injury claim? should i? who should i use?

RibenaBerry_2

I agree with Clive - but like he says, worth a phone call.

Having dealt with these policies, if they'll cover your case, you normally have to use their chosen lawyers, so it can help to have checked before you run up a bill with someone else. If they won't cover it, well you've only lost the cost of the phone call.

Astaroth

It is normally a "reasonable chance of success" - this is to stop claims like we receive where someone has been given something for free and they are wanting to sue the person that gave it them because it is 6 months older than was stated on Freecycle and they want the money to go out and buy a brand new one because of it.

You are legally entitled to choose who represents you (irrespective of what the insurer may say) but your solicitor would have to agree to the T&Cs of the policy they will be representing you under.

missile

I don't know where you live, but most "good" solicitors offer a free consultation. Best to see one you know or who is recomended by a friend. A no win no fee will usually only take on a case when they feel confident of a successful outcome.

It seems like your daughter is going to have a permanent disability, which may get worse in later life. You really ought to go see a solicitor asap.

Clive_Woody

Astaroth wrote:

"reasonable chance of success"

i.e. Where there is little chance that they won't be able to recover all of their costs pursuing the case.

franny

As a Personal Injury Paralegal I can agree with Limitation limits above and certainly on the length of time some of these claims can take.

It really is up to you. Do not use a third party such as the Accident Advive Helpline as they will take a chunk of any compensation and they will not necessarily provide you with a solicitor in your local area.

Secondly it is down to how committed you will be in 3-4-5 years time. Your daughter will require a new medical examination so an independent doctor can prepare his report. He will definately need to see any medical records from the time of the accident and beyond.

Look in the Yellow Pages, get a free consultation with a local solicitor, more for you to judge them then the other way around and make sure that it is no win no fee.

loopy_lass

im in york so its a pretty good choice of solicitors, will look into it, not sure about the house insurance stuff etc. but im sure solicitor will advise me.
thanks loops

Astaroth

Ask what happens if the claim doesnt go as you expect. Whilst no win no fee means you dont have to pay your own solicitor if you dont win it doesnt explain what happens to the other sides costs. As posted here recently someone recently has been told by their solicitor they now need to get an after the incident insurance policy because things have gone worse than expected and the cheapest premiums they have found are £12,000 - if they dont get the insurance then the defendants legal bill is potentially going to exceed that by some way. This is the advantage of using a solicitor under your legal expenses insurance.

Clive_Woody

Astaroth wrote:

Ask what happens if the claim doesnt go as you expect. Whilst no win no fee means you dont have to pay your own solicitor if you dont win it doesnt explain what happens to the other sides costs. As posted here recently someone recently has been told by their solicitor they now need to get an after the incident insurance policy because things have gone worse than expected and the cheapest premiums they have found are £12,000 - if they dont get the insurance then the defendants legal bill is potentially going to exceed that by some way. This is the advantage of using a solicitor under your legal expenses insurance.

A very good point.

loopy_lass

oooo yes a very good point ..... mmmmm will look into this carefully

thanks loops

missile

I would suggest it is very unusual for costs to be awarded against the claimant other than when it comes to court the claim is deemed to be spurious. Looy_lass seems to have a valid claim.