Being injured can have a serious impact on your life. Where the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation.

At Gibson Young Solicitors Putney and Chiswick we can represent you in a personal injury case to obtain damages for your losses. We understand how difficult it can be to think about taking on a legal case when you are recovering from injuries and we will always aim to make the process as easy as possible for you.

Our personal injury team are friendly and approachable, as well as highly experienced in bringing claims. We have an excellent success rate and are often able to obtain compensation for our clients without the need for a court hearing. 

If you have been in an accident and you believe you may be entitled to compensation, you are advised to speak to a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible and before giving any interviews. If you ask us to represent you, we can advise you of the personal injury claim process that will be followed and make sure that you do not inadvertently damage your case.

If you would like to speak to one of our expert personal injury lawyers in SW15 or W4, ring us on 020 7924 2919, email us at reception@gibsonyoungsolicitors.com or fill out our Contact Form.

If you ask us to represent you in claiming compensation for personal injury, we will go through the details of what happened with you and notify the other party or their insurer of your intention to make a claim, asking them whether they accept liability. We will obtain expert medical reports in respect of your injuries and put together a robust case on your behalf.

It is often the case that a claim is settled out of court. Our personal injury solicitors are strong negotiators and we will work hard to obtain the best possible result for you. If your claim does require a hearing, we will ensure you have expert representation.

• How long does a personal injury claim take?
• How much compensation will I get for personal injury?
• What are special damages personal injury?
• What are general damages personal injury?
• Should I accept personal injury offer?
• Are personal injury claims taxable?
• How to hire a personal injury lawyer
• Is there a personal injury claim time limit?

The time it will take to obtain compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and whether liability for the accident is admitted. If you sustain minor injuries and the other party admits liability, then the claim could potentially be completed within six months to a year. If your injuries are more complicated, you may be advised to wait for a while before settling to see what the long-term prognosis is.

Your personal injury damages payment will be made up of compensation for your pain and suffering and loss of amenity as well as payment for any quantifiable losses such as lost earnings.

The amount you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries and how long you will be affected. Our solicitors will be able to discuss the likely range of compensation you could be entitled to once they have details of your injuries.

Special damages are paid to compensate you for financial losses you have incurred. The main financial loss is usually loss of earnings if you are unable to work for a period.

Other special damages include the cost of attending medical appointments, prescription charges, extra care and the cost of equipment you may need or home modifications that are required to accommodate you.

The other type of damages you will receive are referred to as general damages. This is a payment to compensate you for pain, suffering and loss of amenity for either the physical or psychological injuries you have sustained.

Only a very small proportion of personal injury cases go to court, with estimates ranging from 1% to 5%. It is generally faster and more cost-effective for claims to be settled by negotiation.

Your solicitor will put forward your case and supporting evidence in respect of your claim, to include expert medical evidence. There will then usually be a period of negotiation, sometimes with further medical reports being prepared, for example, to assess the likely long-term implications of your injuries. 

If you ask us to take on your case, we will negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best possible offer. We will give you advice and guidance on the amount offered so that you can decide whether you wish to accept.

You should always take legal advice from an expert personal injury lawyer before deciding whether to accept an offer of settlement. An insurer may try to settle a claim very quickly to avoid paying more or having to deal with a solicitor who will put a strong case forward and ensure you receive a fair amount for your injuries.

It is important to have a full medical assessment from experts before thinking about whether to accept an offer. Your solicitor will be able to advise you as to your options and the strength of any offer that is made.

Citizens Advice warn on their website of direct approaches by insurers following an accident, stating that you do not have to settle your claim in this way and that the other person’s insurer will not be acting in your best interests. They say: “you don't have to accept any offer that's made to you. If you do accept an offer it might be lower than the compensation you would have got if you'd used a solicitor or gone to court instead.”

UK personal injury compensation or damages is tax-free, to include interest that is paid on the amount you receive from the date of the accident until the date the settlement is agreed.

If you are considering making a claim for personal injury compensation, it is important to hire an expert personal injury solicitor. Claims can be complicated and an experienced lawyer will be able to ensure that all of the issues are properly dealt with and that you receive the best possible payment to compensate you and make sure you are adequately provided for.

Our personal injury team have an exceptionally high level of experience in dealing with claims for damages and an in-depth understanding of the process and how insurers operate. We are also sympathetic and helpful, providing outstanding service so that you feel supported every step of the way at what is likely to be a difficult time.

The time limit for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it is recommended that you seek legal advice as soon as possible so that evidence can be collected while the incident is still fresh in everyone’s minds.

At Gibson Young Solicitors in Putney and Chiswick, we offer both legal expertise and outstanding client service. We are friendly and approachable and our personal injury claims advice is clear and straightforward.