Personal injury claim

82mph

Sorry if this is in the wrong place but a search for similar cases led me here. I'm hoping for some advice.

I've always considered myself anti-compensation claims and so 18 months ago when I had an accident (walking) on a local street which is in a terrible state, claiming didn't cross my mind.

However, after 18 months, arthroscopic surgery on a damaged knee (which will need repeating at some stage) and a load of physio, my injury isn't getting much better and has also affected my other knee and lower back. I have very little cartilege left in the originally affected knee also so have been warned to expect further problems in the future.

As a result, I've started going for massage and am considering private surgery to put my knees right. These things are not cheap however and it is irritating that, had it not been for the state of our pavements (the one in question is not a little bit uneven, it's truly awful!) none of it would be necessary.

I have been advised that I have a strong case for a claim but don't know where to begin. There are so many no-win no-fee places now and the only progress I've made so far has been through an insurance company who wants to take 15% of any settlement (is this normal?).

Any advice on how to choose reputable places would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

geri1965_2

First of all, check that you don't have access to legal expenses cover anywhere - home insurance policy, say, or membership of a trade union. If you do, they will put you in touch with a solicitor who will do it free of charge.

If not, ask around for personal recommendations or failing that, just chose one from the phonebook! Avoid any company who will take a percentage of your damages - you need a solicitor, not a claims management company or similar.

What area are you in?

Insco

Call the Law Society, tell them that you are looking for a solicitor who specialises in personal injury and where you live and they will give you a list of solicitors who specialise in personal injury cases.

Agree with geri - check to see if you have any legal expenses cover which might respond.

Crazy_Jamie

82mph wrote: »

the only progress I've made so far has been through an insurance company who wants to take 15% of any settlement (is this normal?).

No, it is not. You do not want to be dealing with an insurance or claims management company here. You need to go direct to a solicitors firm who will take your case on a Conditional Fee Agreement (that's the technical term for 'no win no fee'). Anybody who wants to take a portion of your settlement needs to be avoided entirely.

I have sent you a private message regarding some recommendations, but I agree with Geri that personal recommendations are always a good starting point. There is a huge number of solicitors firms out there who deal with personal injury cases, and it is very difficult to make a choice without narrowing down the options. A recommendation can help with that.

82mph

Thanks for your responses and the PM. I'm based in (South East) London and unfortunately to my knowledge don't have legal expenses cover.

I also don't know of anybody who has made a claim so can't get a personal reccommendation!

The insurers who I spoke with told me about the CFA but only so far as that plus all other costs would be covered in the 15%.