We see the headlines in the papers almost every day, people injured in car accidents, industrial accidents or hazards on the street or in a shop. The medical care necessary to help patients recover from these injuries can be extensive and expensive and personal savings or medical cover may not compensate the injured person for all the costs incurred, especially if a chronic condition results from the injury. In these cases a personal injury claim may be the vehicle required to reclaim the losses involved.

Personal injury claims can be complicated, as they often involve multiple parties. Engaging the services of a solicitor is often the only sure way to successfully navigate the personal injury claims process, but do ensure you choose someone who is a member of the Law Society. There are online and toll-free telephone services that can refer you to a solicitor in your area and many of them offer a free consultation to establish the facts of the claim.

You can make the claims process smoother for yourself and your solicitor by providing clear details of the incident, including the date and location and the names and contact information of any witnesses. Your solicitor will also require comprehensive information regarding any injuries you and other parties have sustained, including the medical diagnosis and treatment, if any. Your standing in a trade union may entitle you to free or reduced legal services and your solicitor will want to know if this applies in your case. Information will have to be provided on your earnings, including lost time and wages; any insurance policies and any prior claims, whether you think they are related to your current claim or not.

Personal injury claims can be handled on a fee-for-service scheme, whereby you pay for the services of the solicitor as the claim proceeds. They can also be paid on a no-win-no-fee scheme, which means the solicitor only receives payment if the claim is successful. Not every solicitor operates on a no-win-no-fee basis, so be sure to ask about this up front if you wish to take advantage of this scheme.

Interview at least three solicitors before choosing the one for you. The claims process can be a long and arduous one and you want someone with whom you can maintain a good working relationship. Start with a referral from a no-fee personal injury service; remember referrals from the garage where your vehicle was repaired or from your insurance company are often compensated and may not be strictly in your best interest. You may choose to start instead with a referral from the Law Society or other non-profit agency, which will not have a monetary incentive to steer you in a particular direction.

Ask questions when you interview the solicitors, such as how long they have been practising, what percentage of their work involves personal injury claims and what their success ratio is. Also ask about methods of communication and the solicitor’s privacy policy; does he or she sell client lists to a third party, such as an individual, group, agency or organisation. Only when you are fully satisfied should you select the solicitor with whom you will work.