Where There’s a Blame, there’s a Claim: Challenging the Misconception of Personal Injury Claims

Where there’s a blame, there’s a claim! We’ve all heard the cliché in relation to personal injury claims. Usually, from a low-budget advert on daytime television, or a cheesy voice over the radio waves. It’s true that there are businesses who make ambulance chasing their entire business model. Because of this, over the years, personal injury claims have had an increasingly bad rap. Leaving people shaking their heads and rolling their eyes when they hear that overused phrase.

All that said, it doesn’t mean that people are no longer having accidents that genuinely weren’t their fault. And if they can’t trust the law firms that claim they can help, where are victims of injury supposed to turn? Compensation for personal injury is a lifeline for those who have suffered at the hands of someone else’s negligence. Accidents can leave people unable to work and provide for their families, which means they wind up suffering both physically and financially. It’s only fair that they are compensated for the pain and hurt that they’d endured.

However, people often don’t know who to turn to or what exactly they can claim for. Which is where we come in.

Changes to Personal Injury Claims: What Can I Claim For?

Road Traffic Claims and the Official Injury Claim Portal

After May 2021, there were changes to road traffic accident claims in relation to whiplash. The small claims limit was raised from £1,000 to £5,000 and that applies to adult vehicle occupants, whether they were driving or a passenger. It removed the entitlement to recover solicitors’ costs for the majority of these types of claims. Claimants of road traffic claims are now asked to use Official Injury Claim Portal, which allows them to submit claims themselves on a user-friendly portal. 

Claims the Do Not Need to Go Through the Official Injury Claim Portal

There are some types of road traffic accident claims that cannot be settled through the portal and remain with the small claims limit of £1000.

Cyclists, motor cyclists, horse riders, pillion/sidecar passengers, people in mobility scooters and pedestrians are the main ones although there are a few more exceptions. These groups are particularly vulnerable on our roads. Despite increased awareness and infrastructure improvements, accidents involving these groups remain common. When a motorist’s negligence leads to injury, the consequences can be life-altering, often resulting in long-term physical and emotional damage. Personal injury claims in these instances aim to provide compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, and the pain and suffering endured by the victim.

Other Areas of Personal Injury Law

Accidents at work represent another significant area of personal injury law. Employers have a duty of care to ensure that the workplace is safe. When they fail to meet this obligation, whether through inadequate training, poor maintenance, or failure to adhere to safety regulations, employees may suffer injuries. These claims not only seek to compensate the injured party but also to enforce higher safety standards across industries.

Accidents in a public place such as slips, trips, and falls are everyday occurrences that can lead to severe injuries, particularly among the elderly or infirm. Whether in public places or on private premises, property owners are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment. A successful claim in this category can help cover medical costs and reinforce the importance of proper maintenance and hazard prevention.

Dog bites are another area where personal injury claims can provide crucial support. Owners are responsible for controlling their animals. When they fail, the resulting injuries can be severe, both physically and psychologically. Compensation in these cases can aid in recovery and highlight the need for responsible pet ownership.

Choosing a Reputable Law Firm for Personal Injury Claims

In all these scenarios, personal injury claims serve not only to provide financial redress but also to promote safer environments for everyone.

When it comes to personal injury claims, choosing a reputable law firm over a cheaper, faster alternative is necessary for securing the best possible outcome. While "quick fix" firms may promise rapid results, they often prioritise speed over the quality of representation, potentially leaving clients with less compensation than they deserve. A trusted law firm takes the time to fully understand the nuances of each case, ensuring that every avenue for compensation is thoroughly explored. This not only maximises payouts, but also provides clients with the personal care and attention they need during a challenging time.

If you feel you may be eligible for a personal injury claim, it’s important to speak to a specialist lawyer who will remain your one contact throughout the process of making a claim.

Call our experienced personal injury team on 0113 320 5000 for an informal discussion of your case, or email @email.