What is the personal injury claim process?

In the aftermath of an injury that was caused by someone else, the first thing to think about is your recovery. Some injuries mean you'll need to adjust to new circumstances, or make changes in your lifestyle. There are often emotional side effects to deal with too, including anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder in severe cases. With all this in mind, it can be difficult and overwhelming to think about taking legal action.

However, when you understand the claims process, you'll see that it's often relatively straightforward, and your solicitor will take on the bulk of the responsibility to give you the time and space you need to focus on your recovery. Most claims are resolved without the need for court proceedings, and the compensation itself can make a huge difference to your life in the aftermath of an injury. Bear in mind that there are time limits, too. While you may not feel ready straight away to pursue compensation, you should act as soon as possible to avoid missing your chance.

The specialist solicitors at Switalskis have helped many people in your position to claim the compensation they were owed. This can pay for medical appointments, cover lost earnings and make your recovery more comfortable. We're used to making the process as simple as possible, and breaking down the complexities to help people move through their claim without stress. Here, we've broken down the claims process and explained what each step involves, to let you know what to expect.

If you're ready to start a claim or want to find out more, get in touch with the Switalskis personal injury team today. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or send us a message through the website.

The personal injury claim process

No two personal injury claims are the same, and the specifics of each case determine exactly how the process will unfold. However, there are key milestones that must be met during the vast majority of claims, which can give you a sense of what to expect as a claim moves forward. Below, we have outlined the four key stages of the claims process and broken them down with as much information as possible, to help you prepare and understand the progress we're making as your claim continues.

It's important to understand that, at all stages, your solicitor will be working to negotiate with the other party to get them to accept liability and resolve your claim as quickly as possible. Much of the process depends on them, but we'll do everything we can to keep things moving and push for the compensation settlement you deserve.

How much compensation can you get?

Compensation amounts are different in each personal injury claim, as the compensation you're entitled to is based on the individual circumstances of your case. There is no set amount that applies universally - instead, the specifics of your injury and its effects on your life form the basis of the calculation. However, we can break down the components of a personal injury compensation award to help you understand which factors affect the total. There are two primary elements of a typical personal injury compensation award.

General damages cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity experienced by the injured person due to the injury. It can include both physical and psychological harm. Any conditions that you have been diagnosed with in connection with your accident can result in compensation. The Judicial College Guidelines are used by legal professionals to assess the level of general damages. The guidelines provide minimum and maximum values based on previous case law, but the severity, permanence and impact of the injury on your day-to-day life will all influence the amount you're awarded.

Special damages compensate you for any financial losses directly caused by the injury. If you took time off work during your recovery and lost earnings as a result, these can be claimed. Similarly, if the incident affects your ability to work in the future, potential earnings that are lost can also be factored into the claim. Other losses that can be claimed as special damages include:

• Medical expenses (such as costs for treatment, physiotherapy and prescriptions).
• Travel costs related to treatment.
• Care costs (for paid assistance by professionals or unpaid care from friends and family members).
• Adaptations to your home or vehicle, if needed.
• Damage to personal items (e.g. clothing or glasses).

Special damages are calculated based on actual financial loss, so we'll use any receipts or other financial evidence you can provide to determine how much compensation you're entitled to. Keeping detailed receipts and evidence following an accident is vital for this reason.

If your claim is settled out of court, the final amount may also reflect negotiation between solicitors or insurers. Cases involving more severe or long-term injuries often result in structured settlements or provisional damages, depending on the claimant’s needs. The team at Switalskis will always fight to secure the maximum amount of compensation to reflect your specific needs.