Most Common Accident Claims

Accidents happen every day and result in thousands7. Costs of gardening, decorating, housework etc if
of people suffering personal injury every year. Anyou have to pay for this to be done because you
accident injury can occur on the roads and footpaths,are no longer able to do it yourself
at work, in public places, at home, at school, during8. Loss of or damage to your property
medical treatment and in many other situations butObviously not all of the above will apply in every
whatever the location, if the accident was causedcase and there may be other items depending on the
wholly or partly by someone else, a right toindividual circumstances of each claim.
compensation is likely to exist.In order to claim successfully it will be necessary to
In many cases the accident and consequent injury isprove that the person was negligent and that the
through no fault of the injured person but is causednegligence caused the accident resulting in the injury.
by someone else. Some common types of accidentWhere a claim is being pursued for specific items of
claims which may occur are:financial loss or expense, satisfactory evidence will be
1. Road traffic accidents - injuries to vehiclerequired to support the amount being claimed.
occupants, pedestrians, cyclistsCertain areas of claim such as pain and suffering, loss
2. Accidents at work including industrial diseasesof future earnings, loss of amenity will normally be
3. Accidents in public placesassessed by the court.
4. Injuries caused by defective goods or productsWith certain exceptions a claim for personal injury
5. Medical or dental negligencecompensation must be brought within three years of
"Special Damages" is the term used to describe thethe accident. The main statute governing time limits is
compensation which can be recovered from thethe Limitation Act 1980. The issue is complex
negligent party in respect of expenses or financialhowever and there are situations where a shorter
losses suffered as a result of an accident and whichperiod may apply. Despite the three year period
can be reasonably easily quantified. Examples of thetherefore you should contact a solicitor as soon as
types of items which may be involved are :possible if you wish to pursue a claim.
1. Loss of past earnings and assessed future earningsAccident claims are complex, sometimes exceedingly
2. Medical Expenses - past and futureso, and to pursue a claim you will need the services
3. Cost of nursing or other professional care - pastof a solicitor with particular expertise in this area.
and futureMaking the right choice of solicitor is a matter you
4. Gratuitous assistance eg unpaid help from familyshould take careful consideration over to make sure
and friendsyour compensation claim is handled effectively
5. Prescription chargeswhether it is settled in or out of court.
6. Travelling expenses for attending hospital, doctorDoing your homework will not only save you time
etc for treatment resulting from the accidentbut potential stress as well.