Category: Accidents in Public

Housing Disrepair Claims & Personal Injuries: What do you need to know?

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Housing Disrepair Claims, Uncategorised

Housing Disrepair Claims can be extremely stressful to sort out on your own. Not only do you need to deal with your landlord, but you will have to live in a council home that is simply not suitable to be lived in by you or your family. The worst thing that could happen during this time is if you suffer a personal injury due to the condition of your home.

It is your landlord’s responsibility to ensure that your home is in a state of decent repair. That means all of the essentials are in working order and there is nothing that could pose a threat to you or anyone who is working in the home. If you suffer from a personal injury due to the condition of your council house, you could be owed compensation for your damages. This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to help you with your Housing Disrepair Claim.

Find out more about making a Housing Disrepair Claim with our law firm by calling 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website below:

What is classified as Housing Disrepair?

If you live in a council home or a property provided by housing association, your landlord has the responsibility to ensure that your home is in a habitable condition for both you and your family. Your landlord is in charge of any repairs that occur both inside and outside the property. Not only are they in charge of the essentials, such as gas, water, electricity and sanitation, but they need to make sure that the security, fire safety training and overall structure of the building is taken care of.

If the building falls into a state of disrepair, your landlord is financially responsible to get the right engineers involved to have it sorted. Now that the lockdown is easing, there is no reason why they should not be communicating with you about repairs. If they ignore your complaints and you end up getting hurt, you could be owed compensation for your damages.

You may be feeling a little confused about what could be classified as housing disrepair. That’s why we have created a quick case study to get better idea about what these types of claims are all about. Take a look below for more information:

As you can see, John was not responsible for the damages in his home. His landlord did not help him and therefore was liable to pay compensation. You could do the same thing if you have experienced any of the following housing disrepairs in your home:

Malfunctioning gas, sanitation, electricity, heating or water systems
Holes or damage to the roof or house’s structure
Damp or mould problems
Broken essential items (like toilets, showers, ovens or your fridge)
Broken windows or doors

If you need additional assistance working out your own eligibility, speak to your housing disrepair claims lawyer. They can help you figure out whether or not it is worth pursuing your claim.

What could make me eligible for Housing Disrepair Claims?

When it comes to housing disrepair claims, it’s important that you establish that your solicitor is guilty of negligence. That means they have ignored their “duty of care” towards their tenants. Instead, they are expecting their tenants to use their own finances to fix the damages. This should not happen. Instead, they should be the ones paying for the damages to the council property as they are the ones who are renting it out to you. If they refuse to do this then you could be owed compensation if it has had an effect on your daily life or quality of life in general.

There are three main categories that you claim could fall under when it comes to its eligibility. These are personal injuries, damage to belongings and inconvenience. Take a look at the infographic below to get a better idea about each category:

The best way to discern what type of claim you are dealing with, in relation to Housing Disrepair Claims, is to look through your damages. In some cases, it may be a combination of all three of them. For instance, you may have slipped up due to the water from a leak, and the leak may have also damaged your furniture. Your solicitor can help you build up a solid case to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.

Personal Injury Claims and Housing Disrepair

One of the biggest categories that could make you eligible for Housing Disrepair compensation is in relation to injuries suffered due to problems in your council housing. When it comes to any type of personal injury claim, the claim will be based on the damages you have experienced. The main type of damages are physical damages. These are physical injuries that you have suffered, including broken bones, internal bleeding, and damage to organs or loss of limb, sight, teeth or hearing. However, you can also claim for emotional damages, financial damages, loss of opportunity and technology damages.

If the disrepair of your home has caused you to get hurt then you could be eligible for compensation. The negligence of your landlord has caused you to get into an accident that was not your fault. Some examples of these accidents can include:

Slipping up on puddles or faulty flooring
Impalement through exposed pieces of the floor, wall or furniture
Toxic inhalation of gas from faulty systems
Exposed nailing or structures causing bleeding, cuts or large wounds that need stitches
Burns from explosions or faulty equipment

The first thing you should do if you get hurt is to call an ambulance for medical help. That way you can be checked over by a specialist and ensured that your injuries are not any worse than they may have initially appeared to be. You should then focus on collecting evidence to build up your case. This includes photographs, videos, witness statements, police reports, medical reports, receipts and correspondence with the other party. This includes speaking to your landlord about the issues your home is experiencing.

How long do I have to make Housing Disrepair Claims?

The length of every housing disrepair claim is different. It depends on the complexity of the claim, as well as the co-operation of your landlord. You will have around 3 years, from the time of the disrepair happened, to make your claim. So, make sure to get in touch with a solicitor as quickly as possible. The longer you give your solicitor, the more likely that they will build you a solid case and will not rush your claim. They will always do their best to keep you involved and updated about the latest information about your case. That way you can relax and wait for an outcome without any pressure being on your shoulders.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help with your Housing Disrepair Claims

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are determined to help as many people as possible all over the UK with their housing disrepair claims. It can be extremely traumatic to be injured in your own home. Worse still, you may not even feel safe to go back to your residence. That’s why we want to get you the compensation you deserve to help you recover. We can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to proceed with your claim, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Our lawyers will only asked to be paid if they win your case. Therefore, you will always come out on top.

Speak to us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our law firm’s specialists will then be in contact to help you with your claim and to answer your questions.

Learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims

If you still have some questions about Housing Disrepair Claims, make sure to visit our blog for more information. We update it every week with new legal topics, seasonal events and information about our law firm. You can also send in your blog suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. Make sure to keep an eye on our blog and social media for our latest competitions and giveaways. You could be winner if you follow us.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

Accidents at Work & Shops: Can I make a claim?

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

Accidents at work can happen to anyone. It does not matter the type of work you do. Whether it is a regular office job or something more physical, if you suffer from the negligence of your manager or employer, you could be owed compensation for your damages. Right now, the lockdown in the UK is easing. That means non-essential shops, pubs and bars are now open for business. Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we want to make sure that our clients know that we will always be there for them if they have suffered due to the pandemic. For instance, we are happy to help struggling companies with their business insurance claims. However, if you are an employee of a non-essential business, such as a retail worker, we can help you make a claim if you have recently been hurt in a work accident.

If you are ready to learn more, all you have to do is call our law firm at 0800 041 8350 or you can use the button below to visit our accidents at work page:

What is a work accident?

Accidents at work entail an employee becoming hurt due to the negligence of their employee, their fellow staff or even aggressive customers. Employers owe their workers a “duty of care”. That means they are responsible for their safety when they have clocked in for the day. They need to make sure that the environment is workable and that their employees are fully trained to handle their duties. Negligence of these duties could mean that an employee gets hurt in a work accident. Examples of negligence can include:

As you can see, there are many different types of negligence that could mean that you end up getting hurt. If you work in a store, it’s very likely that the crowded areas and the constant momentum needed to keep the store in check may end up with you getting hurt. Should you get hurt due to someone else’s negligence, or the lack of safety in your store, it’s very likely that you could make a compensation claim. It’s important that if you do this, your solicitor will be there to support you through every step of the way.

How do accidents at work happen in a shop?

Every shop has to follow a set of rules and regulations to ensure the safety of their employees. This is known as the health and safety executive. If the rules are followed then it is likely that employees will be kept safe. However, if they are not followed, it’s very likely that accidents at work could happen. Some of the most common shop accidents that can occur include:

Slipping up on wet floors
Falling over products on the ground
Malfunctioning machinery
Tripping Hazards in the aisles
Aggressive customers

Due to the lockdown, it is very likely that as the shops start to re-open, a lot of social distancing measures will be put in place in order to keep you safe. However, if a store does not put precautions in to avoid contamination, and you get hurt, they could be liable for damages. The same could be said if you are asked to work in a store with no social-distancing measures in place. Keep this in mind when you are a making an accidents at work claim.

What should I do if I become a victim of accidents at work?

If you do end up getting hurt due to a work accident, it’s essential that you seek medical help as soon as possible. The amount of compensation that you will receive from your employer will depend on the damages you experience. Take a look at the infographic below. That way you can get a better idea of the type of damages you can claim for:

As you can see, there are a number of damages you can claim for. If you do end up getting hurt due to your manager’s negligence, the first thing you should do is alert a co-worker or a senior member of staff. They should note your injuries down in the accident book in your work place. From there, you should seek medical assistance as quickly as possible. That way if you are suffering from a serious injury, a professional can tend to you. You should also ask if anyone knows first-aid. They can look after you until help arrives. If you are well enough to look for evidence for your future claim, here are some pieces you should be considering:

Photographs
Videos/CCTV
Witness Statements
Medical Reports
Police Reports
Receipts
Diary Entries
Correspondence between you and other parties involved (i.e. emails)

From there, you can work with a solicitor to ensure that your accidents at work claim is sorted as soon as possible. Your lawyer will make sure to help you collect your evidence and prepare your settlement agreement. If the other party rejects the agreement, there is a chance that you may need to go to court to have your claim handled. However, this is very unlikely.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to support you with your Accidents at Work Claim

If you have suffered due to any type of accident at work, Gowing Law Solicitors will be here to support you through the claims process. We know that this can be a stressful time for our clients. That’s why we are determined to get them the compensation that they deserve. We can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our lawyers if you win your case. So, you will always come out on top!

Contact our law firm today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to help you.

Learn more about accidents at work

If you’re ready to learn more about work accident claims, don’t forget to check out our blog. We post brand new content every week about legal claims, seasonal events and updates about our law firm. If you want to see us address a certain topic on our blog, feel free to send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also check out our social media to see our video content and occasional giveaway and competition.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog.

Public Accidents in the snow: Keeping safe in bad weather

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Uncategorised

Public accidents can happen at any time and in any place. With the shops re-opening and strange winter weather ahead, we just want to take a moment to remind our clients and blog visitors to keep safe during the colder days of the year. Snow is fun and looks beautiful when you are staring out from a window, however, if you plan to go out to enjoy the re-opening of the shops, it’s important that you stay as safe as possible. Snow tracked into stores could be a slipping hazard. Worse still, if you plan on driving in the snow, there is a chance that you could become the victim of a road traffic accident.

If you do end up getting hurt because of a public accident, you could be eligible to make a compensation claim. Our solicitors can provide you advice to get you started and help you understand what sort of pay-out you could be owed. Call our law firm on 0161 464 4444 or use our public accidents claims page below:

Public Accidents: Why should I be aware of the snow?

Now, in terms of public accidents, the first thing we would like to say is that you should not fear the snow. An occasional snow day is nothing to worry about. You just have to be cautious about how you move around outside and go into public venues. With non-essential shops now opening up, it’s very likely that there is going to be social-distancing policies in place to prevent too many people being indoors at the same time. However, bringing snow inside a shop can still cause a variety of hazards. This is not even covering the idea of road traffic accidents due to the snow.

It is likely the snow will cause slippery surfaces, especially if it freezes over or causes wet roads. In these conditions, you will need to avoid driving at high speeds and make sure that you keep a safe distance from other drivers. That way if you do lose control of your vehicle, you will not be affecting other people and can steer yourself to safety.

What sort of public accidents can happen due to the snow?

If you are thinking about going out to the stores today, make sure to take care if you go out in the snow. The more precautions you take, the more likely that you will enjoy your experience when you go out to the stores for the first time in months. When you go to any store (or public venue) they people who own the venue owe you (as the customer) a “duty of care”. That means they have to do everything reasonable to ensure that you are kept safe during the time you are in their venue.

Now, snow can cause extremely slippery surfaces, especially if there are a high number of people trying to walk on the same surface. The employees of the store or venue should be doing everything possible to ensure that the surfaces are kept clean and dry. They should also be putting out warning signs to mark slippery surfaces. That way customers can be notified and ensure that they take precautions when they enter the store.

Here are some examples of public accidents that can happen within a store:

If the store does not take necessary precautions to protect you from these type of accidents, they could be liable for your damages. You don’t just have to claim for physical damages. Instead, you can also claim for emotional, financial and technology damages. You can also claim for loss of opportunity. This includes losing out on a promotion at work because you have to claim for sick leave.

Speak to your solicitor about any injuries you have suffered. These injuries can be due to the snow or from a public accident inside of a store. They can help you understand how much you could be owed for your damages.

Road traffic accidents & snow weather

Another thing that could happen when you are on your way to the store is an accident on the road. Recently, due to the lockdown, it is very likely that you have been experiencing less traffic on the roads. However, with the shops re-opening, it’s very likely that if you go on the road there may be an influx of cars, bikes and pedestrians on the streets. That means you are going to have be extra careful how you drive, especially if you are experiencing snowy weather.

Bad “winter” weather, even in spring, could cause you problems. This is true especially if you are driving a large vehicle and end up being unable to control it. Not only could it reduce the visibility of vulnerable vehicles on the road, but it could make the vehicle more different to manoeuvre to a safe point.

It’s important to watch out for aggressive drivers during winter weather. If they are speeding, try to hang back and give them some space. By driving quickly, it is likely that you could experience a collision. If this has happened to you then you could be eligible for compensation due to their negligence. Speak to a solicitor as soon as possible if you have become the victim of a car accident.

What should I do if I have been involved in an accident?

No matter what type of public accidents you have been involved in, it’s important that you receive medical assistance as soon as possible. That way if you have been badly hurt, you can be treated quickly. If you can collect evidence at the scene of the accident, that will help your compensation claim. Just remember that if you have been involved in a car accident, you should also collect the other party’s insurance details.

You should focus on collecting the following evidence:

Photographs
Videos/CCTV/Dash Cam footage
Witness Statements
Medical Reports
Police Reports
Receipts
Correspondence
Diary Entries

If you are struggling to collect your evidence, feel free to come to your solicitor for help. They can help you figure out what you can get. That way you can increase the amount of compensation that you could be owed.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your public accidents claim

If you have been hurt in any type of public accident, feel free to come to Gowing Law for help. Our law firm can provide you the support you need throughout this difficult time. We understand that going through a physical injury can make you feel vulnerable. You may also feel unsure about what is going to happen in the future. That’s why our solicitors are here to help you. They can provide you with free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, our solicitors can work with you on a “no win – no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and will never need to pay any hidden fees.

Contact our law firm today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. One of our specialists will then be in contact to answer all of your questions.

Learn more about public accidents

It’s time to learn more about personal injury claims from our blog! Our law firm updates its blog every week with brand new content. So make sure to keep looking back to see what we have to say about different types of claims. This includes information about our seasonal events and general updates in regards to our law firm. We accept blog suggestions from our readers, so feel free to send those into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You should also keep an eye on our social media. That way you can get the latest information about our new competitions and giveaways. Click on the buttons to visit our social media pages.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog.

What hazards could cause a bike accident?

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Traffic Accidents, Uncategorised

If you have experienced a bike accident, it’s very likely that you have suffered from traumatic injuries that have affected your life. You did not deserve to get hurt when travelling on the road. When the lockdown came into place, the UK government took it as an opportunity to encourage people to start riding their bikes if they needed to go out for essential travel, such as going to work or shopping for groceries. That’s why you make have bought a bike and decided to go out.

Unfortunately, cyclists are one of the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. This is because 80% of the road is used by cars, and as bikes are unprotected vehicles, it makes it more likely that you will get hurt in a road traffic accident. However, if you were not responsible for your bike accident, you could claim compensation for your injuries. The first thing you need to discern is what hazard actually caused you accident. That way you can understand who was responsible for you getting hurt and why they owe you compensation. Gowing Law’s experienced RTA solicitors will be here to support you throughout the claim’s process.

Contact our traffic accident solicitors today by calling 0161 464 4444 or use the link below to visit our bike accident claim’s page.

Experiencing a bike accident: Who are the most vulnerable road users?

When you go on the road, it’s important to be aware of all of the other vehicles around you. That way you can make sure that you keep a safe distance from them and they can do the same for you. If you are driving a car, it’s important to understand that you are in an extremely protected vehicle. Unfortunately, there are other vehicles that do not have the same type of casing. Bikes and motorcycles are going to be faster than your car. Although, these vehicles do need to obey the rules of the road, just like you, it is likely that you may see them weaving around the traffic. If you do not see these vehicles fast enough, it is likely that you could cause a traffic accident where they could be severely injured.

All compensation claims are based on negligence. If someone is guilty of negligence, they may have to make a pay-out to the party who were injured as a result of it. Although pedestrians cannot really make a pay-out because they are not insured, other vehicles can make this type of pay-out. Negligence can include:

Speeding
Moving through red lights at traffic stops
Drinking whilst driving
Talking on a mobile device
Eating and drinking whilst driving

If you end up causing an accident because of this type of negligence, it is very likely that you will have to pay for the victim’s compensation from your insurance. That’s why it is essential that you keep an eye out for vulnerable vehicles and people who either use the road or are trying to cross it. You do not want to be responsible for an accident.

What hazards are there that could cause a bike accident?

As a cyclist, it is important that you keep an eye on the other vehicles around you. You can wear safety equipment (such as a helmet and bright clothing) but that doesn’t mean that other cars and large vehicles can see you. That’s why it’s up to you to keep safe and try and obey the speed limits on the road. Do not take risks or try to “weave” through traffic. This can be extremely dangerous on a busy road and could end up with you getting hurt. If you are responsible for the accident it is very unlikely that you will receive compensation. With that said, if you were the victim of someone else’s negligence, you could receive a high pay-out depending on the extent of your injuries.

It’s important that you understand who could be responsible for your injuries. Take a look at the gif below to get an idea about who you could ask for a pay-out from:

As you can see, it is likely that there are quite a few determining factors when you get hurt in a cycling accident. For instance, if there was not another party present in the bike accident, but you got hurt due to potholes or the disrepair of the road. That would mean that you would have to launch a complaint or compensation claim to your local government. You would expect not only a pay-out but for the road’s damages to be fixed appropriately.

Thinking about making a bike accident claim?

Speak to your solicitor before you think about making your claim. That way you can know exactly who to ask about your compensation. With that said, it’s also important that you understand that the type of hazards that could cause you to get hurt. Take a look at the infographic below to understand the type of hazards that you need to be aware of on the road:

What should I do if I have been involved a bike accident?

If you have been hurt in a bike accident due to someone else’s negligence, the first thing you should do is get their contact details (including their full name, phone number and insurance details). However, if you have been badly hurt then you should call an ambulance as quickly as possible. That way you can have your injuries tended to and also receive a medical report that can prove that you were hurt in the accident.

Whilst you should always focus on your health first, if you do have the time to collect evidence then you should do this. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that you are going to get a successful pay-out. Evidence can include:

Photographs
Video/CCTV/ Dash-Cam footage
Witness statements
Diary entries
Medical reports
Police reports
Receipts
Communication with insurance companies and other people involved in the accident

Your solicitor can help you organize this information and evidence. That way you can discuss a settlement agreement with the other party. Then you can come to a solution as quickly as possible.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors about your Bike Accident today!

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that any type of bike accident can be extremely traumatic. That’s why we are here to help you get the compensation that you deserve. You can work with our RTA specialists for free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, our solicitors can offer you their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. Therefore, you will never need to pay any hidden fees and will always come out on top.

Contact Gowing Law today by phoning 0161 464 4444, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to discuss your claim. Feel free to ask them any additional questions.

What sort of accidents at work count for a compensation claim?

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

Accidents at work can have a severe impact upon the victim and any witnesses that saw what happened during the incident. You didn’t deserve to get hurt, but the accident still happened. That means you have to bear the brunt of what happened to you. It may take you months to recover from your injuries. However, during this time you may suffer from more than just your physical damages. In order to help with the recovery process, you may be considering claiming for compensation. After all, you may need to pay for medical assistance and recovery treatments that could get you back on track. Unfortunately, you may be feeling unsure about whether or not your injuries are severe enough for you to make a valid compensation claim. That’s why it’s essential that you get the right legal assistance to get you started with your compensation claim.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help with any types of accidents at work. Our law firm can give you the advice you need to get started. To talk to one of our specialists, call 0800 041 8350 or use the link below to visit our work accidents page.

How do I know if I have a valid accidents at work claim?

Accidents at work claims can be extremely complicated, depending on the severity of the incident and the extent of your evidence. The best way to determine whether or not you could be owed a compensation pay-out is in relation to negligence. Your employer owes you a ”duty of care”. Quite literally, this means that your employer has a responsibility to keep you safe when you go into the work place. That means that they should give you:

Proper health & safety training
Advice on how to handle customers in the work place
A tour around the workplace to show the escape exits
Appropriate breaks and lunch breaks
A safe and tidy environment to work in

If your employer did not provide you with reasonable training and help to get you used to your position in the company, and this ended up leading to an accident, they could be responsible for your injuries. That means you will have a valid accidents at work claim and will be able to claim compensation.

What could have caused my accident at work?

In order to claim compensation, you need to prove that you are a victim of negligence in the workplace. That means something happened that you were not responsible for. Instead, it was due to the fault of your manager or a higher authority in your workplace.

There are many ways that you could have got hurt in the workplace. It is your manager’s responsibility to ensure that you are safe throughout your workday so you feel comfortable in your job. Your employer has the responsibility to:

Understand the health and safety risks of the workplace
Making sure workers are supported if they are hurt
Ensuring that there is a report system in place to announce any accidents

With that said, it is unfortunate, but work accidents do still happen despite there being safety regulations put in place to protect employees. Here are some of the most common ways that you could get hurt at work:

As you can see, there are many different ways that you could get hurt in the workplace. If you are working somewhere that is extremely messy (i.e. is a very enclosed space, has exposed wiring on the floor or is untidy in general), it is very likely that you (or perhaps a customer) will get hurt. Keep an eye on any uneven surfaces in your workplace as these can be tripping hazards. It’s estimated that around 38.8 million work days are lost due to these types of accidents. That’s why it’s important to report any hazards to your work employer/manager if you spot any. If the problem is not fixed you can then use this as evidence that you are the victim of negligence.

What counts as negligence?

If you are going to have a successful work accident claim, you need to understand what could actually count as negligence from your employer. Your employer has a duty to keep you safe in the workplace. If you get hurt then they have a responsibility to get you medical treatment and to help you recover. Sadly, if your employer does not put your health and safety first then you could be put in danger. Here are some examples of how you could be a victim of negligence:

Refusing to supply PPE to workers
Not completing a health & safety risk assessment for the workplace
Refusing to keep machinery and equipment updated
Not providing efficient training for staff
Refusing to give staff proper breaks and lunches
Not listening to staff concerns, complaints or worries
Providing a messy work environment

It’s important for employers to listen to their staff. After all, your workers are the blood of your business. Therefore, if they notice something is wrong then it is your duty to have it sorted. If you do not have it fixed up and someone gets hurt, it is very likely that you could have a compensation claim to deal with.

Office Accidents: Repetitive Strain Injuries

There are many different types of accidents at work that could occur and cause you to get hurt. Naturally, the type of injury that you suffer from will depend on the type of industry that you are in. For instance, if you work in a construction site, it’s more likely that you are going to suffer from injuries that could occur from faulty equipment. However, if you work in an office, it’s very likely that you will experience injuries due to a cramped environment, messy merchandise or jobs that they do not have the skills to complete.

One thing that could happen is in relation to repetitive tasks. If you do the same action day in and day out, such as typing or using a computer, it’s likely that you could claim for a repetitive strain injury. A repetitive strain can happen due to swollen and inflamed muscles. It can also happen if a nerve is pinched from repetitive movements. If it is left untreated, there is a chance that it could change into arthritis or could cause serious nerve damage.

You may feel unsure about whether or not this could be counted as a work accident injury, which is why you may feel unsure about whether or not you could claim compensation. But we are here to tell you that it is counted! You just need a doctor’s report to prove that you have suffered due to your work actions. That way adjustments can be made to your schedule and you can take time out to recover.

What type of injuries classify for an accident at work claim?

Quite honestly, we would say that any type of injury that was caused by the negligence of your employer will allow you to be eligible for a compensation claim. However, keep in mind that the extent of your injuries will determine how much compensation you receive. Therefore, you need to decide on whether or not you think it’s worth it. For instance, if you have just received a few bruises from a fall, there may not be much point in making a claim. However, if you have experienced quite serious injuries then you could make a claim for work accident compensation.

Some examples of work accident injuries include:

Broken bones
Sprains and injured muscles
Internal bleeding
Damage to internal organs
Loss of limbs
Brain damage
Loss of hearing/vision

It’s important that you speak to your solicitor in order to figure out the extent of your damages. That way you can figure out how much you could be potentially owed from the other party. Speaking with a lawyer will also help you understand whether or not it is worth pursuing the claim. They can help you collect evidence and get you ready for a settlement agreement with the other party and their insurer.

What should I do if I have had an accident at work?

Now that you understand what type of accidents at work will qualify you for a compensation pay-out, it’s important to understand what you can do to make sure that you get the largest pay-out possible. There are certain things that you can do that can help your solicitor with your case. If you get hurt, you should alert your manager as quickly as possible. That way they can have it notified in the work accident book and also get you the medical help that you need. You should contact the emergency services as quickly as possible if you have been hurt. Even if you have you only suffered from minor injuries, it’s better to be safe and sorry. A doctor can assess your wounds and injuries and give you a proper medical report.

If you can collect evidence from the scene of the accident, that will also help your case. Your evidence can come before, during and after the accident occurred. For instance, if you alerted your manager before the accident happened, and nothing was changed to prevent the accident from happening, you can use that to show you suffered from negligence. Have a look at the evidence examples below to get a good idea of what you could use:

Photographs of the accident and your injuries
Video footage, CCTV footage and Dash-cam footage
Witness statements
Medical records
Police records
Communication with insurers and employees (emails)
Diary entries
Receipts (i.e. travel costs)

From there, you should consider organizing this evidence to bring it to your solicitor to start on your case. They can give you the best advice possible and help you start the preparations for a settlement agreement meeting.

How could the pandemic affect my work accidents claim?

Although there is talk about the lockdown being eased down, it’s important that you understand that you can still make a work accident claim. The main differences you may experience is in relation to the amount of time it takes to get your compensation. The courts are currently experiencing delays due to the backlog of court cases and the current lockdown. That means it may take a little longer to receive your compensation. If you do end up going to court, you may have to undertake a case remotely. That means you will have to join a session through your computer through a video link. Make sure you have strong Wi-Fi and are sitting in a quiet room so you can hear the judge. Your solicitor can make you are supported throughout the session.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your accidents at work claim

If you want to learn more about how Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your claim, why not get in contact with our law firm to get started? Our solicitors can give you advice on your accidents at work claim for free. You can also speak to our lawyers for no-obligation consultations to get started. If you are happy to move forward with your case with our specialist team, we can offer our solicitors on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our solicitors if they win your case. That’s why you should get in contact as soon as possible to begin your claim.

Contact Gowing Law’s work accident team today to start your claim. You can call 08000418350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or you can use our claims checker. One of our team members will then be in contact to answer your questions.

Will a medical report help with my personal injury claim?

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised

If you are going to make a personal injury claim, it’s crucial that you have the right evidence to back it up. No one deserves the pain that can come from an accident that was not their fault. That’s why you need to seek justice and receive compensation for your injuries. Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, our specialists will be able to support you throughout your claim, provided that you give them evidence to show you were not responsible for what happened to you. That way they can show in court (or at least prove to the other party) that this happened due to someone else’s negligence. The best way to do this is to have a medical report that can show the full extent of your injuries.

Not only can Gowing Law Solicitors help you get in touch with a specialist that can assess your damages, we can help you claim compensation that can be used for any future physical or psychological treatment that could aid in your recovery. Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to get started with your claim by calling 0800 041 8350 or by using our claims checker below:

How do I know that I am eligible for a personal injury claim?

As you know, the UK lockdown has had a huge effect on everyone around the country. Not only has it had a financial effect on businesses that need to close to protect their employees and customers, but if you have suffered from a personal injury, you may find that you feel too intimidated to make a claim. After all, you may not want to go to court and, instead, you may want to stay at home to recover where you know it is safe. It’s completely understandable that you do not want to take any risks when you have already been hurt. But we want you to know that you could be eligible for claiming compensation if you were not responsible for your injuries, even if you make the claim during lockdown.

There are many different types of personal injuries that can claim for. Gowing Law can help you with the following injuries:

You could be eligible to make a claim if you can prove that the accident was not your fault. If you can use your evidence to show that you were not responsible for your injuries, you could also claim for a personal injury claim. Don’t forget as well that during this pandemic, there will be safety procedures put in place to ensure your safety. This can include:

But could I make a personal injury claim if I am hurt?

So, let’s get into the meat of personal injury claims in general. The main way you are going to have a successful claim is to prove that you were not responsible for your injuries. You were hurt due to someone else’s negligence. In other words, they broke their “duty of care” towards you. Whoever is in charge of the public environment has the responsibility to look after you if you are working or visiting there. That way you can continue your day without fear of getting hurt. If you are eligible for a claim, you will be able to prove that an accident happened because of the negligence of someone else. Examples of accidents in a public place include:

Falling shop objects and merchandise
Messy objects on the floor
Uneven pathways
Holes in the grass
Trips & Falls
Violent customers and employees

These are only a few examples of how you could be eligible for a personal injury claims. The person responsible for the health and safety of an environment should be keeping an eye on any risks. That way people can be kept safe if they visit. If it is proven that any accident could have been avoided, it is likely that you will be awarded compensation for your injuries.

What sort of injuries count in a personal injury claim?

If we are going to discuss personal injury claims, it’s important that you understand what types of injuries you can claim for. You can claim for any sort of injury if it was caused by someone else’s negligence. However, the extent of your injuries are going to determine the amount of compensation that you receive. Your injuries may include:

Broken bones
Sprained limbs
Repetitive strain injuries
Internal bleeding
Brain damage
Choking
Poisoning
Organ damage

As you can see, some injuries are naturally going to be worse than others. If you have suffered from permanent damages thanks to your accident, this will make it more likely that you will have a higher amount of compensation owed to you. This is because your damages are larger than someone who has simply broken a bone. There are several types of damages that you can claim for. Take a look at them below:

Why will a medical report help my personal injury claim?

As we stated previously, if you are going to make a personal injury claim, it’s important that you have the right evidence to back it up. A medical report is extremely useful because it shows how severe your injuries actually are. This will give you proof that the accident caused your injuries. Your medical reports will contain details that will be consistent with the accident. The medical report can also be used to look back into your medical history to show whether or not you have any ailments that could have been made worse by the accident.

It’s natural that you may feel a little nervous if you are going to provide a medical report. Some people may not feel comfortable about showing their medical reports as it may contain a lot of personal information. But we would highly recommend that you do allow your solicitor to use it as evidence. Without the medical report, you will not be able to show that you were hurt thanks to the accident. This will make it more likely that you will not receive a high amount of compensation. Instead, it may weaken your argument and make it more likely for the other party to claim instead, or at least get away with paying you a smaller amount of compensation.

Gowing Law Solicitors wants to help you the highest amount of compensation possible. That’s why they will be able to offer you support even if you have not yet seen a doctor to collect your medical report.

What should I do if I have not yet received a medical report?

You may feel a little nervous about getting help for your claim if you do not yet have a medical report. But don’t worry. This is where Gowing Law’s solicitors can come in to support you throughout your claim. We can provide you with some help to make sure that you can get a specialist to look you over as quickly as possible to make an assessment of your injuries. This can be done for both physical and psychological damages. Once you have had a specialist look over you, and a medical report has been filed, we can use the report to back up your claim. So, don’t worry, Gowing Law’s solicitors has your back and will make sure you get the compensation that you deserve.

Are there any other reports that I could use to support my claim?

Whilst we would say that the most important report that your claim needs is your medical report, there are some other types of reports that will be useful to your case. For instance, a police report will provide an unbiased opinion on what happened to cause your accident, such as the environment and the people involved. However, there are other types of evidence that could prove your financial and technology damages. Here is a list of evidence that you can use to support your case:

Photographs (i.e. Of your injuries)
Videos, CCTV and dash-cam footage
Diary Entries
Witness Statements
Financial documents (i.e. wages and receipts)

Your evidence should be used to back up any claims that you have made about the accident and how you have suffered from it. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that you’re to get a higher pay-out. So, make sure to take copies of any evidence that you have found. That way you can keep it as a spare and your lawyer can document your evidence in preparation for your future settlement agreement, and potentially your court date.

Will the pandemic affect my personal injury claim?

Unfortunately, the current pandemic has been affecting different people around the country. A lot of people have been struggling with their businesses and now need solicitors to help them get an insurance pay-out. However, we can also help you if you are struggling to collect your evidence (as you cannot travel around the UK unless for essential reasons), our solicitors can assist you with the evidence you already have. You should not put yourself at risk.

There is a chance that if you go have an upcoming court date, it may be moved from a physical court-session to a remote court session. Don’t worry! Your solicitor can support you through it and make sure you are fully prepared. Just make sure that you have head phones and a good Wi-Fi connection. Take a look at the video below to get an idea of how you can prepare for your hearing during the court session:

How much will I receive from a pay-out from my personal injury claim?

This is the type of question that you may struggle to get an answer without going to a solicitor for more information. Every claim is going to be different. That’s because the extent of your injuries, evidence and the other party’s opinion on your case will change how much you receive as an overall pay-out. In some cases, getting a pay-out may be more complicated than others. For instance, the person responsible for your accident and their insurer may refute your evidence and try to give you less than you could be entitled to.

By working with a solicitor, they can make sure that you get the highest amount of compensation possible. They can assist you with organizing your evidence and any future court dates. We understand that it can be difficult to handle the extent of your injuries as well as the stress of a case. That’s why a lawyer can take away the stress and make sure that you get the pay-out that you deserve. They will handle any difficult paperwork and ensure that you can recover without the burden of a legal battle on your shoulders.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your personal injury claim!

If you are considering making a personal injury claim, make sure to get the right legal team on your side. That way you can get the compensation needed to help with your recovery. Our law firm’s solicitors can give you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to work with our lawyers, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will not need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our solicitors if they win your case. That means you will always be on top!

Get in contact with our solicitors today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in contact to make sure that you get the advice needed to get started. Feel free to ask them any questions that you may have about your claim.

Stress & Psychological Issues: Could you make a work accident claim?

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

How have you been coping working from home? It may feel like it has been a very long time since you have stepped foot inside of an office. However, if you have previously suffered from an injury when you are at work, you will still be eligible to make a work accident claim. As you are recovering through the lockdown, you may start to feel isolated, vulnerable or worried that you cannot get the help you need. So, the question is, could you make a claim if you are experiencing stress and psychological issues when you are working from home?

According to the HSE, around 12.8 million working days are lost due to stress related issues and emotional distress. Your employer has a “duty of care” towards you and your fellow employees. Even if you are currently working from home, they should be checking in with you to ensure that you are doing okay. However, if you are feeling like you cannot cope due to your work load or job duties, this could be cause for making a psychological injury claim.

If you have suffered from a work accident then Gowing Law’s solicitors can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Click the link below to learn more about how our lawyers can assist you with any legal questions about work accident claims:

Making a work accident claim: Emotional Damages

When it comes to making a work accident claim, you may feel a little concerned about whether or not you could claim for emotional damages. Now in terms of a work accident claim, to claim for emotional damages you will need to have suffered from physical damages. However, there is a chance that you could suffer from psychological damages that could mean you are eligible for compensation. It entirely depends on your own personal situation and how your work accident has affected your life. Keep in mind as well that if you believe that your employer has caused you to suffer from psychological issues then you may have the right to schedule an employment tribunal to get any issues addressed and sorted as quickly as possible.

Make sure to keep this in mind if you are considering making a work accident claim. You will need to think carefully about the type of compensation you are claiming for. After all, the type of claim that you decide on will ultimately affect how much of a pay-out that you receive.

What could cause psychological issues or stress in the workplace?

When you take on a new job or position in a firm, you go in with certain expectations about how you are going to be treated and how much stress is involved in your position. Unfortunately, your work-place can cause certain psychological issues if too much pressure is placed on you. This work stressed is defined by the HSE as an

“Adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them”

Workers react differently to stress, however it could lead to them making mistakes, burning out or simply looking for other employment. It could also have a psychological impact on their mental wellbeing.

Here are some examples of work-related stress:

These are only a few examples of how you could suffer from mental fatigue or any sort of work related stress. It’s important that you speak to your manager to let them know that you are suffering from these problems. Your manager owes you a “duty of care” when you go to the office. If they cannot provide a safe environment that supports the employee’s mental and physical health then they could be held responsible for any damages that you experience. The damages you experience when it comes to psychological trauma may include:

Physical damages (i.e. repetitive strain injuries)
Equipment Damages
Loss of Earnings/ Financial Damages
Aggravated Damages (If you have been mistreated by your employer)

Should my employer should be checking up me during lockdown?

Although this may not relate precisely to a work accident claim, but it is important to discuss due to the mental health of employees. 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, that’s why it’s important that you understand how you can keep yourself safe whilst you remotely work. Your employer should be trying to check in on your mental health to ensure that your duties are not overwhelming you. It can be difficult to adjust to this new way of life, but your employer should be doing what they can to make sure you have the supplies needed to complete your job. Only 5% of people actually worked remotely before the pandemic, so it is not surprising that you may feel overwhelmed or nervous about what could be in store for you in the future.

It can be difficult to adjust to office life when you are working from home. Back in the office, you may have been used to taking breaks, moving away from the computer to rest your eyes and not overworking yourself to the point of exhaustion. But at home, it can be difficult to understand boundaries and where to stop. That’s why it’s important that your manager helps you to adjust and gives you the technology to do your job. They should also provide you with mental health assistance or even therapies if you find that you are struggling.

Make sure to always keep an open communication with your work-place. That way they can know what is happening in your life and whether or not they need to make adjustments to support you.

Mental Health & Work Accident Claims

One thing that we would like to discuss about stress and psychological issues is that a lot of them can occur due to the physical injuries that you may have experienced in the workplace. A work accident can have severe consequences on your mental health, especially if you experience an accident that changes your life. Take a look at our example below to get an idea of what could happen to you:

As you can see, very simple injuries can have large consequences when it comes to mental health. Any sort of small injury can have a big impact on the lives of people. They can make you struggle to feel secure about yourself and whether or not you are going to be okay. It can also have a knock on effect to your finances, as you may be required to spend time at home in order to recover. This can create a negative circle effect as it can cause more stress that affects your mental health. You are trapped in this repetitive circle until you get compensation for your injuries or you manage to heal up. But even then you may still feel worried about returning to your work place.

Can I make a work accident claim if I get injured at home?

As we are all working remote right now, you may feel a little nervous about making a claim if you have got hurt. You don’t want to put yourself at risk and so feel like you just want to stay at home and try to recover in your own time. If you got hurt whilst you were in the office during your work hours, you could be eligible for pay-out. However, if you were working from home it is very unlikely that you will be able to make a valid claim if you are hurt. It is your responsibility to look after yourself and make sure your environment is safe to work in. Your employer will check up on you to ensure that you are doing okay, but it’s important that you help them help you.

Here are a few things to do to help you keep safe and healthy whilst you work from home:

Take regular 5 minute breaks to rest your eyes and to avoid screen burn
Take a full lunch and use your hour break to rest
Go outside to get fresh air and sunlight during the day
Stand up regularly and speak to your friends and family
Get dressed professionally to put you in the mood for work
Exercise regularly and rest up with meditation

In the workplace, if you were not keeping yourself mentally and physically safe, it would be likely that you would have a meeting about it with HR. As you are at home, you may find it harder to talk to people about how you are feeling or your daily work routine. Just remember to keep safe whilst you do it.

Can I claim any other types of damages?

Now that we have discussed whether or not you could claim for an emotional damage in relation to your mental health and psychological trauma, it’s important that you understand that you could also claim for other types of damages that have affected you and your daily life. Wherever you were hurt, the person who was responsible for you getting injured owed you a “duty of care”. If this duty was not upheld, you will find that you are a victim of negligence. That means you can claim for any damages that you sustained because of your accident. These damages may include:

Physical damages
Financial damages
Technology damages
Loss of opportunity (i.e. Work promotions)

It’s important that you understand that your evidence can be collected before, during and after the accident. But keep in mind that with the current lockdown, you may find it difficult to collect certain pieces of evidence. Your evidence can include:

Photographs
Video/CCTV/ Dash-Cam Footage
Witness Statements
Receipts
Medical Reports
Police Reports
Correspondence
Diary Entries

Your solicitor can help you collect evidence to assist you with your claim. Just remember that your health should come first, especially if you are not well enough to make a claim. Having a lawyer on your side will make sure that your claim is handled quickly and efficiently.

How much could I claim from a work accident claim?

Now, when you make a claim, the amount that you receive will depend on the individual circumstances of your case. For instance, if you ended up with serious damages that had a long recovery period, you would end up with a higher amount of compensation than someone who is suffering from a repetitive strain disorder or a sprained muscle. The best way for you to find out how much you could be owed is through your solicitor. They can help you create a timeline for your case. Your lawyers can then let you know an estimate of how much of a pay-out that you could be owed. This will depend on the extent of your evidence and how much you could get from your settlement agreement.

Be patient and allow your solicitor time to get through your claim. It may also take time to get this claim sorted. So, feel free to speak to your lawyer about any delays that may happen. This is due to the current lockdown and the delay with the UK court system.

Make a work accident claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are always ready to help you with your claim. We have specialists who can give you free advice and consultations. If you are interested in working with our experienced lawyers, they can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, we will be upfront about our costs. We will then let you know when you will need to pay your solicitor for their services.

Contact our law firm today to get started with your claim. You can call us at 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker to get started.

How could my personal injury claim be delayed?

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised

If you are trying to make a personal injury claim during the pandemic, you may be feeling concerned about how long it could take to claim your compensation. Things have not been easy over the last year. You may have felt nervous about making a claim because you were currently working remotely, or perhaps don’t fully understand how you could make a claim if you cannot get to court. That’s why you have been putting off making a claim for so long.

Here at Gowing Law, we would normally say that you should try to make your claim as soon as possible. That way you can avoid losing out on evidence or a high pay-out. However, we understand the nerves you may be experiencing during this difficult year. There is a chance that your claim could be delayed due to the current circumstances. Even if you experience a delay in your claim, our law firm will be here to support you and get you the compensation that you deserve. Even during the lockdown, our trained solicitors can give you expert advice to get you started on your personal injury claim.

Click the link below to visit our claims checker and get started on your claim:

Why are there delays right now with my personal injury claim?

Unfortunately, Covid-19 has affected the majority of peoples’ livelihoods. This has put people at risk of losing their jobs, their homes and, ultimately, having their lives turned upside down. It is a sobering truth that does put a lot of things in perspective. If you have suffered from a personal injury that has changed your life, the current lockdown may be forcing you to consider whether or not it is worth making a personal injury claim at this point in time.

You may be fearful that by going out to start on a claim you could catch Covid-19 from being in a public space. Not only that, but it is important that you adhere to lockdown rules to keep safe throughout this difficult time. This is why it is important to have solicitors to guide you throughout the pandemic about how you should handle a claim. If you do have a claim, make sure to seek remote advice from a law firm. They can let you know whether or not you could be eligible for compensation and how your claim will be handled whilst you and your lawyer are working remotely.

What could normally delay my personal injury claim?

Quite honestly, when people ask our solicitors how long a personal injury claim will take, there isn’t really a precise answer we can give in response. Personal injury claims depend on the extent of your injuries and how complicated your claim actually is. Here are several factors that could affect the timeline of your PI claim:

Your accident’s circumstances
How serious your accident was
How long it may take to gather your medical evidence
Whether or not the other party will accept liability for the accident
If you know the identity of the person responsible.

These are only a few of the examples of how your claim could differ from everyone else’s claim. Most of the time, your circumstances are going to be extremely individualized. This is because it depends on the type of accident you have and how difficult the other party acts in relation to the compensation claim. However, there may be more specific delay reasons that relate more the current lockdown. Take a look at our infographic below to find out more about how your claim could be delayed:

Medical Evidence: How do I collect it during the lockdown?

One of the difficulties that you are going to experience is actually collecting the evidence needed to back up your case. With any sort of personal injury claim, you need to show that you were the victim of negligence. So, for instance, if you suffered from a work accident claim, you may want to show that the messy work environment (covered in boxes, packages or any sort of supplies) caused you to trip and fall over. That meant that you suffered from their negligence. They owed you a “duty of care” in order to keep you safe whilst you were in a public area. If they failed to adhere to this, they could be liable for your damages.

With that said, the best way to prove you were not liable for your injuries is through evidence. Evidence can be collected before, during and after the incident. To show you what this means, have a look at our case study below:

You can collect evidence at any time during your case, however with the current lockdown you may struggle to go out and claim it. That’s why we would recommend that you only try to find evidence that is currently accessible. So, this may include photographs of your injuries or perhaps calls with your witnesses in order to collect statements. Collecting a medical report may also be very difficult right now due to the current pandemic. If you are prepared to wait a little longer to claim your report, then you may have to delay your future hearing.

Do you know what sort of evidence that you need to make a claim?

Even if you are only considering starting a case, it’s important that you use your evidence to back up your claim. That way you can show you are not at fault for what happened to you. Even if you want to wait a little while, though this is not what we would suggest, it’s better to have your evidence prepared for when you feel ready to take on a claim. It’s understandable that you may feel nervous about how big of a task this personal injury claim may be. That’s why it’s useful to know that you will always have a solicitor on your side to take the burden off you. All you need to make sure is that you have the evidence to back up your claim. Here are some examples of the evidence you can use if you want to receive a successful pay-out:

Photographs of your injury and the accident
Videos, CCTV evidence and Dash-Cam footage
Witness statements
Diary Entries
Receipts
Police reports
Medical reports
Communication with your insurers

Speak to our solicitors today to learn how they can help you have a successful claim. Just let them know the types of damages that you have suffered from (be they physical, emotional, financial or equipment damages) and your lawyers will be able to take it from there.

How long will it take to get an offer of compensation?

Another thing that you may need to consider when it comes to delays in your personal injury claim is your offer of compensation. It may take a little while to put your case together, however it is a different story when it comes to the compensation offer itself. The offer will depend on the defendant and their insurance company. A lot of the time, an insurance company will make a “low-ball” offer to the claimant. This is in hope that the claimant will accept it in order to get things wrapped up as quickly as possible. You do not need to accept this offer. Instead, if you are patient then you will find that a settlement agreement is offered in order to avoid the case going to court.

It’s also important to understand that in some cases, you may struggle to get a full pay-out. You may have to accept “split liability”, meaning that you both get a smaller pay-out for the damages. Remember, it may take some time to get your case sorted, so be patient and try to keep calm. You can ask your solicitor for any updates you may need in order to sort out any problems with the case. They will always keep you on track and can even help you create a basic time-line of how your case should proceed.

Are the courts still open to make a personal injury claim right now?

Generally speaking, yes! They are. The reason why the UK is experiencing a backlog of court cases is because of the UK’s first lockdown. That means that right now the court system is trying to catch up with the hearings that have already been delayed. In order to compensate for this, it is very likely that your hearing will be changed to an electronic hearing. That means you will have to go online and join a meeting through a video call.

This video call will include your judge and your lawyer. Therefore, you can speak with your lawyer to prepare yourself for the upcoming case. Make sure that you have good Wi-Fi and are settled in a quiet area so that you can hear the outcome of your case. Your solicitor can also work with you if you need any special adjustments made to help you throughout the hearing. That way an outcome can be reached in an appropriate amount of time.

Should I actually make a personal injury claim at this point in time?

Quite honestly, we would recommend that you make a claim right now. The longer you leave a claim, the more likely you are going to lose out on vital evidence that could affect the extent of your pay-out. We understand that you may feel uncomfortable about making a claim during the lockdown, but our solicitors will be here to support you throughout the legal process.

We can handle your claim remotely and ensure you get the advice you need to proceed through phone calls, emails and video calls. Our solicitors are always available to let their clients know updates about how their claims are progressing. All you need to do is ask them about how you can move forward. This can all be done from the safety of your home. That means you will never be put at risk and instead can feel safe whilst you get your compensation claim sorted.

Right now, Gowing law Solicitors is focusing on tax claims, but feel free to get in contact as well if you have a personal injury claim you would like us to help with! For more information on PPI Tax claims and Marriage Tax Claims, click the link below. They will take you to our tax pages where you can see our self-assessment forms. These only take a few minutes to complete. So, why not get started today:

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your personal injury claim!

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are proud that we can offer support to all of our clients during this difficult time. No matter what sort of claim you have, our lawyers can give you no-obligation advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to work with our lawyers, they can offer you their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there will be no hidden fees and you will always come out on top with your claim. That means you won’t need to pay your solicitor unless we win your case. So, what’s stopping you from getting in touch with us to begin your claim?

Contact us today by calling 0161 464 444, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in contact to talk about your claim as quickly as possible.

Personal Injury Claims: Will I need to go to court?

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised

Personal injury claims are the best way to get a compensation pay-out if you have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence. No one goes out expecting to get hurt. Whether you were hurt in a work accident or you were hurt in a public place (like a store), you have suffered from injuries that were not your fault. That means you are entitled to compensation in order to help you recover from your damages. However, with the current lockdown in place, your worries may not actually be about your injuries. Instead, you may be worried that you are asked to go in to court if a settlement agreement cannot be reached.

If you are worried about the prospect of catching Covid-19 by leaving your home for court, we understand that you may be considering stopping your claim and starting it again at a later date. However, we would advise against this. The longer you leave your claim, the less likely that it will be valid in the future. You may also lose vital evidence that could impact the amount of pay-out you receive from any sort of settlement agreement.

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we will be here to support you throughout any claim you have. Whether that is a tax claim or personal injury claim, our specialists will give you tailored advice that can ensure you feel good about how your claim is being handled. Our lawyers will give you advice on how to adhere to social-distancing regulations whilst your claim is sorted. That way you can get your pay-out in a reasonable time. Learn more about starting your claim with the help of our claims checker:

What is happening within the UK court system right now?

As the UK has entered its third lockdown, it is crucial that everyone adheres to remaining at home. The only reason that you should be travelling is for essential reasons. Unfortunately, this means that there is going to be an impact on the lives of people all over the UK. For those who have experienced a personal injury and are undertaking a claim, it may make it more complicated for collecting evidence or setting up meetings with other people involved in the accident. This has only been made worse with the delay in the UK court system.

Recently the UK court system has been dealing with a backlog of cases. As the courts closed during the first lockdown, this meant that compensation claims were pushed back in order to accommodate the new social-distancing laws. This has meant that it has caused problems in the future. Due to the backlog, the courts struggled to find time to make sure that clients could be rescheduled without it impacting other court cases. This is what may have happened to you during the lockdown. If you are a victim of the backlog, it may be wise to get a solicitor on your side to help you get back in control of the case. They can assist you with the organization of your case and make sure any deadlines are adhered to. They can also let you know the most current updates about how your personal injury claim is progressing.

What should I do if I have suffered from a personal injury?

If you have recently got hurt in an accident that was not your fault, you could be eligible to make a claim with the help of a personal injury claims solicitor. Whether it was at work or you got hurt in a public space, the negligence of someone else has caused you substantial injuries that could change your life for the worst. In a public space, the owner or staff owe you a “duty of care”. That means they have to do everything possible in order to keep you safe. Unfortunately, you could still get hurt if:

They have not been trained
You were in a messy area prone to accidents (i.e. falling boxes or merchandise)
There were slippery areas that were not marked
You were forced to interact with violent staff/customers

Now, the amount you get from any sort of personal injury claims depends on the extent of your injuries. For instance, if you ended up hurting your legs and found out that you would need a wheel chair to move around for the long-term future, this would end up getting you a higher pay-out than if you suffered from a few cuts and bruises. The extent of a pay-out from personal injury claims depends on the damages you have suffered and the evidence you have. Your physical damages are one thing, but you can also suffer from emotional damages, financial damages, equipment damages and loss of opportunity. You will need evidence to prove you have been hurt. Check out the infographic below to see what type of evidence could back up your claim:

Personal Injury Claims: How do I get the best pay-out possible?

Having talked about how you could be eligible when making personal injury claims, it’s now important that you understand the best way to make a strong claim in general. When you get hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you suffer from damages. To be eligible for a claim, you must have experienced physical damages in the form of an injury. But you could have also suffered from:

Emotional Damages
Financial Damages
Equipment Damages
Loss of Opportunity

If you have experienced any sort of damages or are hurt in an accident, the first thing you should do is alert the staff of the public space. They can give you help, call an ambulance and also note down your personal injury in their work accident book. The most essential thing you need is medical attention. Having a doctor check you over can prove that you were hurt due the negligence of someone else. It can also ensure that you don’t suffer any further damages. If you are well enough, don’t forget to collect evidence. But remember, your health is the main priority when it comes to your claim.

If you follow these instructions, you should be able to help your solicitor create a strong claim before you decide on your settlement agreement. They will be there to support you through any sort of personal injury claims.

What can I do to collect personal injury claims evidence during lockdown?

Right now, you may be thinking about how you can continue with a claim throughout lockdown. You are not supposed to be going anywhere outside of your home unless it is for essential travel. That’s why you may feel concerned that this could affect your claim. For instance, you may be struggling to get a medical report in decent time. You may also be struggling to find evidence in general due being unable to leave your home.

We would advise that you do as much as you can without putting yourself in danger. Evidence for your claim can appear before, during and after the incident. Collect what can be collected without breaking any rules. For instance, if you want a medical report, be prepared for delays depending on the availability of your doctor. You may need to focus on damages that are affecting you in the present, such as financial damages or images of your injuries. If you have witnesses, make sure to have their contact details so you can electronically contact them about making a witness statement. The best way to do this is through e-mail so they can be clear about what happened during the accident.

Will I need to go to court during the lockdown if I make a personal injury claim?

As the UK is currently experiencing a backlog in court cases, you may find that it is not necessary for you to go to court to get your claim sorted. In most cases, you will not need to go to court to get your compensation negotiated. Instead, you, your solicitor, the other party and their insurer can sit down and talk about compensation through a settlement agreement. This means everything can be sorted internally and you will not need to put yourself at risk.

If you do need to go to court, your lawyer will help you make sure that everything is scheduled appropriately. It is likely that instead of going into a physical building, you will be asked to attend an electronic/remote hearing. You can prepare for a remote hearing by:

Making sure you have a laptop that has a video and audio connection
Ensuring you have strong Wi-Fi that can connect you to the internet
Checking whether or not you can bring support into the hearing
Making sure you are able to sit comfortably in a quiet area to you can hear everything that goes on during the hearing

You should also try to speak clearly so the judge can understand you. If you cannot understand the people on the call, due to bad Wi-Fi, make sure to alert the judge to this. Your solicitor can give you more advice to prepare for any sort of remote court case in the future.

How long will it take to make personal injury claims during lockdown?

As we are currently in the middle of a pandemic and lockdown, you will find that it will take longer to make any sort of claim. This is due to the backlog of court cases. So, keep in mind that the longer you leave your claim, the more likely it is that it will take longer to get a pay-out. A lot of the cases that have been pushed back are now taking priority. That’s why we think it is essential that you speak with a lawyer as quickly as possible. That way they can start scheduling your claim and making sure that you get the pay-out that you deserve.

We would just like to state that the schedule of any sort of personal injury claims depend on the complexity of the case. For instance, if the other party does not accept responsibility for your accident, you will find that the claim will take longer than anticipated. That is because you need to speak to your solicitor about scheduling meetings, collecting evidence and getting a court date booked. Keep this in mind when you talk to your solicitor about your claim. They will be very grateful for your patience. Feel free to keep checking in and asking for updates about the claim. They would be happy to give as much information to you as possible.

Will I be able to still get a pay-out during the lockdown?

Personal injury claims are the best way to get the compensation that you deserve for any accidents that were not your fault. If you have a successful claim, the amount you get will depend on the extent of your injuries and damages. Even if you cannot go into court physically, you will still get the pay-out you deserve. Your solicitor will make sure that you receive your cheque as soon as possible. But keep in mind with the delays to Royal Mail, it may take a little longer than anticipated. So, remain patient and feel free to ask for updates as many times as you like.

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your personal injury claims

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are proud that we can still help our clients throughout lockdown. We understand that you may feel intimidated by the idea of making a personal injury claim during lockdown. But our solicitors and law firm will be here to support you throughout the claim. We can offer you no-obligation advice and consultations to get started. If you are happy to work with us, we can offer our help on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will not need to pay any hidden fees and will always come out on top. You will only need to pay our solicitors if we win your case.

If you are ready to get started with our lawyers, contact us today to learn more about your claim. Call us today at 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our LiveChat to quickly speak to one of our legal experts. We will do our best to answer any questions that you may have about your future claim.

Let’s Get Legal: Weekly Expert Law Advice (Part 1)

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Let's Get Legal, marriage tax, Pension Claims, PPI Tax refunds, Uncategorised, Wills

Expert law advice can be hard to come by when you are faced with a personal injury claim or tax claim. With the amount of law firms competing for your attention, it can be difficult to figure out who to turn to in your time of need. This is where Gowing Law Solicitors wants to step in to help. Not only can our solicitors give you the help you need for any type of claim, but they can work on your behalf to ensure that you get the best outcome and pay-out.

Throughout the lockdown, Gowing Law Solicitors has made sure to produce informative blogs and content that can keep you updated about UK legal issues and facts about personal injury claims and tax claims. If you are struggling with a legal claim in the lockdown, it’s more important than ever that you get the expert law advice of a solicitor. In order to help you understand the basics of claims, Gowing Law has now started to produce some mini videos to answer some more specific questions from our clients. These can be found on our social media and our latest blog series: “Let’s Get Legal”.

Don’t forget! If you want to move forward with your claim, Gowing Law’s Solicitors will be here to help you. Call us on 0800 041 8350 or use our claims checker below to get started:

What sort of expert law advice will this series show?

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, our weekly expert law advice will focus on the different claims our teams handle as a whole. Right now, we are focused on marriage tax claims and PPI tax claims. However, throughout the lockdown we are still here to help you with any sort of personal injury claim or interest in writing a will.

The mini-series surrounding expert law advice will consist of around 5 small videos that are uploaded every week, with additional content added to explain their themes in more depth. These videos may be about current events, such as the pandemic, the lockdown or the backlog of UK court cases. We will also discuss more specific questions about tax and personal injury claims. There may be also a few videos that consist of updates about our law firm.

These videos will serve to help you on your legal journey and also help you to understand the basics of your claims. If you want to send in a suggestion, feel free to do so by emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be more than happy to answer your questions.

Where can I learn more information about the topics that you discuss?

Quite honestly, the best place that you can go to see more in-depth content and expert law advice is Gowing Law’s Blog. We keep it updated with the latest claims information. There is lots of content that can show you how to prepare for a case and what sort of evidence you are going to need to get a valid pay-out. We also updated with seasonal events and topics. So, it’s the best place to learn more about how we can help you. Keep an eye on it to learn the latest of Gowing Law’s advice.

If you are seeking more personalized advice, we would recommend that you speak to one of our legal specialists. They will listen to your story and give you advice based on your own circumstances. That way you can figure out whether or not you want to move ahead with your claim. To speak to them today, you can use our LiveChat or you can call our number, 0800 041 8350.

With that said, let’s dive straight into this latest series of “Let’s get Legal.” Remember, if you
want more information on the topics we’ve discussed, don’t hesitate to contact us about them.

What are the signs that you have been mis-sold your pension?

When you have reached your golden years, there’s nothing you are going to want more than to start to settle down and finally retire. That way you can start enjoying yourself and pursuing passions that you have put on hold to focus on your family, job and financial matters. That’s why you need to make sure that you pick a retirement plan that can help you maintain your lifestyle.

There are three types of pensions plans that you can pick from. These are a state pension, a defined pension scheme and a defined pension contribution. Make sure to research these thoroughly before you make your choice on which pension plan you want. If you want to invest your pension into a scheme to increase it, there is a chance that your investment advisor may end up misleading you. Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with any sort of pension mis-selling claim. That’s why we want to point out some examples of pension mis-selling that could make you lose money:

You were cold called about your pension
Your investment advisor lied about their experience
There was no paperwork or contract to sign
Your advisor made a commission by recommending a certain scheme
The plan ended up being a tax avoidance scheme
You were forced into investing in the scheme

These are only a few of the reasons how you could have been mis-sold a pension. Our video contains a few additional examples of how you could have been mis-sold. If you do end up being mis-sold a pension scheme, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you try and recover some of your losses through compensation. Your evidence can include correspondence between yourself and your investor and the lack of a contract. For more information please see our mis-sold pensions page:

Why did my PPI pay-out get taxed in the first place?

One of the latest claims that we have been working on for our clients over the last year are PPI tax claims. So far we have managed to claim around £10,000 in total for our clients over the last year. However, you may be wondering why your PPI pay-out had tax taken away from it in the first place.

Originally, PPI was used as a safety blanket for those who took out financial loans and could not pay the money back. But in most cases the policy was mis-sold, therefore the UK public received a pay-out from HMRC. This pay-out consisted of:

The payments for your PPI
Any interest that was added onto the PPI payments from your bank
A statutory interest of 8% per year

The pay-out was used to get you back to what you should have financially been at before you were forced to pay PPI. However, if it was suspected that you went over your personal savings allowance (PSA), your statutory interest may have been taxed. Unfortunately, this may have been an incorrect assessment, and tax could have been deducted by mistake, or it could have been automatically deducted at 20%.

You can claim this back with the help of Gowing Law Solicitors. Our PPI tax self-assessment form only takes a few seconds to complete! Why not take a look at it below?

Will my job change affect my marriage tax claim?

Another tax claim that we have been focused on are marriage tax claims. Did you know that 50% of married couples and civil partners are eligible for a marriage tax, but just don’t know about it? Gowing Law Solicitors is determined to make our clients aware that they could get a discount on their future tax. They could also get a pay-out for any excess tax that they have paid over the last 4 years.

Right now, the lockdown may be causing you a lot of issues about money and your job, especially if you have recently been put on furlough or have a business that is currently closed down. You may also be worried if you have a zero-hour contract or are self-employed.

First things first, to be eligible for a marriage tax claim you and your partner need to fulfil three criteria:

Unfortunately, if your job does change then it might impact your tax bracket and the wage you receive. One partner must pay basic tax and then the other must not pay any sort of tax. If your claim has already been agreed on by HMRC then it may not impact you. However, if you have just started your claim then there is potential for the claim to be invalidated. The reason why it could be affected is because one partner must have an excess PSA (from not paying basic tax) whilst the other must not. That way the PSA transfer can be made between the two.

We have gone into more detail on marriage tax claims and jobs in our latest marriage tax blog, but the best way to see if you’re eligible is to speak to a tax specialist from Gowing Law Solicitors. That way you can get the best expert law advice possible. Click on the link below to learn more about these type of tax claims:

Can I still make an accident at work claim if I am now working remotely?

Nowadays, as the majority of our UK clients have been remotely working since the start of the pandemic, if they have previously suffered an accident at work (for instance in the work environment), then they may not feel comfortable enough to move forward with their claim.

Now, obviously you cannot make a claim if you get hurt whilst working from home. Your employer does not have responsibility over your own home, therefore you cannot make a valid claim. However, if you got hurt due to the negligence of your manager or employer before the lockdown occurred, you could be eligible for a compensation pay-out.

The amount you get depends on the extent of your injuries and the extent of the negligence.

Examples of negligence may include:

A lack of safety training
Forcing you to work in a messy environment
Asking you to do physical tasks that you are not employed to do
Making you do repetitive tasks that could increase your chance of stain injuries
Putting you at risk of violent customers/clients

These are only a few ways that you could suffer from the negligence of your employer. The worse your physical injuries are, the more likely that you are going to receive a higher pay-out. Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with any sort of work accident throughout the lockdown. All of our lawyers currently work from home, therefore you will find that we are always available to make sure you can get the pay-out that you deserve.

Click the link below to learn more about work accident claims:

Can I only claim for physical damages in a personal injury claim?

This is the type of question that applies to the majority of personal injury claims you may encounter. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the extent of your injuries. So, if you experienced a life changing injury, it is very likely that you will get a higher amount of compensation.

Did you know as well that there are additional damages that could add to your overall pay-out? This includes:

Emotional damages
Equipment damages
Financial damages
Loss of opportunity

If you have experienced any losses outside of your physical injuries, you may be eligible to receive a larger pay-out. Make sure to keep evidence of your losses to show how they affected your life. That way you can show the person responsible that you do have proof of their negligence. It will also be useful if you end up going to court to have your compensation sorted.

Find out more about personal injury claims and damages by clicking the link below:

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors to get started with your claim!

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are proud that we can provide our clients with expert law advice when they need it the most. That way they can feel comfortable about making a claim with us. All of our consultations and help is no-obligation. This means it is free and you can come to talk to our specialists as much as you like. If you are happy to work with our lawyers, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top even if we do not win your case. You will only need to pay our lawyers’ fees if we win you your compensation!

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by talking to us through our LiveChat. One of our specialists will then be in contact as quickly as possible.

Follow our social media to receive more expert law advice

If you want to keep updated about this series, our seasonal events and competitions, make sure to follow our Twitter and our Facebook. That way you can be the first to see what our law firm is up to. Click the links below to see more:

Fill out the form to start your claim today!

What is classified as Housing Disrepair?

What could make me eligible for Housing Disrepair Claims?

Personal Injury Claims and Housing Disrepair

How long do I have to make Housing Disrepair Claims?

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help with your Housing Disrepair Claims

Learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims

What is a work accident?

How do accidents at work happen in a shop?

What should I do if I become a victim of accidents at work?

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to support you with your Accidents at Work Claim

Learn more about accidents at work

Public Accidents: Why should I be aware of the snow?

What sort of public accidents can happen due to the snow?

Road traffic accidents & snow weather

What should I do if I have been involved in an accident?

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your public accidents claim

Learn more about public accidents

Experiencing a bike accident: Who are the most vulnerable road users?

What hazards are there that could cause a bike accident?

Thinking about making a bike accident claim?

What should I do if I have been involved a bike accident?

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors about your Bike Accident today!

Read more about cycling accidents

How do I know if I have a valid accidents at work claim?

What could have caused my accident at work?

What counts as negligence?

Office Accidents: Repetitive Strain Injuries

What type of injuries classify for an accident at work claim?

What should I do if I have had an accident at work?

How could the pandemic affect my work accidents claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your accidents at work claim

Read more about accidents at work claims

How do I know that I am eligible for a personal injury claim?

But could I make a personal injury claim if I am hurt?

What sort of injuries count in a personal injury claim?

Why will a medical report help my personal injury claim?

What should I do if I have not yet received a medical report?

Are there any other reports that I could use to support my claim?

Will the pandemic affect my personal injury claim?

How much will I receive from a pay-out from my personal injury claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your personal injury claim!

Read more about personal injury claims

Making a work accident claim: Emotional Damages

What could cause psychological issues or stress in the workplace?

Should my employer should be checking up me during lockdown?

Mental Health & Work Accident Claims

Can I make a work accident claim if I get injured at home?

Can I claim any other types of damages?

How much could I claim from a work accident claim?

Make a work accident claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

Read more about work accident claims!

Why are there delays right now with my personal injury claim?

What could normally delay my personal injury claim?

Medical Evidence: How do I collect it during the lockdown?

Do you know what sort of evidence that you need to make a claim?

How long will it take to get an offer of compensation?

Are the courts still open to make a personal injury claim right now?

Should I actually make a personal injury claim at this point in time?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your personal injury claim!

Read more about personal injury claims on our website

What is happening within the UK court system right now?

What should I do if I have suffered from a personal injury?

Personal Injury Claims: How do I get the best pay-out possible?

What can I do to collect personal injury claims evidence during lockdown?

Will I need to go to court during the lockdown if I make a personal injury claim?

How long will it take to make personal injury claims during lockdown?

Will I be able to still get a pay-out during the lockdown?

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your personal injury claims

Read more about Personal Injury Claims!

What sort of expert law advice will this series show?

Where can I learn more information about the topics that you discuss?

What are the signs that you have been mis-sold your pension?

Why did my PPI pay-out get taxed in the first place?

Will my job change affect my marriage tax claim?

Can I still make an accident at work claim if I am now working remotely?

Examples of negligence may include:

Can I only claim for physical damages in a personal injury claim?

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors to get started with your claim!

Follow our social media to receive more expert law advice