had an accident, claiming insurance and/ or benefits

goodbuyer1

I had an accident while training in a martial arts class. A tear in the meniscus. Been on crutches for 1 month, then doctors operated my knee and managed to stitch up the meniscus. Because it's more like cartilage, it will take 4 months to 1 year to heal. I am wearing a leg brace all the time and moving around with crutches. I live alone and can't work.

At my martial arts classes, I did pay for insurance. Should I claim compensation? I have been contacted by myclaim.uk.info by phone. I didn't reply but they left a message and they asked that I call back as they know how much compensation I could get. I didn't contact them before, so I don't know how they got my contact details.

Also, as I am not working, I will obviously have to pay for my rent and council tax so I think I should claim benefit.
Any advice as what I should do or where I could get advice? I phoned Social Services in my area and they gave me the number of 'keysupport'. Phoned these keysupport people, they never picked up the phone.

Does some of you know of some telephone hotline that I can call and get advice?

Thanks

MrsManda

Prior to your accident were you working?

If you're employed but unable to work due to your ill health you should be receiving Statutory Sick Pay.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/moneytaxandbenefits/benefitstaxcreditsandothersupport/illorinjured/dg_10018786

If you don't meet the requirements for SSP because you don't earn enough, are self-employed, not employed then you can put in a claim for Employment Support Allowance.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171891

For advice you could call the DWP benefits line, your local jobcentre or make an appointment with CAB.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/BeginnersGuideToBenefits/DG_4016805

Housing benefit/council tax benefit entitlement will depend on your household income/savings. You need to talk to your local council regarding a claim for HB/CTB,

As for claiming on your insurance this really depends on what the insurance was for and what it covers.

From the details you've given I don't see why you'd claim compensation from the class unless there was unsafe practices but it's up to you if you decide to try to go down that route.

goodbuyer1

Thank you so much for the valuable information. Yes I was working prior to the accident, I am self-employed and on a low income. Thanks again for taking the time to reply. All the best, GB

saving_pennies

Just to make you aware - if you decide to claim compensation and are successful, and you also claim benefits as a result of the accident (e.g. as you can not work at present), then you will need to ensure the solicitor knows you are claiming benefits and the benefits people know you are awarded compensation.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/gl27-print-version.pdf

rogerblack

Do _NOT_ use the claims management spamming companies.
Contact the club, and find out how to go about claiming on the insurance you've paid for.

Anubis_2

I agree with Roger, no need to use myclaim.uk company (who cold called you) - these companies are akin to any other cold calling company touting for business.

Claim direct with your insurance company. Good luck with healing!

goodbuyer1

saving_pennies wrote: »

Just to make you aware - if you decide to claim compensation and are successful, and you also claim benefits as a result of the accident (e.g. as you can not work at present), then you will need to ensure the solicitor knows you are claiming benefits and the benefits people know you are awarded compensation.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/gl27-print-version.pdf

that's important, thank you.

goodbuyer1

thank you Roger and Anubis for the heads-up. All the best, GB