Tag: Serious Injury

cycle accident

How do I make an accident claim?

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Types of accident you can claim compensation for

Accidents happen in a variety of different settings and circumstances. You may have a case to claim compensation if someone else caused the accident or it occurred in a setting where someone failed in their duty of care to look after your health and wellbeing.

Some of the commonest types of accident claim that we deal with here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors are:

Why claim compensation for an accident?

While claiming compensation cannot undo what has happened, it can relieve financial strain and help put a distressing incident behind you.

As well as acknowledging disruption to your life as well as pain and suffering you have endured, financial compensation can also assist with:

  • Recouping financial loss from time taken off work
  • Compensating future loss of income due to not being able to work
  • Personal help or care you’ve received or are receiving while you recover
  • Medical care costs
  • The cost of ongoing rehabilitation treatment
  • Other expenses incurred as a result of the injury

Am I eligible to claim compensation for an accident?

If you have suffered an illness or injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may have a case to claim compensation.

Most successful accident claims meet the following criteria:

  • The accident occurred within the past 3 years.
  • The accident occurred as a result of someone else’s negligence
  • You suffered both physically and financially as a result of the accident

Every accident claim is unique, so if you’re not sure if you’re eligible, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to discuss your case in more detail.

How do I make an accident claim?

To begin your claim, give our team of specialist solicitors here at Mark Reynolds a call on 0800 002 9577 to arrange a free consultation.

We will listen to the details of your accident and advise whether we believe you have a case to claim compensation.

Rest assured we understand that taking a first step towards claiming compensation can be daunting and we will always handle your case with the discretion, confidentiality and sensitivity it deserves.

If our team are satisfied you have a case, they will begin building one on your behalf, providing you with support and guidance throughout the whole process.

Can I claim for conditions and illnesses at work?

While the most common types of accident that happen in the workplace are slips, trips and falls, many of our clients successfully claim compensation for conditions or illnesses they have developed or suffered due to their line of work.

No one should suffer illness due to their employment, and if you do develop a medical condition or illness due to unsafe working conditions or exposure to hazardous materials then you have the right to claim.

Some of the occupational illness that we regularly claim compensation for include:

  • Mental illnesses like stress, anxiety or depression
  • Noise-induced hearing loss
  • Repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and hand/arm vibration syndrome
  • Lung disease and lung cancer
  • Occupational dermatitis caused by exposure to hazardous substances
  • Asbestos-related diseases

How do I claim for an accident at work?

If an accident happened while you were at work, the prospect of claiming compensation can be particularly daunting.

It’s important to remember you are entitled to compensation for an accident that wasn’t your fault, and that any awarded will be claimed from your employer’s insurer rather than their own pocket.

To arrange a free consultation with our team of expert solicitors, give us a call today on 0800 002 9577.

How do no-win, no-fee accident claims work?

Here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors, we operate a no-win, no-fee service, allowing you to pursue your claim without financial risk.

Our no-win, no-fee arrangements don’t require you to pay upfront.

Simply speak to a member of our team to find out if you have a case to claim. If we believe you do, then we will begin work straightaway.

If we win, you will be required to pay for our services once you have received the compensation sum.

You owe us nothing if we don’t.

What evidence do I require to make an accident claim?

To make a successful accident claim, your solicitor must prove the following:

  1. There was a legal duty of care owed to you
  2. That the duty of care was breached
  3. That you suffered injury or illness
  4. That the other party’s negligence caused your illness or injury

The more evidence you have that clearly shows your injury or illness was caused by the negligence of another party, the stronger your claim will be.

Our solicitors will help build a compelling case, advising you on how and where you can gather the evidence you need to make sure your claim secures the maximum amount of compensation you are eligible to.

It is helpful to keep clear and accurate records about any specific incidents that led to your injury or illness.

Just some of the details that you should keep a record of include:

  • The names and contact details of any people, businesses or organisations involved
  • The names and contact details of any witnesses
  • The time, date and location of the accident if you suffered one
  • Names and contact details of any medical staff that treated you
  • The time, date and location of any medical treatment you received
  • The registration number of any vehicles involved
  • Details and evidence of all expenses you incurred due to the accident

Witness statements and medical records also play a key part in building a compelling case.

How long do accident claims usually take?

The timescale from beginning to build your case to receiving compensation can vary greatly depending on several factors including:

  • How complex your case is
  • How serious the illness or injury you sustained was
  • How long it takes to gather evidence for your case

While compensation for straightforward cases may be gained in just a few months, complex cases can take years to resolve.

Your solicitor will be able to give you a rough idea of how long you can expect a case to go on for.

How much compensation could I receive?

The amount of compensation that can be won for an accident claim varies depending on the circumstances surrounding it as well as the severity of the impact it has had on your life.

Some of the factors that will be considered when calculating how much compensation you are due are:

  • The physical pain and suffering caused
  • Psychological suffering caused
  • The seriousness of the injury
  • Any ongoing disability caused
  • Expenses incurred due to the injury or illness
  • Any ongoing loss of earnings

Your solicitor will be able to advise you on the average amount of compensation awarded for cases like yours.

Time limits for claiming for an accident

The general time limit for making a compensation claim for an accident is usually three years from when the injury was sustained or the illness was first diagnosed.

The only exceptions to this rule are for cases where a brain injury was sustained or where the claimant was under 18 years of age.

If you’re unsure if you have a case, get in touch with the team at Mark Reynolds Solicitors to receive free advice.

Claiming compensation for an accident with Mark Reynolds Solicitors

Here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors, our experienced team of specialist solicitors have many years’ experience helping individuals claim the maximum amount of compensation due to them following an accident or illness that wasn’t their fault.

We will provide you with support, guidance, and a discrete and sensitive service that makes compiling a compelling case for compensation, simple and stress-free.

Our no-win, no-fee policy also means you can pursue a case with no financial risk.

For more information about making an accident claim, or to request a free initial consultation, get in touch by giving us a call on 0800 002 9577.

Lady justice

No Win No Fee Explained

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

With no win no fee, you only need to pay for the legal services you have received if your claim is successful. No win no fee was first launched in the 1990s to encourage people with limited funds to make claims and get the compensation and justice they deserved. If you have been in an accident or sustained an injury that wasn’t your fault and someone else was to blame, no win no fee legal services can help you achieve the outcome you require.

Covering the costs of claiming

In the past, many people were put off making legitimate claims due to substantial upfront legal fees. No win no fee was also introduced to support people who were not covered by insurance but wished to make claims.  If you do lose a claim, you may need to pay court fees and the other sides costs, but you won’t normally be required to pay solicitor fees. If you do win your case, you can pay solicitor fees with part of the compensation you have received.

After the event insurance

No win no fee services are also called confidential fee agreements. If you do want to make a claim but are worried about what will happen if you lose, you may be able to take out something called after the event insurance to cover you and protect you from costs. No win no fee legal services are most commonly used following instances of medical negligence, workplace accidents, road accidents and slips, trips and falls.

How we can help with no win no fee claims

At Mark Reynolds Solicitors, we are eager to hear from you if you have been in an accident or sustained injuries that were not your fault. We have many years of no win no fee legal experience behind us and are confident we can provide the first-class service and representation that you are looking for. Over the years, we have won a robust reputation for quality. We can offer specialist advice and representation in several legal fields and can provide a bespoke service tailored to your specific requirements.

The clarity you require

Our no win no fee legal specialists are noted for their friendly and approachable manner and always explain legal information to you in a jargon-free fashion to deliver the clarity that you require. Your best interests are prioritised from the outset, and we can help you collect all the vital information you need to strengthen your case and optimise the chances of it being a success. We have offices in Liverpool, Leigh, Runcorn and Warrington and specialise in fields like serious injury, family law, wills and probate and medical negligence.

Contact Mark Reynolds Solicitors today

Don’t be put off by the costs of making a claim. It’s important to get the justice and compensation that you deserve if you have come to physical or psychological harm as a result of someone else’s actions or inaction. Get in touch with us today for further information on making a no win no fee claim.

Unconscious woman after brain surgery

Why Do Severe Brain Injuries Result in Unconsciousness?

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Consciousness is a state of mind that refers to self-awareness. It’s what lets us think new thoughts and plan for the future based on past experiences. Consciousness is constantly shifting, but sustaining a severe brain injury can suddenly change conscious states from fully alert and aware to confusion and panic.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury or TBI is defined as an injury to the brain from an external force. Common causes include physical assault, vehicle collisions, sports injuries, and falls. Judgement on an individual’s condition is evaluated based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), with 15 being normal and three for more serious conditions such as comatose states.

Brain injuries are classified according to their severity:

  • Mild: Injuries that result in a brief loss of consciousness. The individual is awake with their eyes open but displays visible signs of disorientation.
  • Moderate: Injuries that result in a loss of consciousness from 20 minutes to six hours. Some brain swelling may occur, causing sleepiness or drowsiness.
  • Severe: Injuries that result in a loss of consciousness of more than six hours. The individual appears totally inert and eyes remain closed even with stimulation.

Why Do Brain Injuries Lead to Unconsciousness?

The reticular activating system (RAS) is one of the most important parts of the brain. It comprises a network of neurons that regulate wakefulness (a necessary condition for consciousness). Sudden trauma to the brain can cause the RAS to stop functioning properly, rendering a person incapable of becoming conscious even with stimulation.

Disorders of consciousness include coma, vegetative, and minimally conscious. Which state an individual is placed in largely depends on the type of injury sustained and the extent of any delayed trauma (known as a secondary injury).

Each case varies but sustaining a TBI can affect physical or cognitive abilities. Recovery is possible through intense rehabilitation and medical care, but the rate of improvement varies for each person.

If a loved one has sustained a serious brain injury, contact Mark Reynolds personal injury solicitors. We’ll help you determine if you have a compensation claim.

Caring for a loved one with brain injury

Coping With the Effects of Brain Injury on a Loved One

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Traffic jams and difficult customers are minor stressors that many of us are all too familiar with. Most of us cope with such stressors in different ways. Some resort to vigorous exercise or set aside relaxation time while others may turn to alcohol or drugs.

But how do we even begin to cope when something truly tragic occurs?

One such example is traumatic brain injury (TBI) especially when a loved one is involved. TBI is defined as an injury to the brain from an external force and can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. It’s estimated that 69 million individuals sustain a TBI each year. Those affected face significant challenges, as an injury to the brain means a loss in physical or mental ability.

Effects of Brain Injuries on Loved Ones

The impact of a brain injury has wide-reaching consequences. And not just for the injured individual, but also to family relationships. Rehabilitation is possible but a sudden and traumatic event on a loved one means having to cope with a new reality.

Family members have a crucial role during rehabilitation, but their own wellbeing is also at stake. Intense feelings of denial and depression often accompany such traumatic injuries, especially when they occur in loved ones. Caregivers understandably can feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Having to adjust to major changes in circumstances can place an enormous burden on a family.

While the rehabilitation of a loved one is a priority, your own wellbeing shouldn’t be ignored.

Staying emotionally strong starts by recognising how your life has been changed by the injury. Having an open discussion about your feelings with your family members will help to improve understanding and overcome challenges. The best thing you can do is to try new ways of coping whether that means participating in support groups or joining local exercise classes.

If a loved one has sustained a brain injury due to the negligence of another party, contact Mark Reynolds personal injury solicitors and we can help you make a claim.