Compensation for loss of smell and taste

Compensation for loss of smell and taste

For getting your life back on track

Losing your sense of smell or taste can be frustrating. It’s not just about missing out on the pleasure of your favourite flavours - it can also affect your safety and wellbeing. If you’re facing this life-altering condition, you may be wondering what your options are. That’s where we come in.

At Switalskis, we’re committed to helping you navigate the legal landscape to seek the compensation you deserve. If you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste, or even both due to an accident or incident that wasn’t your fault, we can guide you towards the outcome you deserve. We’ll simplify the complex legal process, offer support and provide expert advice you can trust.

To speak to a solicitor about making a claim for compensation for loss of smell and taste, get in touch with us today by calling 0800 138 0458 or contacting us through the website .

To get started, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.

How Switalskis can help

If you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste, you’re likely facing a lot of uncertainties. One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is navigating the legal process for compensation on your own. At Switalskis, we’re here to make that journey as smooth as possible for you.

From the start, we’ll offer you a clear roadmap for your claim. We’ll begin with a no-obligation consultation to understand the specifics of your situation. Based on that discussion, we’ll advise you on the best course of action and what evidence you’ll need to strengthen your case.

We’ll represent your interests to make sure you get the compensation you deserve, whether that’s through a settlement or in court.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

Causes of loss of smell and taste

When you lose your sense of smell or taste, it's not just an inconvenience; it can be a sign of underlying issues that need attention. Understanding the root cause is vital for both medical treatment and your compensation claim. Here are some common causes:

  • Injuries. A head injury can damage the nerves responsible for smell and taste. If you've been in an accident that led to a loss of these senses, you may be eligible for compensation.
  • Exposure to harmful substances. Inhaling toxic fumes from chemicals or pollutants can impair your senses. If you've been exposed to such substances, especially in a work environment, you might have a valid claim.
  • Medications. Certain medications have side effects that include a loss of smell or taste. If you weren't adequately warned about these side effects, you could have grounds for a claim.

Understanding the cause of your loss of smell or taste is the first step in seeking appropriate medical treatment and legal compensation. At Switalskis, we can help you with both of these and we’ll listen to your experiences to understand exactly what happened to you and explain how we can help.

What is the process for claiming compensation for loss of smell and taste?

If you're considering claiming compensation for a loss of smell and taste, you might be wondering where to start. The process can seem complicated, but don't worry - we're here to guide you through it. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Initial consultation

We'll discuss your situation, assess the viability of your claim, and outline the next steps. We approach these discussions with sensitivity, and we’ll remain focused on how we can help you.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

The next step is collecting evidence. This could include medical records, expert opinions, and even statements from people who can comment on the impact on your life. We’ll support you in this and collect evidence on your behalf where we can, to simplify the process for you.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

After gathering all the necessary evidence, we'll help you submit your claim. This means sending a letter of claim to the person or organisation we think was responsible for your injury.

Step 4: Negotiation

Once the claim is submitted, the other party usually accepts or disputes liability and may be open to negotiation. We'll handle all discussions on your behalf, aiming to get you the compensation you deserve without the need for court proceedings.

Step 5: Court proceedings (where necessary)

If a settlement can't be reached, the next step is taking your claim to court. We'll prepare you for what to expect and represent you throughout the process.

Step 6: Settlement and compensation

Once the court has made a decision or a settlement is reached, you'll receive your compensation. We'll guide you through the payment process, making sure you understand how and when you'll receive your funds.

How long does a compensation claim take?

The duration of a compensation claim for loss of smell and taste can vary widely depending on several factors. While we'd like to give you a definite timeline, it's not that simple. Here are the factors that can influence the duration:

  • The complexity of the case: some cases are straightforward, with clear evidence and parties who are willing to accept liability and engage in the process. Others might involve complex medical issues or need extensive expert input, which can extend the timeline.
  • Willingness to settle: if the other party is willing to negotiate and reach a settlement, the process can be relatively quick. However, if negotiations stall or if the case goes to court, it can take considerably longer.
  • Legal procedures: there are mandatory legal steps that must be followed, and these take time. For example, gathering evidence, submitting forms, and waiting for court dates can all delay the process of concluding your claim.

While it's difficult to give an exact timeframe, rest assured - at Switalskis, we'll do everything we can to expedite the legal processes without compromising the quality of your claim.

What evidence do I need for my loss of smell and taste compensation claim?

Gathering the right evidence is important for a successful compensation claim for loss of smell and taste. Here's what you'll generally need:

Medical records

Your medical records will serve as the foundation of your claim. They should include information about diagnoses, treatments, and any tests or scans that have been performed.

Expert opinions

In some cases, we may consult with specialists to provide expert opinions on your condition. These experts can offer insights into what caused your loss of smell and taste and its impact on your life.

Witness statements

If anyone can describe the ways your life has changed due to your loss of smell and taste, or knows how the injury was caused, their statements can be valuable. These could be family members, friends or even co-workers.

Financial documents

If you've experienced additional expenses or lost income due to your condition, keep records. This could include medical bills, travel expenses to and from appointments, and proof of your wages.

Incident reports

If your loss of smell and taste was due to a specific event like an accident or exposure to a harmful substance, any incident reports made at the time can strengthen your claim.

At Switalskis, we'll guide you through the evidence-gathering process to make sure your claim is as strong as possible. We understand that this can be overwhelming, but you won't have to do it alone.

How much will it cost to make a claim?

We understand that the thought of legal fees can be daunting, especially when you're already dealing with the challenges of losing your sense of smell or taste. At Switalskis, we aim to make the financial aspect of claiming compensation as straightforward as possible. 

Many of our cases are handled on a 'no win, no fee' basis. This means you won't have to pay anything upfront, and you'll only pay legal fees if your claim is successful. There are other options that may be available in specific circumstances, such as insurance policies that provide cover for legal expenses.

At Switalskis, we're committed to transparency when it comes to costs. We'll provide you with a clear breakdown at the start and keep you updated throughout the process, so you can focus on your recovery rather than worrying about fees.

Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Our compensation for loss of smell and taste specialists

photo of Mark Hollinghurst
Mark HollinghurstDirector and Solicitor
Photo of Julie Wilkinson
Julie WilkinsonLitigation Executive
John McQuaterDirector and Solicitor Advocate
Photo of Diane Parker
Diane ParkerDirector and Solicitor
photo of Gillian Ward
Gillian WardSenior Associate Legal Executive
View more

Why Switalskis?

When you're dealing with something as impactful as a loss of smell or taste, you need a legal team that's not just skilled, but also genuinely cares about your wellbeing. Here's why Switalskis should be your first choice:

Clarity in complexity

Legal jargon and procedures can be overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with a life-changing condition. At Switalskis, we break down the complexities into simple, understandable terms. We guide you through every step, making sure you're never left in the dark.

Empathy at every step

Losing your sense of smell or taste is tough. That's why we approach every case with empathy and understanding. We listen to your concerns, understand your needs, and tailor our services to offer you the most compassionate support possible.

Expertise you can trust

When it comes to personal injury claims, experience matters. Our team has a proven track record of successfully handling compensation claims for loss of smell and taste. You can trust us to provide you with the expert advice and representation you need.

Championing your rights

From gathering robust evidence to representing you in negotiations or court, we're committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you. We’ll uphold your rights throughout the process and make sure your voice is heard.

What are the types of personal injury claims?

Personal injury claims come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own set of rules, challenges and considerations. At Switalskis, we've got the expertise to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of personal injury claims we can help you with:

Find out how Switalskis can help you

If you have lost your sense of taste or smell due to an incident that wasn’t your fault, contact Switalskis today to discuss making a claim for compensation. To speak to a member of the team, call us today on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch with us through the website

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