Specialist guidance and practical help
A positive contribution
Types of Injury Claim
Commonly asked questions (FAQ)
Glossary
Whether we like it or not, it’s a fact that life exposes us all to the risk of injury almost daily. Whether it’s in the workplace, on the roads, at home or even in hospital, we are all at risk of injury or death through the carelessness or negligence of others.
When an accident does happen, our thoughts rightly turn to compensation. Yet there are so many questions to be answered. What can we claim for? How much? When and how do we claim? And who do we claim against?
Specialist guidance and practical help
It is at times like these that you need considered and specialist advice from the experienced Personal Injury lawyers at Pickering & Butters.
Sadly, not every situation leading to harm, loss or injury gives rise to the right to compensation. So the first thing you need is some practical and clear advice about the chances of receiving payment to compensate you in the aftermath of events causing harm and loss and often no small amount of anxiety. Put simply, you need to know what to do.
We offer a free initial interview to advise you on your claim and can see you either at our offices or at your home at a time to suit you.
Pickering & Butters has a specialist team of lawyers who are members of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), and excellent connections with related professionals such as Medical Experts, Barristers, Accountants and Expert Witnesses.
Since the withdrawal of Legal Aid for Personal Injury matters, these cases can be pursued on a no-win-no-fee basis. Pickering & Butters is a member of the Law Society’s Accident Line scheme.
Pickering & Butters is not an accident management firm, but an independent firm of solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Working together on your claim, these are just some of the things we will consider with you:
But remember, in many cases, your right to claim may be subject to a time cut off, so it is never too early to act. Why not call us today and put your mind at rest?
Whatever the type of accident – common or uncommon – we can provide experienced and specialist advice:
Accidents at work
Accidents at school/college
Injuries caused by animals
Clinical/Medical negligence
Criminal injuries
Fatal accidents
Head injury
Industrial disease
Military
Occupier’s liability
Overseas/holiday accidents
Actions against the Police
Road traffic accidents
Slips, trips and falls
Spinal injuries
Sports-related injury
Commonly asked questions (FAQ):
1. Do I have to pay for someone to assess my claim?
No, all assessments of claims are conducted free of charge and without obligation.
2. Can I have a home visit?
We appreciate that with injured clients it is often inconvenient or difficult to come to our offices, so we are happy to see you in your own home at a convenient time.
3. Will I have to pay for Pickering and Butters costs of bringing a claim?
No. We can arrange for funding, either through Legal Expenses Insurance (if you already have it) or through a Conditional Fee agreement (“No Win, No Fee”) to fund our costs.
4. Can you arrange insurance cover to pay for the other side’s costs if my claim is unsuccessful?
Yes. We will see if you have “before the event” Legal Expenses Insurance or, alternatively, we can arrange for insurance under the Law Society’s recommended Accident Line Protect Scheme. This is only available to the Law Society’s specialist Personal Injury Panel solicitors.
5. Will the person dealing with my claim be a qualified solicitor?
Yes. The majority, if not all of the work, on your file will be undertaken by a qualified solicitor. We have a specialist team of solicitors who are members of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
6. Will you take a percentage of my damages?
No. We are not a claims management company and we do not take a percentage of your damages.
7. How long will my claim take?
Unfortunately, this is a question which we cannot always answer at the beginning of a case. How long a claim takes to settle will depend upon whether liability is admitted and how long the injuries take to heal. However, if there is likely to be any delay we may be able to apply for an interim payment on account of damages for clients, so that they are not out of pocket while their claim progresses.
8. Will my case go to Court?
The majority of cases do not go to Court. Generally a negotiated settlement is reached with the Defendant. We will always advise you on any offers made and whether it is appropriate to accept them or not.
However, where offers are not acceptable, we have a team of experts specialised in taking the matter to trial.
For example, we have this year taken the matter of CS v DM Limited to trial in the Stoke-on-Trent County Court and obtained an award of damages for our client, for injuries suffered in an accident at work, of 1000% greater than the offer made by the Defendant.
9. My medical history and/or the injuries I have suffered are such that I would prefer to deal with a male/female solicitor. Is this possible?
Yes, we have both male and female solicitors.
10. Why use Pickering & Butters?
Pickering & Butters has acted for local clients for over 100 years.
The personal injury team is made up of specialist lawyers who only undertake personal injury work. We have successfully concluded hundreds of cases in the last 10 years and have secured several million pounds worth of damages for our clients.
We provide specialist advice in straightforward and personal terms.
As we are a local firm, you can come and see us, face to face, at any time or we can visit you at your home.
For more information, please contact Jan Boulter at Stafford on 01785 603060 or Martin Wallbank at Rugeley on 01889 803080. Alternatively, email personalinjury@pb4law.com.
