Accident at work insurance claim

Nortonred

Evening everyone,

I have recently had an accident at work which has left me off work for almost 5 months by the time I go back. My boss is self employed and I am the only employee. He can no longer afford to keep paying me and has said to claim off his insurance. The insurance company are being zero help with making a claim so I reluctantly need to use an ambulance chaser.

Has anyone had experience of these? I know they are going to take 25% of my claim which is frustrating, I'm happy to do the claim myself, but i wouldnt know where to begin. Any advice would be great. Unfortunately I don't have any insurance I can use as assistance e.g car or home.

swingaloo

First of all you need to be sure you have a valid claim in that your accident was the result of negligence on your employers part.

If you do have a case then you do not want an 'ambulance chaser' who will take a percentage.

You need a solicitor who does this type of claim and they will take you on if they think you have a valid case. What usually happens is that they take out an insurance to cover their costs should you lose at court. If you win then the other side cover the cost of the insurance and the solicitors costs so you don't lose a percentage.

However they will only take you on if they are confident of your chances of success.


I would not chance doing it alone. A solicitor knows exactly what you can claim for in regard to your incurred losses. You need to make an appointment and be properly prepared with your medical evidence etc.

Nortonred

Thank you Swingaloo.

My employer has accepted responsibility and I have it in writting. There is no issue with this on his part. There is a local solicitor who offers this sort of service so I think it's worth giving them a call in the morning to see what they can do.

Aretnap

So you have home insurance and does it come with legal expenses cover? If so contact them - they will appoint a solicitor who won't take a chunk of your compensation in payment.

Ms_Chocaholic

Has the H&S Executive been involved?

Nortonred

I don't have home insurance as I am in rented accommodation. Unfortunately I don't have legal cover on my car insurance as like a lot of people say "these things don't happen to me." The benefit of hindsight I suppose.

It's all been reported via RIDOR.

As I said my boss isn't disputing the claim. It's just the insurance company who are making things a bit difficult.