Personal Injury

If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim. The experienced personal injury solicitors at Clough & Willis offer clear, practical advice and support throughout the personal injury claims process.

We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including injuries suffered in road traffic accidents, accidents at work, public liability claims and other incidents where another party was at fault for your accident. Whether you have suffered a minor injury or a life-changing injury, our team is here to help you claim compensation.

Our experienced legal experts understand how a personal injury claim can affect your quality of life and your financial situation. If you are unsure about the strength of your case, we can provide personal injury claims advice with no obligation. All our claims are handled under a conditional fee agreement, also known as a no win, no fee agreement, so there is no financial risk to starting a claim.

To speak to our team for personal injury claims advice, call Clough & Willis on 0800 083 0815 or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.

Why choose Clough & Willis?

Our team of specialist personal injury solicitors, led by head of litigation Chris Macwilliam, supports clients across Bury, Bolton and the surrounding areas. We offer no win, no fee representation, so you will not have to pay legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.

We provide advice on your eligibility to make a personal injury claim, help you gather evidence and medical records and work to secure the highest compensation settlement available. If liability is disputed or a fair offer is not made, we will prepare your case for a court hearing and represent your interests fully.

We handle personal injury claims involving both physical and psychological injuries, and are experienced in cases involving multiple parties, insurers, or disputes over causation. We can also assist by preparing you for interviews, arranging for witness statements, and requesting expert reports where technical issues or serious injury are involved.

By working with a trustworthy, experienced and specialist personal injury solicitor from Clough & Willis, you can be confident that you have a legal expert at your back who will work tirelessly to make sure you get the compensation you deserve, so you can concentrate fully on your recovery.

Our personal injury services

We can help with the following types of personal injury compensation claims:

• 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

Even if your accident is not listed above, please contact us to discuss your situation. Our personal injury specialists will assess your case and advise on the next steps.

What compensation covers

A successful personal injury claim can help you recover both general damages and special damages:

• General damages compensate for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
• Special damages cover financial losses including lost earnings, travel to medical appointments, costs of medical care, ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, interim payments, and necessary adaptations or equipment.

You may also be able to claim for support services and other benefits required due to your injury. The total compensation amount depends on your circumstances and the severity of the injuries suffered.

We will also advise on whether there is scope to claim for future financial losses, ongoing treatment costs or delayed access to medical services that prolong recovery. In some cases, an early interim payment may help cover costs while the full claim is being processed.

The personal injury claims process

The process to claim compensation typically includes:

1. Initial consultation: We assess your eligibility to make a personal injury claim.
2. Evidence gathering: This includes medical records, witness statements, photographs, accident reports, and any supporting documents.
3. Medical assessment: An independent expert will examine you to determine the full extent of your injury.
4. Notification: We notify the responsible party or their insurance company.
5. Negotiation: We work to agree a compensation settlement.
6. Legal action: If the other party denies liability, we issue court proceedings.
7. Resolution or trial: If a settlement is reached, your compensation is paid and the case concludes. If the claim proceeds to trial, we represent you in court and continue to fight for the best possible outcome.

We will keep you informed throughout the claims process and provide ongoing advice suited to the specifics of your case. If an insurer has contacted you directly, we can step in to handle the process on your behalf.

In more complex claims, we may need to involve barristers or consult expert witnesses to give evidence on causation, ongoing medical treatment or specialist care requirements. Throughout, we will make sure you understand how your compensation claim is progressing.

Time limits for making a 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. Exceptions apply for:

• Children (time limit starts at age 18).
• Individuals lacking mental capacity.
• Cases involving delayed diagnosis or where the cause of injury became clear later.

For injuries abroad, different time limits may apply depending on local laws. Early advice is essential to protect your right to claim.

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, allows you to pursue a personal injury claim without the worry of upfront costs. It gives you 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.

Frequently asked questions about personal injury claims

Can I change solicitors?

If you are not happy with your current law firm, Clough & Willis can take over your case. We will manage the transfer of your file and continue your claim from where your previous solicitor left off. 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 claim go to court?

Most accident claims settle before court. 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,  fully prepare you and support you throughout. We will provide clear advice and representation, and work 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 compensation taxable?

Personal injury compensation is generally not subject to Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax. This applies to both general and special damages.

Can I claim if I was partly at fault?

You may still be entitled to compensation even if you were partly responsible. This introduces a concept known as contributory negligence and does not 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.

What will my solicitor need from me when pursuing a personal injury claim?

When making a personal injury claim with Clough & Willis, our solicitors will work closely with you to deliver the best possible outcome. To be able to achieve this, we ask the following 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: 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, be responsive to requests for information, attend 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.