Work Accident Solicitors

What Happens In A Serious Injury Claim

Fortunately most accidents at work result in minor injuries or injuries where a full recovery can be made. However, sometimes the injuries can have lifetime consequences. This article explores what happens in these claims that is different from an accident at work claim where a full recovery is made.

Treatment

If a serious head injury, neck injury or back injury is sustained during an accident at work, it is likely that there will be a need for substantial ongoing treatment. When this is necessary, initially a medical report might be obtained from an orthopaedic surgeon, as in an accident at work claim involving a less severe injury, but in addition it is likely that a nurse will be involved to prepare a Rehabilitation Report. This will not only cover treatment, but will look into the detail of what improvements can be made to improve the quality of life of the accident victim (the claimant).

House Modifications

The nurse may recommend that modifications need to be made to the existing house to make access to and within the property suitable for the claimant. If the claimant is wheelchair bound a ramp may be needed to access their home. They might also need internal doorways widened to allow access for the wheelchair, and a room downstairs might need to be converted into a bedroom and a bathroom.

In some cases it will not be practical to alter an existing property and the purchase of a new property may be recommended by the nurse.

Housing costs can form a major part of the compensation claim for a serious injury sustained at work.

Equipment Needed

In addition to housing alterations or moving property, the claimant may need aids and equipment to help them with their day to day living. This might include a variety of items and will be specific to the claimant, but this can include:

• Walking aids
• Wheelchairs
• Hand grips around the house
• Mechanical chairs and beds

Employment

Often a serious injury prevents the claimant from returning to their pre-accident employment. The rehabilitation report can recommend retraining to a new position if this is possible and the cost of any retraining can be reclaimed.

If the claimant is unable to work, the solicitor will need to carry out a detailed assessment of the likely earnings of the claimant for the remainder of their working life. This will involve including any promotions the claimant was likely to receive leading to increased pay, as well as any bonuses and overtime lost. Evidence will be obtained from the employer and colleagues to assess the likely career path of the claimant had he or she not been injured. Once all of this has been compiled and when a settlement is negotiated, a discount will be applied to represent the fact that the claimant is receiving the earnings from the rest of his career in one lump sum often years before he would have retired.

Pain, Suffering and Loss of Amenity

The other substantial part of the Claimants claim for compensation will be for their physical pain and suffering. This is assessed using previously decided cases and based upon the medical evidence.

Another often separate consideration for a more substantial claim is the claimant's loss of amenity. This relates to the loss of enjoyment of past times and hobbies, such as sporting activities that the claimant can no longer participate in, but also other losses such as being unable to pick up or play with their children.

Conclusion

An accident at work leading to a serious injury with lifetime consequences requires more evidence to support the claim and will lead to a much larger than average compensation payment. An experienced work accident claims solicitor will be able to prepare all of the evidence required to support the claim for compensation, allowing the claimant to rebuild their life as well as they possibly can.

Free Accident At Work Guide For You

We have created a guide to help you. This has been formed by answering the most commonly asked questions about workplace accidents. The guide explains all that you need to know about Work Accident Claims including answers to the following questions:

• Can you really make a claim and keep all of your compensation or is that just too good to be true?
• Will you lose your job if you make a claim?
• Does it cost you anything to make an enquiry if you decide not to pursue a claim?
• What does "No Win No Fee " really mean?
• What if you need treatment; will you have to wait for months?
• Should you choose a Claims Company or go straight to a Work Accident Claim Solicitor?

Request the guide now and you will receive it instantly and have the answer to all of these questions at your fingertips.

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Need Help With A Serious Injury Accident At Work Claim?

If you ask Work Accident Solicitors to help you with a claim, you will benefit from our No Costs Offer.

• You will not pay a penny if you win your Work Accident Claim.
• You will not pay a penny if you lose your Work Accident Claim.
• You will receive 100% of your compensation if your claim is successful.

Choosing The Work Accident Solicitors to handle your work accident claim will ensure that you will be looked after by expert Workplace Accident solicitors who have extensive knowledge of the Work Accident claims process.

Call us free on 0808 178 6922 for a no cost, no obligation opinion or complete our free online enquiry form.