When you first consult us we will take detailed instructions about your accident and how it has affected you. At that stage we will be able to give you a preliminary view on the prospects of success, indicate the likely timescale involved and discuss funding.
The Protocol was introduced to encourage early settlement before Court proceedings, where appropriate. Most injury claims are settled by negotiation and only a relatively small proportion of claims result in Court proceedings. However, if liability is in dispute or it is not possible to negotiate a fair settlement for you, it will be necessary to issue Court proceedings. Even then, the vast majority of all Court cases are eventually settled, without you having to attend a Court hearing.
When your medical expert has provided us with a prognosis for your complete recovery and/or the stability of your symptoms, we will contact the other side with a view to negotiating the settlement of your claim. Some straightforward claims can be settled within 12 months. Other more serious injury claims can take longer, but we can obtain interim payments at regular intervals to meet your financial needs until final settlement. It is very important that settlement negotiations commence at the right time and you do not settle your claim too early at an under value. Also, when settling your claim, we will want to make sure that if there are any costs to you in the future as a result of your injuries (such as future medical treatment), these have been provided for in your compensation.

Over time, the "lump sum" settlement for major personal injury claims will cease to be used...
10 good reasons to use a local specialist solicitor for your personal injury claim...
April 2008
The unconditional agreement to an offer. This creates the contract. Before acceptance, any offer can be withdrawn, but once accepted the contract is binding on both sides. Any conditions have the effect of a counter offer that must be accepted by the other party.
Directions is an action list and timetable either agreed between the parties or ordered by the Court for the parties to follow before a final hearing can take place
Part of the court proceedings whereby each party to the claim must send to the otherside all the documents they have, or are in control of, that relate to the claim, whether they support their claim or not.
The person who has a personal injury claim brought against them.
The person who has suffered an injury as a result of an accident and makes a personal injury claim against the Defendant.
Sometimes called "no win - no fee" agreement. This is a funding agreement whereby if you do NOT win your claim, you do NOT pay any legal costs. If you do win then the otherside pay your legal costs.
Short for Conditional Fee Agreement.
These are past or future financial losses incurred as a result of the accident ie loss of earnings, medical treatment, paid help for gardening, cleaning etc
This is compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity that the claimant has suffered
The Rehabilitation Code encourages Insurers to offer and pay for appropriate medical treatment to a claimant at the earliest practicable opportunity such as physiotherapy, counselling or surgery.
A person or business deemed liable is subject to a legal obligation. A person/business who commits a wrong or breaks a contract or trust is said to be liable or responsible for it.
A term used by solicitors in negotiations over disputes where an offer is made in an attempt to avoid going to court. If the case does go to court no offer or facts stated to be without prejudice can be disclosed as evidence. Often misused by businesses during negotiations when they actually mean subject to contract.
Court Order enshrining agreement reached between the parties
Order made that one side pays the other side’s costs, or part of them.
Orders made by the Court to provide guidance to the parties on the conduct of the case.
An alternative method of resolving disputes where the parties reach their own agreement with the guidance of a trained mediator.
Proposals made which can be considered by the Court at trial.
Statement of evidence filed by a party or a witness within proceedings.
Period of time in which Court Proceedings must be issued.
Proceedings are issued when the papers are sent to the Court,and then acknowledged and processed by the Court.
Responsibility for the negligent act and/or breach of duty
Insurance cover to fund legal costs and expenses of a claim or action.
Formerly called Medical Negligence. Medical treatment deemed below an acceptable standard.
These involve issuing a civil claim in the County Court claiming damages for personal injury
Monies paid by the defendant in advance of final settlement of a claim. Where a claimant can prove financial loss (such as a loss of earnings) and liability is admitted, we can apply to the other side for an interim payment to repay financial losses incurred to date.
This is a Trust that can be set up by a claimant BEFORE they receive their personal injury compensation to enable the monnies to be retained in a Trust and the claimant can continue to receive Government benefits.