The world is a dangerous and unpredictable place and accidents can happen in all sorts of ways to all kinds of people.
If you have been injured due to the fault of someone else, then you may be able to bring a claim for compensation. The law governing the duties and responsibilities of citizens towards each other is complicated and so if you have been injured as a result of an accident, you should contact a member of our specialist team as soon as possible. We will be able to advise you on the prospects of your claim succeeding and tell you about any practical or legal steps which can be taken that may help your case.
The effects of having an accident or discovering that you have been the victim of a medical error can be devastating, emotionally, physically and financially. Our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team are dedicated to fighting on your behalf to obtain maximum compensation and provide a friendly, efficient and caring service at what is a difficult time for victims. We understand that bringing a claim for compensation can seem daunting and complicated and we will be there every step of the way, providing sound legal and practical advice based on years of experience gained in this area of the law.
Compensation is not only awarded for physical or emotional injuries caused by an accident. In appropriate cases, victims can also claim for out of pocket expenses such as lost earnings, medical and travelling expenses and care and assistance. Sometimes, compensation can also be awarded for disadvantage on the labour market if future employment prospects have been potentially affected by injuries.
We offer “No Win No Fee” funding and guarantee no deductions or payments, win or lose.
We also offer evening, weekend or telephone appointments by arrangement for clients who find it difficult to attend our offices during normal office hours.
The Personal Injury Department
We have a wealth of experience in acting for victims of all types of accidents, including:
- Victims of uninsured or untraced “hit and run” drivers (yes, you can claim! - from an organisation called the Motor Insurers’ Bureau);
- Those involved in road accidents (whether passenger, driver, pedestrian or cyclist);
- Clients who have suffered a slip or trip;
- Victims of accidents in the workplace or at shool;
We find that many clients are initially reluctant to pursue a claim against an employer for fear of reprisals or concern that it may affect their career. Experience has shown us that such concerns, whilst entirely understandable, are groundless. There is very strict employment legislation prohibiting harassment or discrimination against employees who pursue compensation claims and in any event, all employers carry compulsory insurance covering employees who suffer injury through accidents at work which are the fault of the employer. In practice, such claims are dealt with almost entirely by the insurer and not the employer.
The Medical Negligence Department
This is a complicated and specialised area of the law.
In order to succeed in cases of this type, it is usually necessary to obtain a Report from another medical expert confirming that the treatment given fell below the standard that could be expected and that the inadequate treatment led to loss or injury.
The selection of the right medical expert to consider the case is vital. Due to our extensive experience in this area of law, we have access to respected independent medical experts in all areas of medicine who understand the issues involved and who can assess the treatment given and advise on the prospects of success.
Many clients do not appreciate that medical negligence claims are not confined to poor treatment given by health professionals such as GPs and Surgeons but extend to areas such as dental treatment or advice given by an optician.
A few examples of situations in which there may be a claim for compensation are:
- Failure by a GP to diagnose an illness or failure to refer the client expeditiously for further tests or investigations, leading to a worsening of the client's condition;
- Failure of a surgeon to warn a patient of a recognised risk of an operation. The client had the operation and the risk materialised. It is worth noting that in "failure to warn cases" the failure to advise of recognised risk of surgery which later occurs can lead to an award of compensation even if the surgery itself was carried out to an appropriate standard;
- Dispensing the wrong drug to a client by a chemist, leading to the client experiencing unpleasant side effects;
- The negligent performing of a cosmetic surgery operation, leading to very poor results, scarring and the need for further corrective operations;
- Negligence in delivering a baby, leading to the baby being starved of oxygen and suffering permanent brain damage;
If you wish to contact us to discuss a claim, please call Freephone 0800 783 83 83 and ask for Christopher Parry. Alternatively, if you would prefer to contact us initially by e-mail, please forward your queries to CParry@woodglaister.co.uk or fill in an ‘Online Enquiry Form.'
