accident compensation

[pablogrande]

Hi I had a car accident last year and hurt my back and 18 months and much hospital/doctor care later I still cannot drive for long periods without major pain which is affecting my job.

I was loath to contact the ambulance chaser no win no fee people, has anyone else used anything similar or prive solicitor for this sort of claim?

thanks

[Huguenot]

Be terribly careful with no win no fee lawyers, because they do exactly what it says on the can.

If you win, their fees need to be paid.

Surprisingly often, cases will be won, but only with minimal compensation.

This means that you'll win 1,000 pounds damages, and be faced with a lawyer's bill of 10,000 to 15,000. It'll make you cry.

[DaveR]

"Be terribly careful with no win no fee lawyers, because they do exactly what it says on the can.

If you win, their fees need to be paid.

Surprisingly often, cases will be won, but only with minimal compensation.

This means that you'll win 1,000 pounds damages, and be faced with a lawyer's bill of 10,000 to 15,000. It'll make you cry."

Sorry, but this is bollocks. Conditional fee agreements ("no win, no fee") are now so widespread for personal injury work that you'd be hard pushed to find a lawyer who didn't offer them. For an explanation of how it works, see here

Having said that, I definitely wouldn't go for anyone who advertises on TV. The Solicitors Regulatory Authority operate an accreditation scheme for different areas of practice, including personal injury, so I would look for a local firm who have one or more solicitors acredited under the scheme. Go and see them and ask them to talk you through everything, including the risks, and don't sign up unless they inspire confidence. Good luck.

[Huguenot]

The fact that it's widespread doesn't mean that it's always good unfortunately DaveR, just like gonnorhea.

The other thing people get confused about with 'no win no fee' is that it's perceived to be a no lose gamble. It's not.

If you lose, you may be liable for your opponents expenses, and any other disbursements made in bringing the case. To cover these you may have to take out insurance policies, and may have to take out loans to cover the premium.

You could easliy find yourself 1,000 to 2,000 pounds out of pocket for a losing a 'no win no fee' case.

In fact, since you won't hear it from me, here's the Citizen's Advice Bureau....

"Few consumers seem to understand the risks and liabilities they are exposing themselves to as the risks of conditional fee agreements have not been clearly explained to them at the outset by salesmen. Consumers are misled into thinking the system will be genuinely ?no win no fee? but can often find that costs are hidden and unpredictable.

Loan financed insurance premiums, in addition to other legal costs, can often erode the value of claimants? compensation. In some cases consumers even owe money at the end of the process. This turns the whole claims process into a zero-sum gain for consumers and denies effective access to compensation."

[DaveR]

I never said it was good, H, just that you can't damn any group lawyers on the basis that they engage in work on those terms, or conclude that it can never benefit a claimant. I think your post could be interpreted as a general condemnation, which is unwarranted (or to use the legal term, "bollocks").

[pablogrande]

Thanks for the advice I certainly wouldn't be using the types on tv as I don't agree with the whole blame culture they seem to encourage. I thought I could tough it out but unfortunately the damage seems long term and is costing me a fortune

[bigbadwolf]

This should be in the things that make me laugh but what the hey, look at that hairstyle. She should get compo for it, and a pound of flesh.

 

[fionab]

I was run over (badly) 12 yrs ago and had some terrible solictors who added to the misery. At the last minute I changed to someone called Colin Ettinger who closed the deal within a month. Worth googling him- and even if it's too small for him he might be able to recommend someone good. And yes, be careful, lots of sharks out there.