Reluctant to claim for your personal injury? Turns out, you’re not on your own.
In a recent YouGov study, it was found that almost a third of people wouldn’t claim compensation for an accident caused by somebody else. Millions of people could, potentially, be missing out on the help they need and deserve to get back to normal – and why? Because of public misconception.
A few common myths appear to be clouding people’s judgement and putting them off. But the reality is – absolutely everyone should seek financial justice for an injury that wasn’t their fault.
Here we address and debunk those myths and explore why it’s perfectly OK for you to take action.
5 personal injury claim misconceptions
Myth #1 – Claiming is a complex process
Making a claim can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you’re going through a tough time or have never made a personal injury claim before. Technical legal language is unfamiliar and intimidating. And many people choose not to pursue their case because they believe it’ll be too complicated.
The reality? With the help of our personal injury solicitors, it’s actually very straightforward.
This is our area of expertise. The terms you find confusing are the ones we use on a day-to-day basis. We’ll never bombard you with any ‘lawyer jargon’ and we can guide you step-by-step through the process, explaining things in a way that’s easy to understand.
You just need to pick up the phone and tell us what happened. We’ll take care of all the complex legal stuff on your behalf, whilst you focus on your recovery.
Myth #2 – I’ll have to go to court
As soon as they hear the word ‘solicitor’, people tend to assume they’ll need to go to court, and that can be enough to put them off making a claim. After all, you’re going through a lot right now already – why add the stress of a judge and jury?
The truth is – less than 5% of personal injury claims actually make it to the courtroom.
Here at Injury Lawyers Direct, we try to do as much as possible over the phone – leaving you to concentrate on the important things in life. Most successful claimants never have to attend court. And even if you do, you’ll have the support and guidance of an experienced solicitor.
Myth #3 – Making a claim is expensive
The cost of making a claim is another common concern – and one that can make people very hesitant to take action. If your finances have been affected as a result of the accident, you may be worried about hefty legal bills that you simply can’t afford. But there’s no need, as claiming for personal injury compensation is financially risk-free.
All of our solicitors work on a completely ‘no win no fee’ basis. Which means, if your case isn’t progressed or is unsuccessful, you won’t be charged a single penny. If you win the case, we’ll simply take a small ‘success fee’ from your final settlement.
More information on the ‘no win no fee’ agreement can be found in our previous blog.
Myth #4 – People won’t believe me
There’s a common misconception that the UK is blighted with a ‘claims culture’. People believe that, if they make a claim, they’ll face social judgement (e.g. for wanting ‘free money’) and be interrogated to ensure they’re being honest about their experience.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
If you’ve suffered a genuine personal injury that wasn’t your fault, you should never feel guilty for seeking compensation. You’re entitled to it. The claims process is designed for people like you, to help you get back on your feet during a difficult time. Our experienced solicitors are always happy to offer a sympathetic ear and provide free, impartial advice. Ultimately, we’re here to help you – not catch you out.
Myth #5 – Claiming will have consequences
People often worry that making a claim will have unwanted, long-lasting consequences. For example, many believe if they claim for an accident at work, it’ll put their job at risk. Or if they make a medical negligence claim, it will have negative ramifications for the medical professional involved.
Again, this simply isn’t the case.
Due to the UK’s strict employment laws, it’s illegal for an employer to fire you due to a claim. If they do, it’s considered ‘unfair dismissal’ and you’re entitled to take legal action. What’s more, medical negligence claims are handled separately from the healthcare setting’s internal inquiries, and disciplinary action is only usually taken in very severe circumstances.
So, there’s absolutely no need to hold back. You can claim the compensation you deserve, with a clean conscience – and without the worry that it may come back to bite you.
Start your personal injury claim today
Too many people are missing out on their rightful personal injury compensation due to myths and falsehoods about claiming. If you’ve been hurt through no fault of your own, nothing should stand in your way of getting the financial help you need, to aid your recovery and get your life back on track. And here at Injury Lawyers Direct, we’re always on hand to support you.
We offer a free no-obligation consultation for all potential claimants. So, if you’re still unsure about taking legal action, why not arrange to speak to a member of our team?
We can discuss your concerns about claiming in detail, answer any questions you may have about the process, and advise on the eligibility of your case. Then, if you decide you’d like to go ahead, we can kick-start the legal process and oversee the entire personal injury claim on your behalf.
To book a time and date for your consultation, simply give us a call on 0800 110 5888, or pop a few details into our online form. Our personal injury lawyers will be in touch as soon as possible.
