Not all accidents give rise to a claim. For a claim based upon the negligence of another to succeed there needs to be established:-

• ...a duty of care;
• ...breach of that duty;
• ...damages arising from that breach.

Furthermore, generally speaking, claims for personal injury have to be brought within three years from the date of the injury. There can be exceptions and we can advise where these exceptions might apply.

The usual claim arises from:-

• ...a road traffic accident;
• ...accidents in the course of employment;
• ...tripping cases.

but clearly this list is not exhaustive, and we have been acting for a growing number of clients, nationally, who have been bitten by dogs.

There is a tariff for general damages, that is to say damages for pain and suffering and continuing disability and we would hope at an early stage to give a client some idea of the likely award.

However in the bulk of cases the majority of the damages are made up of other losses such as loss of earnings.

We would seek to advise clients on liability to include the likelihood or not of a finding of contributory negligence.

Where the prospects of success are low or the value of the case low it is right the client should be advised on such matters at an early stage.

IN THE FIRST INSTANCE PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL SLIMMING.