Every claim for compensation is individual, and there’s clearly a world of difference between claiming for a case of whiplash, and seeking compensation for the loss of a limb. What all claims do share, however, is an adherence to certain basic principles. The first of these is that you sustained injury as the result of an accident. The second principle central to any compensation claim is that the accident in question wasn’t your fault. If you tripped over loose wiring in a factory, for example, and injured yourself in the fall, then it’s the fault of the factory owners for failing to make the loose wires safe.
The compensation you receive shouldn’t be thought of as some kind of reward, nor as a ‘punishment’ for the responsible party. It’s actually just a question of basic fairness – you’ve suffered as the result of a fall, experiencing pain, distress and a possible curtailment of your social and working life, as well as undergoing direct financial losses, and the money you receive will play some small part in redressing the balance.
Putting a successful case together is something which requires expert knowledge and a degree of experience. An injury lawyer with years of experience will know how to go about doing this and will ensure that you provide the kind of detail necessary. The more information you can provide, the stronger your claim will be, so in the immediate aftermath of a fall try to do the following:
- Seek medical help – call an ambulance or visit a doctor. It will ensure that any injuries are spotted and dealt with as well as providing a record for evidential purposes.
- Make a note of when and where the accident happened.
- If possible, take a photograph of whatever it was that caused the fall. If you can’t do this immediately, return and do it as soon as possible.
- Take the details of any witnesses to the accident.
- If it’s at work, put it into the accident book.
- Inform the responsible party.
- Keep a note of any symptoms as they develop.
- Keep all receipts for any money you need to spend.
The more information you can provide, the stronger the case your lawyer will build and the greater the probability of you receiving the compensation which will enable you to get on with your life.
