What does it mean?
We know that sometimes the terminology used can be confusing. One of our key strengths is our ability to talk to you in a clear and concise manner. So to help you out why not use the links below to bust through some of the jargon!
No Win, No Fee
Legal Expenses Insurance
Untraced/Uninsured Drivers
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
Claims
Compensation Awards
Damages for Personal Injury Claims
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Claim?
Interim Payments
Medical Examinations
Employment Law
'No Win, No Fee'
A Conditional Fee Agreement or ‘CFA’ is an agreement between you and a firm of solicitors. ‘No Win No Fee’ generally means that if a firm takes on your claim for compensation; you do not pay their fees for time spent on your claim if the claim is unsuccessful.
Losing a claim could mean that you have to pay the other side's costs however we can advise you on taking out insurance which will pay the other side's costs and the costs of experts and court fees if the claim is unsuccessful.
Our solicitors will not recommend a 'No Win, No Fee' agreement if they think your claim is not likely to succeed.
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Legal Expenses Insurance
Many insurance policies now have cover for solicitor’s fees for accident claims included in the premium. You should review all family members’ insurance policies to see if you are covered as sometimes you are obliged to use only panel solicitors retained by those insurers.
Untraced/Uninsured Drivers
It is often not appreciated in cases involving road traffic accidents that it may still be possible to bring a claim even where the other driver was either uninsured or indeed untraced, such as where they drove off without details being taken.
The Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) runs a scheme whereby they will consider claims in such circumstances. We have experts familiar with making such claims.
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Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
We can advise you regarding making a claim for compensation in circumstances where you have been a victim of a crime involving physical or psychological injury to you.
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Claims
You can claim compensation for your Personal Injury, and any reasonable financial losses that have been incurred as a result. There is a 3 year statutory limit from the time of the accident in which to start court proceedings. However if the claimant is a child you have until the child's 21st birthday to start court proceedings.
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Compensation Awards
Compensation awards depend on a number of things; the extent of your injuries at the time of the accident, current and long-term circumstances, and what losses you may have incurred, including lost earnings or may incur in the future.
Damages for Personal Injury Claims
These are often referred to as ‘General’ or ‘Special’ damages. General damages are compensation for your injury itself including your pain and suffering and loss of amenity experienced. Special damages are compensation for your financial losses/’out of pocket’ expenses.
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How Long Does It Take To Settle A Claim?
Unfortunately, there is no hard fast rule for this. There are many variables involved that may hinder a speedy resolution. These include whether liability is straight forward or not, the extent of the injury and what medical examinations and evidence may be required. Once the claim has been explored by our solicitors, they can advise you on whether it will be a straightforward case -- which could be completed within 12 months -- or a case that will require greater time to investigate and prepare to ensure that you are adequately compensated.
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Interim Payments
Where possible we will seek interim payments on your behalf.
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Medical Examinations
Arrangements will be made by our solicitors for any medical examinations which may be required. We claim these costs from your opponent in the event your claim succeeds.
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Employment Law
In contentious Employment Law cases legal costs are generally not recoverable even where you are successful, as the Employment Tribunal has very little powers to award such costs. This fact should be borne in mind by both Employee and Employer before deciding whether to proceed to a full Tribunal. We can advise you first on this.Back to the top