Serious Injury Claims
Free guidance on when serious injury claims are possible and how to maximise compensation payouts.
Suffering a serious injury can turn your life upside down in an instant. It can also have a massive impact on the lives of loved ones and others around you. As such, you might decide to seek compensation for a serious injury if somebody else has caused your suffering. This article guides you through the steps involved in serious injury claims and when they might be possible.
If you’re feeling uncertain or have questions about starting a claim, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to support you and can connect you with regulated law firms, ensuring you get professional guidance and legal advice.
Please read on to find out more about your options after a serious injury and how to proceed with a claim.
What Is A Serious Injury Claim
A serious injury claim lets you seek compensation if you experience life-changing physical or psychological harm. You start this process to recover damages for long-term effects that disrupt your ability to work or carry out daily activities. Compensation for serious injuries might be awarded as a lump sum with additional annual payments to cover ongoing costs.
What Constitutes A Serious Injury?
Some examples of the types of suffering that could result in a serious injury claim include:
Brain injuries, including traumatic brain damage or severe concussion
Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis or reduced mobility
Amputations, involving loss of a limb or multiple limbs
Severe burns, whether from fire, chemicals, or electricity
Multiple fractures or severe crush fractures sustained in a major accident
Loss of sight or hearing, partial or complete
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury and would like free advice about how to start a compensation claim, please don’t hesitate to speak to our team. We’ll review your case, explain your options and connect you with a law firm that specialises in serious injury claims, where possible.
What Do I Need To Prove To Be Eligible To Claim?
The eligibility criteria when claiming compensation for serious injuries are actually much the same as any other personal injury claim. This means that you’ll need to demonstrate that:
The claimant was owed a duty of care by the defendant at the time they were injured.
As a result of the defendant’s failure to comply with that duty, the claimant was involved in an accident or incident.
The claimant suffered a serious injury or injuries as a result of that incident.
Typically, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to claim for serious injuries. However, if you’re claiming on behalf of a loved one who lacks mental capacity, there is no time limit. Similarly, if you’re claiming for a child, you can do so at any time before their 18th birthday without worrying about the 3-year limitation period.
Who Might Be Sued In A Serious Injury Compensation Claim?
You can usually bring a claim against one or more of the following parties, depending on who caused your injury:
Employers, for workplace accidents due to inadequate training, faulty equipment, or unsafe procedures
Local authorities, for injuries caused by unsafe public spaces or poorly maintained pathways
Drivers, for road traffic collisions involving vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians
Businesses, for accidents in shops, restaurants, or private premises
Medical professionals, for injuries resulting from medical errors or negligence
To check who might be responsible for your serious injuries, please get in touch today and we’ll review your case for free.
Evidence To Strengthen A Serious Injury Claim
Gathering robust evidence can strengthen your serious injury claim and demonstrate the severity and impact of your injuries. Key forms of evidence include:
Medical Records: Hospital notes, GP reports, x-rays, MRI scans, and other test results describe the extent and prognosis of your injuries.
Photographic Evidence: Images of your injuries, accident scene, vehicles involved, or hazardous conditions show what occurred and their immediate effects.
Witness Statements: Testimonies from people present at the time of the accident confirm events leading to the injury and help establish liability.
Accident Reports: Copies of incident logs from employers, police reports following road traffic accidents, or local authority documentation for public accidents create a formal record of the circumstances.
Financial Documentation: Payslips, bank statements, receipts for specialist equipment, or care expenses quantify your financial losses.
Expert Assessments: Specialist opinions from occupational therapists, rehabilitation consultants, or independent medical experts support claims for future care.
If we put you in touch with specialist solicitor and you agree to work together, part of their service may include gathering evidence and independent medical reports on your behalf.
Examples of Accidents That Could Result In Serious Injury Claims
Different accident types can lead to serious injury claims if another party’s negligence contributed to your harm. Common examples include:
Road traffic accidents: Major car, motorcycle and cycling collisions often cause brain injuries, spinal damage or multiple fractures.
Workplace accidents: Falls from height, machinery incidents or being struck by moving objects lead to amputations and severe burns.
Public place accidents: Slips, trips and falls in supermarkets, parks or council-maintained areas can result in broken bones or head injuries.
Medical negligence: Mistakes during childbirth, delayed diagnoses, surgical errors, or incorrect treatment cause loss of sight, hearing or other life-changing harm.
Criminal assaults: Violent attacks frequently lead to psychological trauma or severe physical injury.
If you’re unsure if your accident qualifies for a serious injury claim, why not contact Linder Myers for free guidance and advice?
What Does Compensation For A Serious Injury Cover?
Compensation for a serious injury covers a range of specific losses and expenses related to your injury:
Medical expenses: Compensation covers costs for inpatient care, outpatient treatment, medication, rehabilitation, specialist equipment, and therapies (for example, physiotherapy, occupational therapy).
Lost earnings: You can claim for current and future loss of income if your injury prevents you from working. This includes reductions in earning capacity and lost pension contributions.
Care and assistance: Compensation includes funds for professional care, family support, or adapted living assistance if you require ongoing help with daily tasks.
Adaptations: Costs for home or vehicle adaptations may be recovered if your serious injury necessitates modified access, specialist facilities, or mobility equipment.
Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity: Awards reflect the physical pain, psychological effects, and loss of enjoyment in daily and leisure activities following serious injuries.
Out-of-pocket expenses: Compensation covers travel costs, specialist dietary needs, and additional living expenses directly linked to your injury.
With serious injury claims, it is vital that all of your suffering is considered before you settle the claim. Otherwise, you could struggle financially in the future if long-term care costs aren’t considered, for example. This is a key reason for taking on legal representation in such claims.
What Are The Benefits Of No Win No Fee Claims?
No Win No Fee claims let you pursue compensation for serious injuries without paying legal fees upfront. This can be vital as legal fees can be significant as it can take some time for the injured party’s prognosis to be properly understood.
The key benefits of No Win No Fee agreements for serious injury claims include:
No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay solicitor fees at the start of your claim, making legal action accessible regardless of your financial situation.
Reduced Financial Risk: You pay legal fees only if your case succeeds, so you don’t risk out-of-pocket losses if the claim isn’t successful.
Access To Experienced Solicitors: Many regulated law firms accept only strong cases, which means your claim receives attention from professionals with relevant experience.
Motivation For Results: Solicitors have a direct interest in achieving a positive outcome since their payment depends on the claim’s success.
Peace Of Mind: The absence of initial costs and ongoing financial obligations allows you to focus on your recovery.
If you’d like to discuss how No Win No Fee claims work in more detail, please let a member of our team know today.
To Discuss A Serious Injury Claim, Get In Touch Today
Facing a serious injury can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Expert legal advice is available to help you understand your options and take the next steps with confidence.
If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing injury, and you’re unsure about your rights or the claims process, please contact us for a free consultation. A dedicated team is ready to listen to your situation and provide clear guidance tailored to your needs.
If you decide to take action after our advice, we can put you in touch with a trusted law firm that deals with serious injury claims.