Personal Injury Solicitors
Accidents can always happen, and sadly there are times when there is little you can do to avoid getting caught up in one. However, if you are involved in an accident that causes you to be injured as a result of another party’s negligence, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. At JMW, our team of personal injury solicitors will help to shoulder the burden caused by such incidents by providing clear and useful guidance, enabling you to make a successful claim for compensation.
If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, contact our personal injury solicitors today about making a no win, no fee personal injury claim on 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, let us know that you would like to hear from us by filling in our contact form and we will get in touch at a time convenient to you.
On this page
How JMW Can Help
The expert personal injury solicitors at JMW will work to get you the best possible result. We will assess your case and advise you on your right to claim compensation. Our solicitors will explain the whole claims process so that you understand exactly what will happen once liability has been accepted by the defendants, and you will receive advice throughout to give you peace of mind that you have the best available representation.
Meet our team of personal injury solicitors
Our personal injury team at JMW is made up of dedicated and experienced professionals, here to offer compassionate support and expert guidance to help you through your personal injury claim.
What Areas Do We Cover?
We cover all aspects of personal injury. For more information about the individual areas that we specialise in, and how we can help with these particular types of claim, please see the comprehensive list on the left side of this page, or simply call us today with your query to discuss whether we can help you.
Some of the more common cases we handle include:
- Accidents abroad - if you have suffered an accident while on a package holiday, you may be able to make a compensation claim against the company responsible for failing to ensure a safe experience.
- Accidents at work - accidents can happen anywhere from factories to offices. You have a right to a safe working environment, and can make a claim against your employer or their insurer if you have had an accident in the workplace.
- Cycling accidents - as a cyclist, you are especially vulnerable on the road. If you have followed the Highway Code's requirements of cyclists but have experienced an accident due to another driver’s conduct, or due to poor road maintenance, you may be able to claim compensation.
- Head injuries - head injuries are serious and do not always manifest immediately. If you have suffered a blow to the head, seek medical attention straight away. After doing so, if you have ongoing symptoms you may wish to consider claiming compensation against the party responsible.
- Road traffic accidents - accidents on the road can be severe, encompassing spinal injuries and head injuries, and can be caused by other road users or poor road maintenance. If you find yourself in this situation, consider making a compensation claim for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle.
- Serious injuries - catastrophic and serious injuries can have a significant impact on your life, requiring you to change your lifestyle and make adaptations to your home. You should not have to figure this out on your own - seek legal advice and compensation for your costs.
- Spinal injuries - spinal injuries can have serious repercussions. If you have sustained a spinal injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, speak to our expert spinal injuries team for advice on how to claim personal injury compensation.
How To Make a Personal Injury Claim
When you call us, we will hold an initial no-obligation discussion during which we will aim to understand the extent of your injuries, how they occurred and who may be at fault. In turn, we will explain how we may be able to help you, what you will need to do next and how much compensation you could claim.
Once you decide to make a personal injury claim with us, we will get to work straight away, taking steps to gather the relevant information and evidence that will support your claim. We will also facilitate communications with all necessary parties so you do not have to worry about the stress of confrontation.
We will also communicate with the offending party when the time comes to do so. We will inform them of your compensation claim, and we will aim to negotiate an amount for you. If they dispute your claim, court proceedings will begin, and we will represent you and your interests in court. In the vast majority of cases, compensation claims can be negotiated without court proceedings being necessary, and we will always prioritise this approach.
During the personal injury claims process, we will work to secure the support you require. To achieve this, we may be able to secure an early compensation payout to cover these immediate expenses. You should not have to suffer due to the negligence or actions of another person or organisation, and we will do our best to help you get the care you require while your personal injury compensation claim is ongoing.
For more information, visit our Lifecycle of a Personal Injury Claim page.
What our clients say
What is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is the legal process of recovering compensation for physical damage or psychological damage that has been caused by somebody else. Injuries can be caused by just about anything; however, for a claim to be made, the accident must have been caused by someone else through an act of negligence or breach of duty.
If your injury was caused through no fault of your own, then you have a right to make a claim.
How Much Is an Injury Claim Worth?
A personal injury claim is designed to put you back in the position you would have been in, were it not for the accident. It is made up of two types of financial compensation, known as “damages”. These are:
- General damages - compensation for the pain and suffering caused
- Special damages - reimbursement of costs accrued as a result of your injury
To make a successful claim, you will need to prove that your personal injuries have caused your suffering, either due to pain, medical procedures, mental trauma, lost earnings or other financial losses.
Click on the banner below to use our personal injury compensation calculator to learn how much compensation you could be entitled to.
COMPENSATION CALCULATOR
How much is your claim worth?
What Can I Claim For?
The repercussions of an accident or injury can have a profound effect on your life and the lives of your family members; the extent of this damage forms the basis of your accident compensation claim. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to put you back in the position you would have been in, were it not for the accident. If your career has been affected, or you face costly or extensive medical treatment as a result of your injuries, a compensation claim can ensure you are able to meet these costs.
When prospective clients come to our personal injury team, one of the first questions they have is what they are able to make a claim for.
Listed below are the main reasons for those involved in accidents to claim financial compensation. Remember, even if your situation does not exactly match any of the categories below, it’s still worth contacting our team for an initial consultation.
- Loss of earnings: If the injury for which you are claiming accident compensation leads to an extended period out of work, and you lose earnings as a result, it is possible to claim these earnings back in the form of financial compensation.
- Rehabilitation costs and medical fees: If you have incurred expensive medical fees as a result of another person’s negligence, it is possible to make an accident compensation claim to cover them.
- Bills and household costs: If your injury has prevented you from helping around the house or a resultant loss of earnings means you can’t pay the bills, financial compensation can be claimed.
- Damage to personal property: If you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, and your property has been damaged as a result, you may be able to claim accident compensation to cover the cost of repairs.
- Pain and suffering: If you and your family have been caused undue pain and suffering as a result of your accident then you may be able to claim financial compensation.
Why Choose JMW?
Due to our decades of success in the area of personal injury, JMW has received recognition from prestigious legal institutions, such as The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners Guides. When you work with JMW, you can be sure that you have an expert personal injury lawyer at your side.
Each year, our personal injury lawyers secure millions of pounds in compensation for clients across the UK by taking positive action on their behalf and presenting the strongest possible case. We pride ourselves on providing a very high level of customer service and understand how a personal injury can have an impact on your day-to-day life.
Browse our success stories on our Case Studies section to understand why people choose JMW to pursue personal injury compensation.
When making a claim for personal injury with JMW, you are at minimal financial risk. This is due to the fact that we operate on a no win, no fee basis for all of our personal injury claims. No win, no fee means you will only have to pay your legal fees to us if we win your case, and these will be included in the calculation of your compensation payout.
Case Studies
SEVERE BRAIN INJURIES AFTER BEING KNOCKED OVER BY CAR - £3.75 MILLION
We successfully represented a pedestrian who was knocked over while crossing the road, suffering significant injuries. By proving the driver's negligence and securing a substantial compensation settlement, we ensured our client received the financial support needed for their recovery and future.
PARAPLEGIA CAUSED BY SPINAL CORD INJURY - £6.65 MILLION
We represented CP, a minor, who sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident, resulting in permanent disability and the need for lifelong care. By securing a substantial compensation settlement, we ensured that his future care and accommodation needs would be fully met..
"I cannot speak highly enough of Cathy Leech of JMW Solicitors, who represented me and my family following the death of my husband in an accident.
She achieved the perfect balance of professionalism with the best traits of humanity, whilst guiding me through the legal system.
She was thorough, immensely knowledgeable, contactable, responsive, proactive, sensitive, and inclusive and kept me updated on developments throughout, all the while sensitively managing my emotions, fears, and expectations. Her eye for legal detail and nuances was impressive and I felt safe under her wing throughout the legal process.
Thank you Cathy for all your hard work and kindness. You made a real difference during the worst time of my life and allowed us as a family to fully understand the circumstances around the accident and my husband's death which will give us lifelong comfort. I hope this testimonial gives others reassurance to instruct you and benefit in the same way."
Amanda Phillips
FAQs About Personal Injury Claims
- How long does a personal injury claim take?
We will strive to ensure that your case is handled quickly and efficiently by providing you with comprehensive advice throughout proceedings. However, it is difficult to give an exact timescale for when a claim will be settled, as there are many factors that can influence the length of time it can take.
Fundamentally, our goal is to ensure that your settlement award adequately reflects the impact your injury has had on your life, ensuring you are able to meet medical expenses and other financial outlays caused as a result of your accident. Assessing the full impact an injury has had on you, as well as dealing with the defendant may take time, but it is time well spent. While we are working to settle your claim, our team will do their best to keep you informed at every stage of the process.
- Are there personal injury claim time limits?
Generally speaking, personal injury claims caused by somebody else’s negligence can be started up to three years after the accident. However, there are some notable exceptions to this; many asbestos-related and industrial diseases do not become apparent until some time after exposure.
For injuries caused by a criminal offence and where you have to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), the time limit is two years after the incident.
Children who suffer injuries can have a claim made on their behalf by a parent or guardian immediately after the accident and up to the age of 18. Once a child reaches 18 years old, they then have three years to make a claim for an injury if a parent or guardian has not already done so.
Ultimately, if you know you would like to make a claim, it is best to contact us as soon as possible after your injury as this enables us to get to work on your case quickly and minimises the chances of any time limit issues we may encounter.
- Will My Personal Injury Claim Go to Court?
Most personal injury claims are resolved before any court proceedings become necessary, so the chance of your personal injury claim going to court is low. This is due to the fact that the court process can be lengthy and complex for the other party, just as much as it is for you. The other party may agree to pay your compensation instead of trying to fight a difficult legal battle, or they may have insurance in place to cover this.
We always work to reduce how many personal injury claims go to court; we will attempt to mediate with the other party and come to an agreement regarding your compensation award. However, if we can not come to an agreement, we will fight your case in court to secure you the right payout so you can get the support you need.
- What Will Your Solicitor Need From You?
To make a personal injury claim, you and your solicitor will need to gather evidence that supports your claim. The specialist personal injury solicitors at JMW will investigate your situation and help you to identify and gather this information. Often, there is more supporting evidence available than our clients are aware of, and our team - which has decades of experience in handling personal injury claims - will be able to support you in this stage of the claim.
Following your injury, you should do your best to take photos or videos of the accident scene, and speak to any witnesses, recording their contact details. While your first priority should be to seek medical help, this can significantly help with your claim. If there is someone with you who you trust, ask them to carry out this step for you as you are seen to by a medical professional.
Any communications, such as letters, emails or text messages that may prove your intentions before your accident, display admissions of responsibility from the responsible party, or that contain information that validates your accident, will also serve as strong evidence.
Once you are seen by a medical professional or a therapist, any medical reports they produce will serve as proof of your injuries, and the professionals may be able to provide a witness statement of their own.
Finally, receipts and transaction information will show proof of your expenses caused by your personal injury.
- Can I make a claim for a child?
When someone under the age of 18 has been involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault, a responsible person aged 18 or over can make a claim on their behalf. This person, known as a ‘litigation friend’ in legal terms, is usually one of the child’s parents; however, grandparents and other relatives are also able to act on behalf of the child.
- Can I make a claim for multiple injuries?
If you have suffered multiple injuries following any kind of accident, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. When it comes to dealing with claims where someone has suffered multiple injuries, we tackle the injuries together, looking at the pain, suffering and financial losses endured as a whole. As with any other injury claim, the goal is to ensure that you are put back in the position you would have been in, but for the accident. We have handled successful claims for the following types of injuries in many different combinations:
- Orthopaedic injuries
- Neurological injuries
- Damage to internal organs
- Nerve damage
- Muscle damage
- Brain damage
- Head injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Paralysis
Catastrophic injuries such as brain or spinal damage, generally involve a lengthy recovery process and severe physical and psychological trauma. Multiple injuries can mean this process is lengthier than it would be when you have just one injury to recover from. They can also have a detrimental effect on your everyday life because you may be unable to work, need to rely on others to care for you or lose certain functions in your body. We understand how tough they can be to deal with, but rest assured, our team will do everything we can to help you if you find that you or a loved one has been put in this position by someone else’s negligence.
You can also make a claim if your situation has included an element of medical negligence in addition to any injuries you have suffered. Our top rated clinical negligence team will deal with these claims.
- Can I make a claim for someone who has died?
If an accident has resulted in the death of a loved one and it was caused by another person, then a family member can make a claim on their behalf. A compensation award will take into consideration pain and suffering caused, funeral expenses and whether anyone was financially dependent on the deceased. A bereavement award will also be included in final settlements.
- Do I have to take the defendant's first offer?
Absolutely not! Remember, a personal injury claim is intended to put you back in the position you would have been, were it not for your injury. If the first offer that a defendant makes does not enable you to meet the needs you had before the accident, you are not obliged to take it.
Once your claim has been resolved and a final compensation sum agreed, you cannot revisit or reopen your claim, meaning that you need to think very carefully about any offer you accept and make sure it is in line with what you expect to receive. This is also why it is very important you give us as much information as possible about how the accident has affected your day-to-day life, as it enables us to build up a picture of your needs and how much compensation we need to fight for on your behalf.
To read more about why your claim is best handled by a solicitor rather than dealing directly with an insurance company representing a defendant, click here.
- Can You Take Over From My Current Lawyers?
If you are concerned that your current solicitors are not handling your personal injury claim well, speak to us as soon as possible. We may be able to take over from your current solicitors and get your claim back on the rails.
Talk to Us
To speak to a personal injury solicitor about an accident that was caused by somebody else’s negligence and your right to make a claim, contact JMW today. Our lawyers are waiting to hear from you and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
To get in touch, simply call us on 0345 872 6666, or complete the enquiry form to let us know that you would like to hear from us.
