicitor that understands your needs and handles your case with due diligence. Several proceedings occur between hearings and they need to be handled meticulously. Having a good relationship with your solicitor will make things a little less stressful. Work together on agreed expectations. It’s recommended to avoid chitchat. If you’re concise and polite, you’ll increase your chances of effective communication.
Finally, yet importantly, an experienced no win no fee solicitor is better equipped to handle your case. Ask potential candidates what experience they have and, most importantly, what qualifications they hold. A good legal practice will most surely demonstrate capability. When narrowing your shortlist, keep reputation in mind. Check feedback from people who’ve used that particular solicitor and make an informed decision. Make the next step and get in touch with a legally-trained expert. They’ll get the best possible outcome. Read the small print before signing the dotted line.
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