You and your injury lawyer

Injuries in law are not the kind of injuries we refer to in the common usage. An injury in this sense could mean anything from a wrong, wound, damage or grievance arising from the action or inaction of another person or groups of persons. Usually when it occurs there is a room for a recompense or compensation from the person responsible for the injury. This, however, depends on the weight of evidence indicting them and the steps taken to seek redress.

Injury solicitors


In the event of an injury the individual to whom harm is brought seeks compensation by seeking the assistance, usually, of a professional who pursues the claim on their behalf. This professional is generally known as an injury lawyer or solicitor. In a more specific term they could be referred to as personal injury lawyers or solicitors.

Personal injury is the broad category under which all injuries caused an individual are dealt with. Compensation or damages are usually sought and payment could range from a few pounds to hundreds of thousands of pounds. In some exceptional cases victims could even make a compensation claim running to the tune of millions of pounds, exceeding the normal limit, depending on the degree of the injury and needs of the victim.

In a recent case a victim got a record payout of more than £5 million from the NHS following medical negligence resulting in his injury. Compensation payouts arising from claims after serious clinical errors have cost the NHS trusts across the country huge sums of money. This has provoked much debate over the so-called compensation culture people are believed to be tending so much towards, allegedly fuelled by injury lawyers and the no win, no fee system.

Injury claims

As has earlier been mentioned, someone to whom harm is caused by another person may opt to seek compensation from the perpetrator of the injury. But they may, in the alternative, choose not to. If they decide to claim compensation, they usually consider the possibility of doing so with the help of an injury solicitor, whose expertise plays a huge role in determining the outcome.

While there is no obligation on a claimant or plaintiff to file their lawsuit for a claim through a lawyer, the probability or likelihood of success is often higher if they seek expert guidance. Thus, solicitors have their expertise and knowledge of the legal system to be relied on. They also have a clear knowledge of all the processes, including individuals and means required to facilitate the speedy pursuance and success one’s claim. If in the end there’s a need to settle out of court, one’s lawyer is in the best position to negotiate the terms in such a way the client’s interest is maximized to their advantage.

Making a claim

In making a claim the claimant needs to consider their costs in terms of the medical bills generated as a result of the injury, if any, as well as related expenses that include the loss of income. There is also one’s legal fees, which thanks to the no win, no fee arrangement, is taken care of by the respondent if they lose, as well as paying out compensation.

Time is of essence when making an injury claim and the earlier the complaint is lodged the better for the claimant, as after a certain length of time the application may no longer be valid. Usually this time period os three years, although there are expceptions.

Speaking to a solicitor or an injury lawyer ahead of one’s claim could help immensely in making all the grey areas clearer.