Personal Injury

If you have been left with an injury as a result of another person or organisation’s negligence, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. The expert accident injury solicitors at Clough & Willis can help guide you through this process and maximise your chances of a successful claim.

We offer a range of services and legal representation for those making personal injury compensation claims, including those who have suffered a car accident or an accident at work. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, we can offer tailored and sensitive legal support at what will likely be a stressful time for you, making the personal injury claims process as straightforward as possible.

To discuss your personal injury claim with our specialist accident solicitors in a no-obligation chat, contact Clough & Willis today by calling 0800 083 0815, or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back at a time that suits you.

How we can help

We employ an experienced team of personal injury claim solicitors based in Bury and Bolton, led by our head of litigation Chris Macwilliam.

We have helped many individuals to claim compensation following an injury and are dedicated to providing an excellent service in a friendly and approachable manner.

If you have sustained an injury in an incident that was not your fault, we will assess your case and advise you on the claims process. Whether you are seeking compensation for a head injury, car accident or an accident at work, we will identify the responsible party and build the strongest possible case to help you achieve a positive outcome.

By working with a trustworthy, experienced and specialist personal injury solicitor - such as those at Clough & Willis - you can be confident that you have a legal expert at your back who will work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve, offering support every step of the way to help you concentrate fully on your recovery.

Our services

The personal injury claim solicitors at Clough & Willis can provide legal support and guidance on a wide range of personal injury cases, with service areas including:

• Accidents at work
• Bicycle accidents
• Criminal assault
• Dog bites
• Fatalities
• Head injuries
• Holiday accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Motoring accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Road traffic accidents
• Slips, trips and falls
• Spinal injuries

This list is not exhaustive - your personal injury lawyer will be happy to discuss your circumstances and provide legal support even if the personal injury you suffered is not included above.

Why claim for personal injury compensation?

Sustaining a personal injury, whether minor or severe, can have lasting repercussions on your day-to-day quality of life and your ability to work. Making a personal injury compensation claim can help you return to as normal a life as possible following an accident, and reimburse some of the money you may have lost through loss of earnings and other expenses.

Money won as part of your personal injury claim could be used to cover:

• Loss of earnings and pension funds
• Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
• The cost of care and rehabilitation services
•  Any home improvements or specialist medical equipment required as a result of your injury

What is the process of making a personal injury claim?

Making a personal injury claim can seem complex, but we can make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Here's a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Initial consultation: contact us to arrange an initial consultation, during which we will discuss the details of your case, assess the chances of success and explain what you can expect from making a claim.
2. Gathering evidence: we will begin investigating your claim, gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, photographs and any other relevant documentation.
3. Notification: once we have compiled your evidence and built a strong argument, we will notify the responsible party of your claim, outlining the details of the case. They will have a set period to respond, either accepting or denying liability.
4. Negotiation: if the other party accepts their liability, we will negotiate with them or their insurers to reach a fair settlement for you. This may involve several rounds of negotiation.
5. Court proceedings: if a settlement cannot be reached or if they deny liability, it may be necessary to take the case to court. Most personal injury claims are settled during the negotiation stages so it is rare that this will happen. However, our experienced personal injury solicitors stand ready to represent your interests and rights in court.
6. Settlement: if a settlement is reached, the claim concludes and you will receive your compensation. We will make sure the other parties meet their obligations and that you get your compensation payout.

We understand that every personal injury claim is unique and we tailor our approach to suit your individual needs and circumstances. Our experienced team of solicitors will guide you through each step of the process, keeping you informed and supported throughout.

How much compensation could I get for a successful personal injury compensation claim?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a successful personal injury claim depends on various factors and can vary widely from case to case. Compensation is typically divided into two main categories:

• General damages compensate for the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of your injury. The amount is determined by the severity and nature of your injury, the recovery time and the long-term impact on your life.
• Special damages cover the financial losses and expenses you have incurred as a result of the injury. This can include medical expenses, loss of earnings, travel costs and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury.

Every personal injury case is unique so providing an exact compensation figure without a detailed assessment is impossible. To learn more, call us today to discuss your specific situation. We are here to provide you with the personalised guidance and support you need to pursue your claim.

What is the time limit for making a personal injury claim?

In England and Wales, most personal injury claims must be made within three years of the date of the accident. If you do not make your claim within this period, it is likely to be rejected.

However, there are some exceptions to this. If the injured party is aged under 18, then the three-year time limit starts from their 18th birthday. Additionally, if the negative health consequences of an accident are not immediately obvious, then the limitation period will begin from the point that you became aware that something was wrong.

If the accident happened abroad, different time limits will also apply, depending on local laws. If you feel unsure about any of the issues relating to time limits on personal injury claims, it is essential to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible to minimise the risk of missing the deadline.

Can I make a no win, no fee personal injury claim?

We approach all of our personal injury claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means if your claim is not successful, you will not have to pay any legal fees to us. Our expert team of solicitors will assess your case and advise you on its chances of success and the amount of compensation you may be able to claim, ensuring that you understand what to expect from the process.

The no win, no fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), allows you to pursue a personal injury claim without the worry of upfront costs. It ensures that you have access to legal representation, regardless of your financial situation.

At Clough & Willis, we are committed to providing transparent and professional legal services. We will guide you through every step of the process, keeping you informed and supported. If you believe you have a valid personal injury claim and would like to discuss it with our team, contact us today.

FAQs about personal injury claims

What will your solicitor expect from you when making a personal injury claim?

When making a personal injury claim with Clough & Willis, our solicitors will work closely with you to ensure the best possible outcome. To be able to achieve this, here's what we generally expect from our clients:

• Honesty and transparency: provide a clear and truthful account of the incident, your injuries and any related expenses. Any inconsistencies or inaccuracies can harm your claim.
• Relevant documentation: where we need you to, supply all necessary documents, such as medical records, photographs, witness statements and any other evidence that supports your claim.
• Cooperation: work closely with your solicitor, responding promptly to requests for information, attending scheduled meetings and following their advice and guidance.
• Medical examination: you will be required to undergo a medical examination by an independent expert to assess the extent of your injuries. This examination is crucial in determining the value of your claim.
• Communication: keep your solicitor informed of any changes in your circumstances, such as improvements or deteriorations in your condition, changes in employment or additional expenses related to your injury.
• Understanding of the process: be patient and understand that legal proceedings can take time. Your solicitor will keep you informed of progress and any significant developments.
• Financial information: provide details of any financial losses or expenses incurred as a result of the injury, such as loss of earnings, medical bills or travel costs.

Can you take over from my current solicitors?

If you are unhappy with the service provided by your current solicitors, Clough & Willis can take over the handling of your personal injury claim. We understand that changing solicitors can be a significant decision, and we will make the process as smooth as possible.

We will begin by reviewing your case and discussing your concerns with you. If you decide to proceed, we will handle all the necessary paperwork and communication with your current solicitors to ensure a seamless transition.

Our experienced team of solicitors is committed to providing you with the professional and personalised service you deserve. If you have any questions or would like to discuss transferring your claim to Clough & Willis, do not hesitate to contact us.

Will my personal injury claim go to court?

While it is possible for a personal injury claim to go to court, the majority of claims are settled before reaching that stage. Our personal injury solicitors make every effort to negotiate a fair settlement with the responsible party or their insurers, without the need for court proceedings.

However, if a settlement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to take the case to court. If this happens, our experienced team of solicitors will guide you through the process, ensuring that you are fully prepared and supported throughout. We will provide clear advice and representation, working diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.

It is important to note that even if court proceedings are initiated, a settlement can still be reached at any point before the trial.

Is personal injury compensation taxable?

Personal injury compensation is generally not subject to tax. You should not have to pay Income Tax (IHT), Capital Gains Tax or any other taxes on the compensation you receive for your personal injury claim. This applies to both general and special damages.

Can I still make a personal injury claim if the accident was partially my fault?

You can still make a personal injury claim even if you were partly at fault for the accident. This is known as contributory negligence and it doesn't necessarily prevent you from seeking compensation.

In cases where both parties share some responsibility for the accident, the compensation may be reduced to reflect the degree to which you were at fault. For example, if it is determined that you were 25% responsible for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by that same percentage.

It is essential to provide a full and honest account of the circumstances surrounding the accident, even if you believe you were partly to blame. This allows us to provide you with accurate advice and representation and prevents issues from arising later down the line.

Contact Clough & Willis

Find out more about making a personal injury compensation claim by getting in touch with Clough & Willis today. Our offices in Bury and Bolton are easily accessible, and we are ready to provide you with the easy-to-understand advice and high-quality representation you need.

Give our personal injury lawyers a call on 0800 083 0815, or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.