Category: Covid-19

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.

How can a solicitor help you with a Business Interruption Insurance claim?

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Business Interruption Insurance, Covid-19, Uncategorised

Business Interruption Insurance claims are here to support you and your business when you need it the most. We understand that 2020 was an extremely difficult year for business people all over the UK. Covid-19 has thrown the world on its head. Within four months of its arrival, businesses all over the UK were asked to close in a nationwide lockdown. Since then there have been a number of schemes put out to support business owners, however, many people have been struggling to get a valid pay-out from their insurers. This is because Covid-19 and the unprecedented lockdown were most likely not included within your policies.

We understand if you feel a little unsure about what to do if you have already tried to claim business interruption insurance only to be rejected. This is where Gowing Law’s experienced solicitors can step in to support you. We have corporate solicitors and forensic accountants available to go through your contract with a fine-tooth comb. If they see that you have a valid claim for compensation, they will make sure you get the pay-out you deserve. In some cases, you could be owed £10,000s!

With over 700 policies now eligible to get you a pay-out, you could be missing out if you do not make a claim. Call us up today on 0800 041 8350 or visit our Business interruption insurance claim page below.

Can I make a business interruption insurance claim about Covid-19?

If you have recently opened a business, you will want to keep that business as safe as possible. You cannot predict every disaster that will happen in your shop. For instance, if a work accident occurs or one of your customers gets hurt, you can use your employer’s liability insurance. However, if a bigger disaster happens then you will need the right insurance to recover from the damages. This is where business interruption insurance can help you recover any losses that you have experienced. It is especially useful for those who have lots of stock that may need to be replaced in the event of a disaster.

Here are some examples of what your business interruption insurance can be used for. Don’t forget that you can also ask your solicitor for more information on what you can use your claim to finance.

Now, originally, you may have had trouble actually receiving a pay-out because of the pandemic. It is true that you had to shut down your business for the lockdown and the pandemic, but these clauses may not actually be written into your contract. This is where your insurer may have originally tried to stop you from receiving your pay-out. However, the Supreme Court has now stated (through a test case) that a business interruption insurance claim can have clauses that include pay-outs for losses experienced during the pandemic. You just need to understand which clauses will validate your claim.

Which clauses will make me eligible for a business interruption insurance claim?

Every contract for business interruption insurance is going to be different. After all, every business is different. That means you are going to be focused on certain problems that could affect your business and your employees. You want to keep them safe. If they are off work then this could affect how much your business earns and the overall income of the company. For instance, if you have a lot of expensive products that belong in a warehouse, you may want to focus mainly on criminal activity and pay-outs about stolen stock. However, if you want to claim for any damages caused by the lockdown and Covid-19, there are three clauses in specific that are going to help you. These include the:

According to a report from the FCA about these clauses (and the outcome of the FCA trial case), it is possible that:

“The ‘disease’ and ‘prevention of access’ clauses in the representative sample of 21 policy types provide cover in the circumstances of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and that the trigger for cover caused policyholders’ losses.”

This shows that if you have either of these clauses, or at least a hybrid clause of the two together, you could get a pay-out. However, it does not mean that you get an automatic win. You will need to provide evidence to show how your business was affected by the current climate and lockdown of the UK.

Evidence may include:

Marketing Forecasts/Reports
Proof of your income
Proof of your expenses
Reports from workers/employees
News & Trend updates

Having a solicitor on your side can help you distinguish what you could eligible to claim in terms of a pay-out. It will also help you avoid any pitfalls in terms of a lack of evidence. If you are unsure about how you can make a claim, or if you are eligible for a pay-out, a lawyer can provide you with the best advice possible on how to move forward.

How can a solicitor help me with my business interruption insurance claim?

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that you may be feeling anxious or unsure about how to proceed with your claim. Getting to grips with any sort of insurance contract can be difficult, and with the current stress of the pandemic, you may be struggling to find the time to balance your business as well as an insurance claim. You can use a broker or your insurer to learn more about your eligibility for this type of claim, but we would honestly recommend seeking the advice of an experienced solicitor.

Your business interruption insurance claim solicitor can go through your policy carefully to check for your eligibility and the type of policy you have. As the Supreme Court’s decision is still quite new, you may feel unsure about what it means as a whole and what the new policies are all about. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a legal specialist do this for you. Gowing Law’s solicitors keep updated about the latest information about these types of claims, and how any changes could affect your case.

We can also help you challenge your insurer on your behalf. You may feel defeated if you have already tried to make a claim, only to have your insurer reject you. This is where we can step in to speak to your insurer about their decision. Your solicitor can spend time going through your claim to make an argument that will validate your claim. We can even go to court to get your settlement negotiated quickly and efficiently.

Can a solicitor help me with my claim if I get assistance from the government?

Throughout the pandemic, you may have been seeking assistance from the government in order to sustain your business. It is completely understandable if you have decided to move online and ask your employees to remain on furlough throughout the pandemic. Even if your business remained open, but you needed to implement strict social-distancing regulations to keep it safe, you could make a claim with the help of an experienced solicitor.

Having a Corona Virus grant from the UK government will not change the fact that you need the financial aid to sustain your business. The government will be completely aware that you are trying to make a case against your insurer. So, don’t worry! Your solicitor will make sure to work on your behalf to ensure you get the pay-out that you deserve. They can even contact your insurer on your behalf if they have already rejected you for a pay-out.

Will a solicitor charge me if they help with my business interruption insurance claim?

As Gowing Law’s team work on a “no win-no fee” basis, that means they will never charge you for their services unless they win you your pay-out. There will be no hidden fees and they will always talk about any charges upfront. That means you will always come out on top. If our solicitors do help you collect a successful pay-out, the fees that they will ask for will be 25% + VAT of any money that you receive from your insurer.

How much could I get from my pay-out?

Honestly, this is a question that cannot be answered. This is because every claim’s case is different and the circumstances will affect your overall pay-out. For instance, if you have experienced damages from Covid-19 and the lockdown, as well as a break-in that has affected the amount of stock you have, you could claim for more compensation than someone who needs the money to Covid-proof their office. It will also depend on the type of clauses that are in your contract. This is why it is essential to have an experienced lawyer go through your contract to ensure that you have the correct clauses that can get you a high pay-out.

How long will it take to make a claim?

Again, this depends on the type of case you have and how complicated it is. If you have been rejected for a claim, and are seeking legal guidance, it may take longer than someone who has made their very first claim. You need to be entirely upfront with your solicitor about any problems that may affect your claim. In return, your lawyer will do the same and set out a timeline of how the claim is expected to proceed. However, there may be additional delays due to the current pandemic. Be patient with your lawyer, but feel free to ask any questions!

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to help with your business interruption insurance claim

We understand that it can be daunting to take on any sort of legal claim. Covid-19 has changed the world and it is going to be difficult to adjust to this new normality. That’s why Gowing Law Solicitors wants to make sure that you get a pay-out that can help you sustain your business for as long as possible. We can offer you free advice and consultations on your claims. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. As we stated before, this means you will never need to pay a fee to our solicitors unless we win your case for you. So, what’s stopping you from getting in contact with us today?

Reach out to our law firm and call us on 0800 041 8350, email bi@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker to get started. One of our specialists will quickly get in contact to speak to you. All you need to do is fill out your contact details and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Ready to read more about your claim?

Why not brush up on your knowledge of business interruption insurance claims by visiting our blog page? We always update our blog with the latest information about insurance, tax and personal injury claims. That way you can understand the basics before you start working with your solicitor. You can also find information about our seasonal events and updates about our law firm. If you have a question that you would like us to address through our blog, why not send in your suggestion to info@gowinglaw.co.uk? If we write about your idea, we will let you know so you can find out what our experts have to say on the issue!

You should also keep an eye on our social media feed. Not only do we have weekly videos about specific claims information, but we update our feed with information about our latest giveaways and seasonal events. For instance, we are hosting a Valentine’s Day giveaway where all you need to do is leave a review, like and tag someone in our social posts. You could win a £30 M&S pamper gift bag! You can find the links below to follow our Twitter and our Facebook.

We look forward to hearing from you soon about your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

Business Interruption Insurance: Why was I previously rejected for a pay-out?

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Business Interruption Insurance, Covid-19, Uncategorised

If you are reaching towards your business interruption insurance, it is likely because your company has been experiencing hardships during the pandemic. Covid-19 has changed the world completely. In a single year, the unemployment rate has risen to 5% in the UK. That is because the pandemic has forced many businesses to close their doors. Many companies have resorted to continuing online. However, as they are unable to remain open to the general public, they have experienced great financial damages.

The pandemic may have caused great losses within your business that were not your fault. That’s why you tried to make a business interruption insurance claim. If you were rejected, don’t worry, you are not alone! Many business owners have been rejected for a pay-out due to the fact that their policies do not cover for any sort of business losses caused by a pandemic. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced solicitor on your side to give you support and advice with your claim. Gowing Law’s experienced claim solicitors are here to help.

Call us today on 0800 041 8350 or click the link below to begin with your claim:

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

When you create a business, you go into it knowing that there is a chance that things could go wrong. You get employer liability insurance to protect yourself, employees who suffer from work accidents and any customers who get hurt on your premises. However, there is a chance that you could experience more extreme incidents in the future that could force you to make a loss. This includes criminal activities and natural disasters (such as flooding and fires). If you are the type of business that owns a lot of stock you may have invested in this insurance in order to have financial support if the stock needs to be replaced if it is damaged.

Overall, if you have purchased business interruption insurance, the main aim of it is to put you back in a steady financial position that you would have been in before an unexpected event caused losses. That’s why a lot of companies have now been asking if their policies actually cover Covid-19 and any losses that have come about due to the lockdown and the pandemic.

Why would I be rejected for a Business Interruption Insurance Claim?

Previously, you may have struggled to actually get your insurer’s pay-out due to the fact that they did not believe that your policy covered you for damages within the pandemic. That’s why you may have originally been rejected for a claim. Business interruption insurance contracts cover different things, depending on the type of business that pays for them. However, if you had cover for diseases, you may have struggled to receive a pay-out because Covid-19 was only classified as a notifiable disease on the 5th March 2020. Some companies will only cover very specific diseases, which should be listed in the contracts. Therefore, the wording of your policy becomes important when it comes to getting compensation. A claims solicitor can help scrutinize your contract to see if you could be eligible for a pay-out.

With the supreme court deciding in favour of Covid-19 related pay-outs, it’s important that you take a look at your contract to ensure they fall under the right clauses. Here are the three clauses you will need to be eligible for an insurance pay-out:

As the courts have decided that Covid-19 interruption to businesses could call for an insurance pay-out, these clauses will become an essential part of getting the compensation that you deserve. Before, you may have been rejected because Covid-19 was not classified as a notifiable disease. You may have also been rejected because during the tier system, you closed your business without it being an action enforced by the government (aka. it was a business choice of your own free will.) However, there is a chance now that your claim could be reconsidered if it has already been rejected. That’s why it’s important that you get in touch with a solicitor as quickly as possible about your business interruption insurance claim.

Alternative Reasons for Rejection: Business Interruption Insurance

Building on the previous point, we would just like to reiterate that there could be other reasons why you were rejected for a pay-out outside of Covid-19 and the current pandemic. According to the FCA:

“The test case was not intended to encompass all possible disputes, but to resolve some key contractual uncertainties and ‘causation’ issues to provide clarity for policyholders and insurers.”

This implies that whilst this decision from the Supreme Court to include Covid-19 as a reason for a pay-out does not mean you will automatically receive it. There is still a chance that your own business decisions were the reasons behind your overall financial loss and business interruption. For instance, if your business deals with oil supply, you may find the costs of this product have risen over the course of this year, meaning that there is a chance you may struggle to keep up with payments. However, if you believe that you and your business were ultimately the victims of the pandemic, you have the right to make a legal claim. In some cases, you may even be able to make a co-ordinated legal action against your insurer in relation to non-payments.

What should I do if I have been rejected for a business interruption insurance claim?

It can be incredibly disheartening to be rejected by your insurer in light of the current events. You have tried everything to keep your business afloat during the pandemic. That’s why you may feel as if you have been let down by your insurer and other people who are supposed to be there to help you in your time of need. We understand that it is a very sensitive time for you. That’s why we want to be there to support you throughout your claim.

If you have been rejected for a claim then you do have the right to make an appeal. When you made a business interruption insurance request, it may have been before Covid-19 and the lockdown were classified as genuine reasons for a pay-out. There may also be specific wording in your contract that needs a legal expert to read over in more detail.

Even if you have already been rejected for a claim, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you through this difficult time. Our forensic accountants and corporate solicitors can give you free advice and will be happy to look through your contract. If you have a business interruption clause then you will have a valid claims on your hands. Our lawyers can then start the arrangements to make a claim against your insurer to win you the pay-out that you deserve.

How much could I receive from a pay-out from my business interruption insurance?

When you make a claim to receive business interruption insurance, the amount you receive as a pay-out will depend on your own personal circumstances. You will need to look at the contract you have agreed to and have a solid argument prepared as to why you need an insurance pay-out. Your contract will let you know what could constitute the need for compensation, including criminal activities against you, your employees or general business or natural disasters (such as flooding, fires and infestation). However, you will need to prove that you were not responsible for these “disasters”. Your evidence can include:

Proof of the amount of income you receive from your business (to prove you have lost income)
Your trade history
News, facts and figures about marketing trends
Business/Loss Assessors and Forecasts
Statements from employees and business partners

If you decide to work with a solicitor, they can work through your contract. That way they can provide you with estimates about how much you could be owed if you make a claim. Even if you are already receiving government assistance, you could still make a claim with the help of our experienced lawyers. Just keep in mind that there are a number of pitfalls that you could experience in relation to a pay-out. Here are a few examples that you should be aware of throughout your claim:

Your solicitor can help you avoid these pitfalls by going through your contract with a fine tooth comb. That way you can work with them to get a valid pay-out. You can use it to support your business and employees.

How long will it take to make a claim?

Although it will only take one day to assess whether or not you have a valid claim on your hands, it’s important that you understand that every claim is different. That means that some claims are going to take longer to sort out than others. For instance, a claim that has been previously rejected and has very generalized clauses is going to take longer than a claim that has a very direct disease clause. Be patient with your solicitor and give them the time to build their argument. The more time you allow them, the more likely it is that you are going to receive a pay-out from your insurer. Feel free to ask questions about the progression of your case. Your solicitor will always be willing to talk you through what you should expect in the upcoming weeks.

Gowing Law Solicitors can support you with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that this is a very sensitive time for a lot of our clients. The pandemic has thrown a lot of business owners on their heads and they need support. Even if you have already been rejected for a claim, we have experienced forensic accountants and corporate solicitors here to help you. They can give you no obligation advice and consultations to start with. That way they can look through your contract. Then they can ensure that all of the support they provide is tailored to your situation. If you are happy to work with them, they can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will not need to pay any hidden fees. Instead we will always be upfront with our costs to ensure you feel comfortable making your claim.

If you want to contact us, you can call us on 0800 041 8350, email us at bi@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. From there, one of our lawyers will be in contact to discuss your claim. Feel free to direct any questions towards them!

Ready to read more?

Don’t forget that you can read more about business interruption insurance from Gowing Law’s blog page. We are proud of all of our content as we update it weekly with new information about UK legal claims. This includes information about tax claims and personal injury claims. You can also learn about our latest seasonal giveaways, events and updates about our law firm. If there is topic you would like us to cover in our blog, feel free to let us know. You can send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. One of our law writers will let you know that they are going to write about your ideas. We will also let you know when the blog has been uploaded.

Make sure to also follow our social media pages for our latest videos and giveaways. Right now, we are hosting a Valentine’s Day giveaway where you could win a £30 pamper gift bag. All you have to do is leave a review of our firm, tag someone and share our post. We will then draw a winner randomly. It’s that simple to get involved, and we tend to host these competitions, alongside our normal content, quite regularly. You can find the links to our Twitter and Facebook below.

We wish you the best of luck with your claim and look forward to helping you soon!

Covid-19 & Business Interruption Insurance: Have you heard the latest updates?

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Business Interruption Insurance, Covid-19, Uncategorised

If you have bought business interruption insurance, you may have done so in order to protect your firm. You need to be prepared just in case you experience damages that interrupt your business as a whole. Normally, this would be in relation to flooding, criminal damage or gross loss of income due to unexpected events. Naturally, what you are insured for depends on the policy you have signed with your insurance provider. However, due to the current pandemic, a decision has been made by the supreme courts. It has been decided that insurers should pay companies that have been financially affected by the enforced lockdown. The entire pay-out depends on the insurance that has been taken out.

If you are one of these companies that has taken out business interruption insurance, you could be owed compensation from your insurer. Unfortunately, you may be having trouble claiming your insurance pay-out due to the fact that your insurer is simply refusing to pay-out. As the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of insurers providing damage pay-outs to those with the appropriate policy, you may need legal assistance to ensure you get a pay-out that can support you through this difficult time.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help support you through this difficult time and get the compensation that you deserve. Our solicitors are experts in the field and will be able to give you personalized advice to help with your claim. Call us on 0161 464 4444 to get started or learn more from our business interruption insurance claim’s page:

What is Business Interruption Insurance?

If you have opened a business, it’s logical that you are going to want to claim as much protection for it as possible. You have raised your business from the ground upwards, therefore having a safety net in case of a disaster (such as fires, flooding and criminal activities) can give you peace of mind in the face of adversity. This is what business interruption insurance is all about.

The types of cover this insurance will provide depends on the writing in your contract. Every business is different and therefore requires different types of security. To locate what is covered in your own policy, make sure to take a look at the “basis of settlement” agreement. This will show you how much you should get as a pay-out if your business is forced to close or experienced losses outside of your control.

The amount you will receive will also depend on your turnover and the amount of you normally pay in work wages. This will then be used to figure out your overall profits. Therefore, it will provide a basic understanding of how much of an insurance pay-out you will need in order to keep your business afloat during difficult times.

What will my business interruption insurance cover?

If you have taken out business interruption insurance, you have made the right decision. You are preparing for the worst and have most likely taken out third party insurance as well just in case an accident happens in the workplace. You should read your policy carefully before you sign anything, that way you can make sure that you pick the right contract that will fully support you throughout any disasters that occur in the future. Have a look at the infographic below to get an idea of what you could claim for:

These are only a few examples of what you could receive if you decide to make an insurance claim. Make sure to analyse your contract and see what will happen if you experience a certain type of disaster and how you would be compensated for your losses. So, if you went through a burglary and lost some equipment due to thieves, the pay-out from your insurance would be to replace the equipment and any damage that was done to your property.

If you feel concerned that your policy does not concern the things that are important to you, make sure to speak to your insurer or lawyer. They can let you know about how you can include the policies that are important to you and your business.

Business Interruption Insurance: What is the update about Covid-19 pay-outs?

Right now, if you own a business you may have had to close your doors unless you are providing an essential service. This is due to the pandemic and the UK lockdown. In order to lessen the spread of Covid-19, the government has issued a nationwide lockdown to protect its citizens. Unfortunately, this may have had an extremely negative affect on your business. After all, if you cannot open up your business for customers, how are you expected to generate money? This has had a knock-on effect for most businesses and employees in the UK. If a business cannot open, there is no work for an employee. Therefore, they cannot go to work and earn money. As you can see, the lockdown has very severe consequences for businesses around the country. This has got to the point where numerous businesses have actually ended up closing down as a result.

Now, as a last resort, many businesses have been trying to sustain themselves by reaching out to their insurer to claim for their business interruption insurance. After all, their businesses have been disrupted by a disease that was completely out of their control. In order to protect employees from a “work accident”, they have been told to shut down their doors.

Right now, the supreme court and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have announced that insurers. The policies for most insurance claims are written in language that is extremely unspecific about the actual things they cover. The main way to see if you are eligible is to see you are eligible for compensation is to have a “non damage” clause in your contract.

An example of these clauses could include:

If you fall into one of these clauses, it is likely that you could have a claim. The FCA have ruled in favor of businesses receiving support from their insurers. Therefore you have the chance to claim a pay-out that could support your business throughout the pandemic.

Why would my business interruption insurance claim be denied?

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that you want to make a claim because you want to support your business and your employees. 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. That’s why it’s important to get financial aid when you need it the most. It is not your fault that your business was interrupted. Now you have to bare the financial brunt of what has happened.

During the business interruption insurance test, conducted by the FCA, 21 case types proved that business owners with a policy deserved a pay-out. These policies detailed “disease” and “prevention of access” clauses would be able to claim for a pay-out to support their businesses. However, there is always the chance that your insurance firm may try to find a reason not to provide you with a pay-out. Here are some examples of some of the pitfalls that you could encounter:

Examples include

A lack of evidence does not prove you experienced a disaster in your business
There was a limit on your own indemnity period
There was a liability limit on how much your insurer will pay-out

One prime example of how your insurer may try to avoid paying you is through the lockdown itself. Although you were asked to shut your doors during the lockdown, when the country was in the tier system, you may have had the opportunity to re-open. If you chose to remain shut during this, then your insurer may use this as an excuse. They could say you made the choice on your own instead of being forced. This is why it is so useful to have a lawyer on your side to ensure that you get the pay-out that you deserve. They will go through your contract and make sure to help you with any specific information that you affect your claims case.

Will I immediately be awarded a pay-out if my business has suffered from the lockdown?

Unfortunately, just because you have experienced losses because of the pandemic does not mean that you are automatically entitled to a compensation pay-out. Be aware that you will need to work with a solicitor. That way you can provide appropriate evidence. This evidence will show that the problems with your business have not come about by a fault of your own. It is estimated that around 370,000 people will be able to use their notifiable diseases cover in order to help get compensation. This will hopefully help keep this business afloat.

You will not be automatically entitled to a pay-out. However, you will be able to go through your contract. This is in order to make notes on how you could be eligible to receive a pay-out. How much you receive will depend entirely on your own circumstances, as well as how much income you make through your business. Do not exaggerate how much you could be owed. Instead, go through your paperwork carefully and note down everything you think is important. You solicitor can help you understand what you could be owed. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have!

Who should I use to make a claim?

If you are thinking of claiming for your business interruption insurance, you may be wondering if it would be wise to have an experienced specialist on your side. That way you can get the pay-out that you deserve quickly and efficiently. Now, most people would recommend that you speak with your insurer or you find a broker to give you advice. However, we would recommend that you speak with a lawyer. They understand that claims can be complicated. Therefore they are ready to go through your contract with a fine-tooth comb. That way you can get a valid pay-out. It may also be useful to speak with a forensic accountant or corporate solicitor.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

We understand that making any sort of insurance claim can be complicated. That’s why Gowing Law’s trained business interruption insurance claim solicitors are here to support you. It’s important that you get support throughout this difficult period. That way you can get a pay-out that can help you, your workers and your business. All of our lawyers are extremely experienced with insurance claims and can give you personalized advice. We can offer you no-obligation consultations to discuss your claim. If you are happy to move forward with our solicitors, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee basis”. That means you will always come out on top. You will never need to pay any hidden fees.

To get started with your claim, call us today on 0800 041 8350, email us at bi@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. A specialist will then be in contact to give you more information on how to move forward with your claim. Feel free to ask them any questions!

Learn more about Business Interruption Insurance on our blog!

Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about business interruption insurance claims, you can visit our blog! We update our blog with the latest information about different types of claims, including tax claims and personal injury claims. Don’t forget to check in every week to learn what we have been up to. We also talk about our seasonal events, latest giveaways and updates about our law firm. If you have a topic that you would like us to address in our blog, feel free to let us know! You can email your ideas to us at info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

We would highly recommend that you take a look at our social media channels below for new videos and updates. You may even spot one of our seasonal competitions that you can take part in. Click the links below to visit our Twitter and Facebook. That way you can find out the latest things that we have got up to!

Gowing Law Solicitors wishes you the best of luck with your claim. We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

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.

Will my marriage tax claim be affected by my job status?

Posted on January 15, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, marriage tax, Uncategorised

Being eligible for a marriage tax claim means that there is potential for you to get a tax discount and pay-out! This year, our law firm and its tax specialists have been focused on helping our clients understand if they could be eligible for this type of claim. Tax claims may seem a little complicated, but if you have a legal specialist on your side, they can help you understand how you could get a valid pay-out in a reasonable time. Our tax specialists will make sure to guide you through the tax claims process and speak to HMRC on your behalf. That way you can sit back, relax and wait your pay-out to be sent to you in the post.

Now, we have many blogs on the basics of marriage tax claims and PPI tax claims, however, we want to use this blog to try and answer some specific questions that you may have when you make a marriage tax claim. One of the biggest ones you may have is whether or not your claim could be affected by your job. The pandemic has seen us all go through some difficult times. Therefore, you may be feeling a little unsure about whether you are employed, are currently furloughed or perhaps are on the hunt for new employment.

Either way, our staff will be here to guide you throughout your claim with expert advice. So, why not get started with your claim today? Click the button below to visit our marriage tax claim page.

Can I make a marriage tax claim during the UK lockdown?

As the UK has just gone into its third lockdown, it is crucial that people stay home as much as they can and only go out for essential travel. This will hopefully prevent Covid-19 from spreading from person to person. Due to this lockdown, a number of non-essential retail providers have been forced to close until the government believes it is safe for them to re-open. This is why you may be wondering how Gowing Law Solicitors is still conducting business. Well, currently, all of our staff and legal specialists have actually been working remotely since April 2020. That’s why you will find that we have experienced no struggles or claims disruptions with this new lockdown. Instead we are focused on helping you sort out your claim to make sure you get a pay-out that you deserve.

How can Gowing Law Solicitors help you?

With that said, another fear you have about the current lockdown is that the lockdown will prevent you from having a valid marriage tax claim. You can’t leave the house and you may have too many private issues that requires more focus than a tax claim. However, if you do have the time to make a tax claim then we recommend that you work with us to make sure that you get a pay-out. Gowing Law Solicitors can keep in contact with you through phone calls, emails and video calls.

If we do require you to sign any paperwork then we can give you social-distancing help to make sure it is handled responsibly. However, for a marriage tax claim, you can rely on your solicitor to do all of the hard work for you. All you need to do is give them a few key details about your marital status and how much you earn/pay in tax and they can go forward with your claim! It’s that simple and only takes a few minutes to fill out marriage tax self-assessment. So, why not get started today? You can relax and stay at home and let our tax specialists do all the hard work to get you your money back.

What is a marriage tax claim all about?

Before we jump into whether or not your job will affect your marriage tax claim, let’s have a brief discussion about the basics of the claim itself. Marriage tax claims are also known as a tax break. Throughout your lives, you and your partner are going to be paying tax each year for public services, any businesses that you own and any additional welfare projects. A marriage tax claim will allow you to transfer over a small portion of your personal savings allowance to your partner (or vice versa) to receive a discount on the tax you pay. It may also entitle you to a refund of any excess tax that you (or your partner) has paid over the last few years.

What could make me eligible for a marriage tax claim?

Before we jump into whether or not your job could affect your marriage tax claim, there is one more thing we need to cover. That is your eligibility to have a successful tax break. There are three criteria that you need to fulfil if you are going have a claim. Keep in mind that you will need to be able to say yes to each of the criteria if you are going to have a valid claim. This includes paying a certain amount of tax.

Check out the infographic below to get an idea of how you could be eligible for a marriage tax claim:

As you can see, the tax you pay does play a big part in whether or not you could make a valid tax claim. The reason why you and your partner need to either pay no tax or basic tax is due to the fact that a PSA transfer needs to happen. The lower earner will most likely have an excess allowance that can be transferred to the basic tax payer, who has not gone over their allowance. The transfer will allow the higher earner to get a discount on their tax. They will even be allowed to backdate their claim for up to 4 years. Take a look below to get an idea of how much you could earn as an overall pay-out:

£212: 2015-2016
£220: 2016-2017
£230: 2017-2018
£238: 2018-2019
£250: 2020-2021

Will my job status affect my marriage tax claim?

Now that you understand a little more about marriage tax claims, it’s important that we go back to the original question that you came to this blog to be answered: Will my job affect my claim? In this case, yes it could.

As you saw before, both you and your partner will need to fall into certain tax brackets. That way you can successfully make the claim. To be more specific, one partner will need to pay basic tax and the other must not be paying tax. That way the PSA transfer can be made without any problems. However, if one of the partners suddenly has a change in income, it is likely that this will change the amount of tax they pay. It is therefore likely that they may no longer be eligible to make a claim.

During this pandemic, many people have unfortunately lost their jobs or have been put on furlough in order to keep them in employment. That is why you may feel unsure about whether or not it is worth making a claim. If you are worried about how your sudden job change may affect your claim, it’s best to ask your legal counsel about it. They can let you know if it’s worth pursuing the claim or if it would be best to cancel it.

What should I do if my job status changes when I make my marriage tax claim?

Don’t panic! The changes may not affect your claim immediately. However it does depend on how far along it has gone. If HMRC has agreed on a pay-out, you will not have anything to worry about. Instead it will be sent out to you as planned. However, if your solicitor is still speaking with HMRC on your behalf and negotiating the pay-out, you may find that it changes depending on which tax bracket you have moved to.

It’s important to tell your solicitor as quickly as possible if your wage or tax bracket changes. This is because it could have an effect on your claim. The faster you tell your lawyer, the faster they can make alterations to your claim or let you know that they can no longer progress with the claim.

Can I make a marriage tax claim if I am self-employed or work on a zero hours contract?

Yes you can! Overall, the amount of wage you and your partner get will affect your eligibility to make a claim. However, if you pay basic tax and your partner does not then you could get a successful tax break. It doesn’t matter the type of job you have. You should be able to get a pay-out, as long as you and your partner fall into one of the tax categories. If you still feel a little uncomfortable about making a claim ask your solicitor for help. They can give you personalized advice. Our solicitors will make you feel comfortable before you decide to move forward with your claim.

Will I be able to make a claim if I am on furlough?

Yes! You should be able to. Although your furlough may have reduced your wage, you are still in employment. You signed a contract that shows how much you should be earning per year. Your claim can be based on your original pay. Therefore you can use your contract to show that you do fall into a certain tax bracket. Our solicitors can then move forward with your claim and work with HMRC on your behalf.

If your wage is constantly changing due to the pandemic, it is also worth bringing this up with your solicitor. You need to be able to prove that you fall into a certain tax bracket. That way you can claim the discount, so inform your lawyer of what is happening to you. They can advise you on the best way to proceed with the claim.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your marriage tax claim

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we want to make sure that you feel comfortable. That way you will feel good about making a marriage tax claim. You may feel uncomfortable due to the pandemic and the lockdown. It’s completely understandable. Everyone has their own personal problems to contend with; that’s why we want to give you peace of mind when it comes to your tax claims. Our solicitors can offer you free advice and consultations to answer all of your questions. If you are happy to work with our lawyers, feel free to let us know! We can offer our legal services on a “no win, no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Therefore, you will always come out on top.

If you are ready to speak to us about your claim, call us today on 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. From there, one of our legal specialists will get in contact with you. This will be as quickly as possible to help you claim your pay-out.

Learn more about marriage tax claims in our blog

Here at Gowing Law, we are extremely proud of our blog. We keep it updated with the latest content about legal claims, UK law and seasonal events. Our law firm’s blog talks about the basics of different tax and personal injury claims. You will find that we also write about important themed day to raise awareness of them. We also add content about our giveaways and firm updates. For instance, recently we have created a brand new set of advertisements. These are for our PPI tax claims and marriage tax claims. If you didn’t catch the advert, you can find it below:

We also write about our latest charity events and our brand ambassador (Michael Owen). Make sure to keep a close eye on our social media. That way you can see our latest giveaways, videos and company updates. You can find links to them at the bottom of this blog.

Gowing Law looks forward to seeing you in our next blog.

Gowing Law Solicitors is open to help you with your compensation claim

Posted on January 14, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, marriage tax, PPI Tax refunds, Uncategorised

Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your compensation claim in 2021! We know that things may seem a little bleak right now, with the pandemic and the changes coming with Brexit, but we are here to help you support you with any type of personal injury claim or tax claim. Right now, you may be feeling a little concerned about your claim, or perhaps cautious about making a claim during the lockdown in general. However, we would say that this is the best time to get in contact with a legal firm about your claim. We will focus entirely on getting you the pay-out that you deserve.

We want to make sure that our clients understand that we are open and ready to move forward with their claims. We’re going to discuss in a little more detail the type of claims we are happy to help you with. Naturally, if you have any questions, feel free to get in contact with our team via our LiveChat or by phoning 0800 041 8350. You can also use our claims checker by pressing the link below:

The UK lockdown & your compensation claim: What do you need to know?

A new strain of Covid-19 from Africa has caused the UK to go into its third lockdown. That means you should not be leaving your home unless the travel is for essential reasons. Now, that may also mean that you are working remotely or have been put on furlough to save you money. If you are asking yourself how Gowing Law Solicitors is still open to help clients with compensation claims, we have actually been working remotely since the start of the pandemic! Ever since the first lockdown, Gowing Law’s staff have been working remotely from their homes. We value their safety as much as we value the safety of our clients. That’s why the introduction of this new lockdown has not impeded any of our cases or services.

Instead, we want to let you know exactly how we can help you with your compensation claim. That way we can give you peace of mind and help you feel more in control of what is happening before you go to court. Take a look at the infographic below to see how we can help:

If you do end up getting Covid-19 during the lockdown, and you have an ongoing case about a personal injury claim or tax claim, it’s important that you inform your solicitor after you’ve taken a test. If you get a positive result, you may need to start making arrangements about delaying or cancelling your case till a later date. However, if you want to continue with it during your self-isolation, you can nominate someone to act on your behalf whilst you’re ill. That way you can rest whilst your case is in good hands. Your lawyer can keep you updated on what is happening with your case and how you can move forward with it.

How will Gowing Law Solicitors adapt to the current lockdown?

We have good news for all of our clients. As of March 2020, Gowing Law’s staff and legal specialists have actually been working remotely! That means they have been spending most of the last year getting used to handling claims from home. We are proud that this means that during the third lockdown, our staff have already got used to working remotely. That means they can handle your legal claims as efficiently as they did when they were working in the office. We want to put you at ease that even if we cannot leave our homes (unless for essential travel), if you have suffered from a personal injury claim, or perhaps are considering making a tax claim, Gowing Law will have your back.

Our legal specialists can offer you free advice and consultations if you aren’t sure about making a claim. They can put you at ease and make sure to do the hard work when it comes to getting your claim off the ground. That way you can feel safe in your home whilst your claim is being taken care of by a law expert.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with your personal injury compensation claim

As we are currently open for business, we want our clients to know that we can still help them with their personal injury compensation claim. You may feel like you can’t do anything whilst we are all under lockdown. But quite honestly, we can help you with your claim, just as we would do if we were not going through a pandemic. The success of a personal injury claim does depend on the extent of your evidence, however this can still be collected.

With any sort of personal injury compensation claim, the extent of your pay-out depends entirely on the negligence of the person responsible. If you went to a public area (like a shop) and you got hurt due to the negligence of the owner or employees, it shows that they broke their “duty of care” towards you and your well-being. The severity of your injuries, and how they may have an affect on your life in the future, will determine the amount of compensation that you receive from the other client. If you get a medical report to show the extent of your injuries, and any additional damages you have, this could get you a high pay-out when a settlement agreement is decided.

Gowing Law’s Solicitors can help you with any type of personal injury compensation claim. Whether it is only a minor injury or it has had life changing consequences, our lawyers can give you the best advice possible and make sure that a remote hearing is scheduled to get you the help that you need to recover.

Our law firm also can help with tax claims!

During 2021, Gowing Law Solicitors was focused on helping our clients receive successful PPI tax pay-outs and marriage tax pay-out. For PPI tax pay-outs alone, we managed to get our clients around £10,000 in rebates. That’s why we want to extend upon these fantastic results in the new year. For marriage tax, around 50% of couples don’t even realize that they could make a claim! That’s why we are determined to bring awareness of both these tax categories. Our tax specialists know exactly how to get our clients a large pay-out and discount on future tax, depending on the type of claim they make. We can work with HMRC on their behalf and make sure no small mistakes are made that could invalidate the claim. We are here to support and guide all of our clients through difficult legal claims.

PPI Tax Claims: What are they all about?

PPI stands for “payment protection insurance”. Initially, it was created as a safety net in order to protect people who couldn’t pay back financial agreements. This included as credit cards and loans. Unfortunately, it ended up being mis-sold to a lot of people who did not need it. For instance, people may not have even realized they needed it or it could have been automatically included in the bank’s payment plan. As it was mis-sold, HMRC issued a pay-out to those who had bought it. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, not all of the money was returned. Instead, it was taken away as tax. This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to get you a valid PPI tax pay-out.

Your PPI pay-out is made up of three things:

The amount you paid for PPI
A return on any interest the bank added to your PPI payments
A statutory interest of 8%

The statutory interest can be taxed. Therefore, around 20% of your overall pay-out may have been taken away from you. Gowing Law Solicitors can help you get this tax back. We can work on your behalf with HMRC to ensure you get a full pay-out.

To make things even easier, Gowing Law Solicitors has created a helpful self-assessment form that only takes a few minutes to fill out. It asks you the basics so our solicitors can understand whether or not you’re eligible for a claim. That way, you don’t waste time and we can jump straight into getting you the pay-out you deserve. Click the link below to get started:

Marriage Tax Claims: What do you need to know?

Marriage tax claims are our latest endeavor when it comes to getting you a valid pay-out. Did you know that 50% of couples of around the country could be eligible for a tax break? However they don’t even know about it! Well, a marriage tax claim can get you a discount on your tax. It can also get you a pay-out of the excess tax you have paid over the last four years. If you’re interested in finding out if you are eligible for this type of claim, there are three criteria you and your partner have to fulfil first. These are:

You are married or in a civil partnership
One partner earns under £12,000 and does not pay tax
One partner earns over £12,500 and pays basic tax

If you hit all of these criteria, we can happily say that you are eligible to make a claim. The best part about these claims is that you can backdate them over the last four years. That means you could be eligible for a refund in more than just this year’s tax excess. You could backdate it further. Have a look at how much you could potentially claim below for each year:

2015-2016: £212
2016-2017: £220
2017-2018: £230
2018-2019: £238
2020-2021: £250

Just like our PPI Tax Claims page, we have also created a simple self-assessment form to start you on your journey. Our tax specialists can then work with you and contact HMRC on your behalf to get your claim sorted. Click the link below to visit our marriage tax claim form:

Keep an eye on our social media and our blogs over 2021!

Over the last year, Gowing Law Solicitors has done its best to keep its blog updated. This is with the latest news and informative content to entertain and inform our clients. Not only did we provide our clients updates about how Gowing Law was doing with different claims and changes throughout the pandemic, but we also wanted to try and make things more entertaining for you. That’s why we hosted various competitions and giveaways. We are planning on doing the same thing in the new year. So, make sure to keep an eye out on our blog, Twitter and Facebook to see what the latest is with our law firm. We have just finished our Christmas decorations competition! So, hopefully our next giveaway will also have a successful turnout. Visit our social media below and make sure to follow our pages:

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors about your compensation claim today

Even though the UK is going through its third lockdown, we want to let our clients know that we are still here to support them. We are determined to help with any sort of compensation claim. Our specialists can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you’re happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will not need to pay any hidden fees. We can also work with you from the comfort of your home. That way you can keep safe and rely on us to get your compensation to you in a timely manner.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by messaging our LiveChat. One of our specialists will then get in contact as soon as possible to discuss your compensation claim. Feel free to ask them any questions that you have about moving forward!

Learn more about compensation claims

Whether you are interested in personal injury claims or tax claims, our blog is the best place to visit to get more informed about UK claims law. We update our blog every week with new content so you can feel comfortable understanding the basics of your claim. If you cannot find a topic that will answer your questions, feel free to write in to info@gowinglaw.co.uk to make a suggestion. We would be more than happy to talk about any questions you may have. Make sure to also follow our social media to see our latest informative mini videos. You can also see the latest updates about our company.

Will my personal injury claim be affected by the UK lockdown?

Posted on January 8, 2021 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised

A personal injury claim can help you feel more in control of your life. You have suffered from a serious accident that has left you feeling vulnerable and wounded. That’s why getting the compensation that you deserve can allow you to start the recovery process. You have time to settle what has happened to you. A successful claim will also give you some additional funds to give yourself the time to heal. However, with the current pandemic, the UK court system has been forced to slow down and focus on remote hearings to keep up with the amount of cases there are.

The UK has just entered into its third lockdown and you may feel as if claiming for a personal injury is just too much to handle. That’s why Gowing Law is here to help you during this difficult time. All of our staff are working remotely, but we can still help you get the compensation you deserve.

We understand you may be feeling a bit nervous because of how the pandemic is being handled. You don’t want to put yourself at risk, especially if you have already been hurt in an accident. But we will make sure that your personal injury claim is handled by an experienced team of personal injury claim solicitors. To find out more, why not visit our personal injury page? Click the button to find out how we can help you!

What is happening right now with the UK lockdown?

As we have entered 2021, a new strain of Covid-19 has been detected in London that has travelled from Africa. Now, several mutations of Covid-19 have been detected around the world. Normally, this would not be worrying, as mutation of the virus is quite natural. However, this variant seems to have a faster transmission rate. That means that it’s more likely to be passed on from person to person.

That is why the UK government has decided to move from placing cities into Tier 4 to a full National Lockdown. That means that there are strict rules in place that advise people to stay at home and not go out unless there is an essential reason behind the trip. Here are a few rules that you will need to stick to through until the national lockdown has ended:

In order to lower the spread of Covid-19, it is essential that these rules are followed appropriately. Many people have already had the virus themselves and may feel as if they were put at risk by their employer or by other facilities that did not implement social distancing regulations. That’s why it’s more essential than ever to make sure that you are safe and secure in your own home. However, Gowing Law Solicitors is still going to be available to help you with any personal injury claims. Take a look at the video so you can see how we can help you, even if we are currently in lockdown.

What could slow down my personal injury claim?

Now, if we are going to be realistic, the main problem that is going to come out of the current lockdown are the delays with your case. Even though the staff of Gowing Law Solicitors are working remotely, they will still be here to answer all of your questions and remotely support you through your personal injury claim. However, the current lockdown may mean that cases are going to be delayed. Already, the UK court system has experienced delays due to the courts being shut down. That means that there has been a lot of backlog already that has caused issues with compensation pay-outs.

Despite this, Gowing Law is still working hard to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. We are currently focused on getting you a successful PPI Tax Claim and Marriage Tax Claim. We can work with HMRC on your behalf. That way you will be able to remain at home whilst our solicitors do the hard work.

There may be some delays with your claim, especially if you get sick or your court date is moved, but our solicitors will still make sure that you get the support you need during this difficult time.

The medical impact: Compensation claims & Delays

Another problem that may come from the pandemic is that you may struggle to get medical evidence during this time. The NHS is currently focusing on Covid-19 patients. Therefore, getting a medical record to prove that you were injured may take longer than you imagined.

However, another thing you may experience is that the amount you could claim for may be increased. The delays you experience could worsen your injuries, such as medical negligence injuries that were not treated because of surgery date changes. However, you could also claim for emotional damages that you experienced whilst you were forced to endure whilst waiting to receive psychological help. You may even struggle to collect your medication due to the fact that you are self-isolating. This could have made your condition worse. Keep that in mind when you consider what you are going to claim for. The amount you get as compensation may increase.

What should I do if I get Covid-19 when I am making a claim?

If you do end up catching Covid-19 whilst you are trying to make a claim, one of the most important things that you need to do is not to leave your home. You need to keep socially distanced from people until you get better. That is why our solicitors can work with you remotely to ensure that you do not need to stress about claiming your compensation. They can speak to you over the phone and ensure that all the finer details are settled about your case. They can work with people you nominate to help out with your case or simply speak to you remotely to ensure that you are never out of the loop.

Just to give you a brief idea of what you should do if you catch Covid-19, here is a helpful infographic to give you some instructions on how to keep up with your claim:

The Basics of Covid-19 and personal injury claims

Once you have received a positive test for Covid-19, it’s important that you get in contact with your solicitor as soon as possible. Being ill could impact or delay your case. That’s why you may want to let your solicitor know that you are interested in either postponing it or moving it to a different date. You could also nominate someone to work on your behalf with your solicitor to ensure that no delays are made to your claim during your recovery.

When your lawyer knows that you are ill with Covid-19, they will do their best to work around you and make sure you are always informed. They can work on your behalf to ensure all preparations are made for any settlement agreements. You can also ask them to send you important documents and your opinion on how you want to move forward with your case. Your solicitor will still give you the best advice possible through calls, video calls and emails. Just take your case at your own pace, your lawyer will support you the best that they can.

Covid-19 Compensation: Is it a real thing?

With all of this talk of Covid-19 and the lockdown, one of the things that people may be wondering about is about whether or not you could get compensation for actually catching Covid-19. For those who have suffered from a public accident or an accident at work, they believe that they caught it from unclean conditions in public areas, or the lack of social-distancing within the environment.

Now, the main thing we need to understand is that for public environments, people do have a choice about whether or not they want to wish them. For instance, before the lockdown, it was a person’s choice to go out to an entertainment venue or a shop. Therefore, it could be said that they put themselves at risk. However, for those who were forced to go into certain environments (i.e. work environments) and may have come in contact with asymptomatic Covid-19, or people who were sick, they may have caught it due to the negligence of a business owner, their employer or local government. This is where you may have a valid claim for compensation.

What should I do if I want to know more about Covid-19 compensation?

Covid-19 compensation is a very new area for lawyers around the UK. Therefore, we would recommend that you speak to one of our solicitors to get started. They can update you with the latest legal advice and whether or not you have a valid claim.

Can I still make a personal injury claim during the pandemic?

You can! Ultimately, the amount of personal injury claims being made has gone down in the pandemic. This is because of the lockdowns and tier rules making it unnecessary to go to public areas or visit places via a vehicle. However, if you have been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you can still make a claim. Gowing Law Solicitors can help you get the compensation that you deserve. This includes helping you get a pay-out for marriage tax claims and PPI tax claims. Click on them below to learn more:

If you want to make a personal injury claim, keep in mind that there may be delays due to the current lockdown. For instance, you may find it harder to get your medical records from a doctor. However, if you do want continue with your claim, it is essential that you collect evidence to prove you were injured due to someone else’s negligence. This includes:

Photographs of your injuries, the environment or any damaged equipment
Videos/CCTV/ Dash-cam footage of the injuries, the accident or the environment
Medical records
Police records
Work accident book references
Diary entries
Witness statements

Once you have collected your evidence, your solicitor can help you consider whether or not you could be eligible for a claim. If you are eligible, they will recommend that you sit down with them, the other party and their insurer via a video call about compensation. If the other party refuses then you can start taking steps with your solicitor to take the claim to court.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your personal injury claim

We understand that the current UK lockdown can leave you feeling daunted or hopeless. It is like the pandemic is never-ending. You may also feel like there isn’t a point to start making a personal injury claim if we are all locked down. However, we can assure you that this is the time to get the compensation that you deserved. Our experienced solicitors are here to help you. They will dedicate their time to your case and help you get a pay-out that can give you peace of mind.

Start off your case by speaking to our lawyers for advice and free consultations. We offer non-obligation advice. That way you can figure out whether or not you want to move forward with your claim. If you are happy to work with our Manchester solicitors. They can offer their services on a “no win- no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top as you will not need to pay any hidden fees. You will only need to pay our solicitors if you win your case.

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. You can also get to us quickly by using our LiveChat. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions. One of our specialists will be in contact with you as quickly as possible to give you the best advice.

The top ten things you need to know about firework safety

Posted on November 5, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Seasonal, Uncategorised

Firework safety is essential if you are going to avoid any personal injuries on Bonfire Night. Whilst things are going to be very different this year, due to Covid-19 and social-distancing, if you do decide to use fireworks in private then it is essential for you to understand how to operate them safely. That way you can avoid getting hurt or unintentionally injuring someone else and getting yourself involved in a personal injury claim.

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that personal injuries can seriously affect your life. Not only can it impact you physically, but your emotional health and confidence. That’s why if you do end up getting hurt due to someone else’s negligence, Gowing Law will be here to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. Check out our public accidents page below to learn more.

Fireworks Night, Firework Safety & Covid-19: A Warning

Right now, holidays and seasonal events are going to be very different to the usual. This is because the UK is going into a second lockdown and so you should not meet up with anyone outside of your own personal household/bubble. That means that it’s very unlikely that there are going to be any public firework displays that groups of people can attend. It also means that you can’t meet up with people in order to have a private fireworks display. Unfortunately, the majority of these types of events are going to be cancelled.

If you are going to hold your own personal fireworks display, you have to understand that if you do end up getting hurt because of your own negligence then you will not be able to ask for compensation. You did not follow firework safety regulations. The only way you could do this is through your own home insurance if the fireworks were set off or you were injured on your own property. Keep this in mind when you think about celebrating Bonfire Night this time of year. It may just be worth staying inside and keeping out of the cold. That way you can keep safe and not suffer from any potential third-degree burns.

Firework Safety: What sort of personal injuries could I suffer from?

When it comes to firework related injuries, one of the most common ways that you could get hurt is on your hands. Think about it this way, you are using your hands to set off fireworks and to hold sparklers. That means that if you are not wearing gloves or something that can protect your skin, it is more likely that you will suffer from burns on your hands, fingers or palms. If you do not go to hospital then this will increase the likelihood that you will suffer from scars or infections. Without the use of your hands then you may struggle to do daily tasks or even do your normal work-day tasks.

Although your hands are the most common areas to get injured by fireworks, there are some other types of injuries that you could suffer from as well. Take a look at the infographic below to get a sense of where else you could get hurt.

If you have suffered from a personal injury due to fireworks, then you should go to hospital as quickly as possible. You don’t want your injuries to get any worse and you should always have them checked out by a professional. That way you can make sure that you can get a medical report, as well as a doctor’s note if your injuries are so severe that you need to take time off work in order to recover.

Firework Safety: What you need to know!

If you’re going to use fireworks on bonfire night then you will need to do it safely. We would recommend that you do not use fireworks unless you have been trained, however we understand if you want to do it at home in order to have a private event for you and your household. In normal circumstances, the safest option for you to enjoy fireworks would be to go out to a public event. But as you want to keep safe and in your own private social bubble, it is understandable that you may want to host your own smaller event.

That’s why below you will be able to find the top ten safety tips that will make sure that you and your family are safe on Bonfire Night.

1. Plan where you are going to have your fireworks display

Outside of Bonfire Night, you will find that there is actually a curfew that you will need to adhere to if you decide to put on a firework’s display. Normally, it is illegal to put on a show between 11 pm – 7 am. On Bonfire night, this curfew will extend to 12 am. However, with the second lockdown, things are naturally going to be different. You can only use category 2-3 fireworks. Category 4 fireworks must solely be used by professionals. But you must still speak with your local council to make sure that it is legal to put on your show.

Make sure to pick a spot that is large enough to sustain a firework’s show. You need to be able to maintain a safe distance from the actual fireworks to make sure that no fire or sparks hurt the watchers. If you do decide to light the fireworks in your own back garden, you have to make sure that there is enough space for them to go off in the sky without the sparks affecting foliage or perhaps hitting someone else’s property. On the other hand, if you want to do it in a public area, you will need to get permission to ensure that your private event can be entirely legalized.

2. Only use professionally created fireworks

For the purposes of firework safety, professional fireworks have the mark ”CE” to ensure that people can use them without them malfunctioning or exploding without taking off. They should come in a closed boxed without the cello tape and cover being tampered with. When you use them then you should only use one at a time to ensure that you can fully focus on the product and make sure it is completely safe to go off. Using multiple products at one time could distract you. It means that you cannot control their direction, speed and explosion. Focus on one and make sure you know how you are going to set it off and where it is going to land.

3. Always follow the firework safety instructions

If you really want to adhere to firework safety, the best thing that you can do is stick to the instructions on the packet. The makers know how the product should be handled, therefore if you read them carefully you should be able to keep safe. Have a look at the instructions during the day time, so you have enough light to read them, and mentally prepare for the evening. You should never read the products by a naked flame, however you can also use a torch.

In some cases, you may find that the product instructions may either be very hard to read, or potentially carry misleading instructions. If you do suffer a personal injury due to a faulty product, this could be means enough for a compensation claim. However, you will need to prove how the product was faulty and provide evidence to back up your claim. This includes:

Photographs
Videos
Witness Statements
Medical Reports
Police Reports
Diary Entries
Financial Receipts

Naturally, you won’t be able to find all of these pieces of evidence. However, we would recommend that you do keep the box packaging of fireworks in order to prove how they were faulty and that the instructions were inaccurate. That’s going to be a major piece of evidence that shows that you were sold a faulty product and were a victim of negligence.

4. Light the fireworks at a safe distance

Firework safety is all about lighting a firework at a safe distance. Each firework will have a lighter (aka. a string) which can be lit in order to start the chemical process. You should light your firework with a taper at an arm’s length to make sure that you are not burned. Once you have lit the firework make sure to stand well back to make sure that you are not hit by any stray sparks, smoke or noxious gases. If you do all this, you should be able to light a firework without getting burned or hurt in the process.

5. Keep naked flames away from the fireworks

Naturally, if you don’t intend to have a firework set off, then it is logical to keep it away from an open-flame. Lighting cigarettes, candles or anything that requires fire near a firework could accidently set it off if it sparks. If you do not have the firework set up appropriately from people, or it is still lying on the ground and it is accidently lit, people could end up getting hurt or things could get set on fire. Make sure to keep your fireworks in a place where they will not get wet or accidently set off.

6. Make sure to wear the right PPE when handling fireworks

If you are going to try and light a firework, you should never do this without wearing appropriate safety gear. Whilst this seems fairly obvious, but people do sometimes handle these types of explosives with their bare hands! This could potentially mean that they get burns and eventual scars. Try to find some non-flammable gloves that can protect your fingers and palms. You can also consider wearing goggles to protect your eyes or a mask if you are worried about any toxic fumes. It’s always better to be over-protected than handling a naked flame without any safety gear. That way you can always adhere to firework safety instructions.

7. Never put fireworks in your pockets

Now, this is fairly obvious, but honestly we think it’s important that you keep your fireworks in an open environment. Even if you are just intending to use sparklers on Bonfire Night, if you put them in your pocket then you will find that they could catch fire and burn you or set your clothes alight. Whilst this might sound pedantic, it’s always safer to keep your fireworks out in the open. That way if they do end up accidently setting on fire, you will be out of harm’s way. Always set off fireworks at a safe distance from yourself and from other people.

8. Do not drink and handle fireworks

When we think about firework safety, we are talking about handling an explosive object that could cause personal injuries. That’s why you need to be fully focused and in your right mind if you are planning on hosting a fireworks event. It can be tempting to drink alcohol since you are going to be at a social event. However, if you do end up getting hurt because of a mishandled fireworks, the odds will not be in your favour if they prove that you were drunk during the fireworks event. It could mean that there is a case against you that proves you were negligent. You got drunk knowing that it could affect your senses, therefore it is your own responsibility that you got hurt.

If you are going to drink then do not handle fireworks, it’s that simple!

9. Do not return previously lit fireworks

Even if a firework hasn’t gone off, one of the worst things that you can do is repackage it. Never take it back to the shop and act as if you did not use the product. A used firework, even if it does not explode, is still a used firework. It has the potential to explode at any given time. That means that it’s very likely that it’s going to go off inside of a packet next to other fireworks. This could cause a massive explosion inside of a store and end up getting people hurt. This could mean that you are liable for a public accident claim. You were irresponsible when you gave back the fireworks after they had been used.

If a fire work does not go off after you have lit it, you should leave the product overnight. Then you should soak it in water to ensure that all of the sparks have been put out. If you are using larger fireworks, you may also want put a warning out for the public. You can also tape it off so people know not to go near it.

10. Make sure the fireworks are completely out before you leave.

It’s important to make sure that your fireworks are completely dead before you leave. If you have decided to use a public space, make sure to check them out. You should then submerge them in water if they are still sparking. You should also ensure that the surroundings are completely safe before you leave the environment. The last thing you want to happen is that the product re-sparks and a fire happens. If you are worried about a potential fire happening from one of your fireworks, you should contact your local authorities. That way they can be disposed of appropriately.

If you want to make sure that everything is okay, come back to the area in the morning. They should be completely dead by then. You can also get rid of the remains of the fireworks to make sure that no one else encounters them.

Gowing Law can help if you have a personal injury claim

Gowing Law will be here to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve if you are hurt. Our specialists are here to speak to you and give you free advice to get started. They can also see you for a free consultation. If you are happy with their advice, you can then work with them on a “no win-no fee” basis. This means you will always come out on top and will not have to pay any hidden fees.

Contact Gowing Law today by ringing 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. From there, our experienced lawyers will get in contact with you to talk you through your case. Let them know if you have any questions! You can also use our LiveChat if you need to talk to someone quickly.

Learn more from our blog

Here at Gowing Law, we always keep our blog updated with the latest content. Whether it is seasonal legal matters or personal injury claims, we will always talk about it in our blog. Make sure to keep an eye on our blog to see what new blogs could interest you. If you cannot find a topic that could answer your questions, why not let us know? We would be more than happy to write about your suggestions. Send them into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. Make sure to also keep up with Gowing Law’s socials. That way you can see if there any current competitions or giveaways going on.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog.

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