22 Jan, 2023/ by National Accident Helpline /News
Here at National Accident Helpline, we've not only dedicated ourselves to helping those who contact us to make a claim, but also to educating others who may have been put off getting what they deserve by common myths about personal injury claims.
So, in the spirit of ensuring everyone feels like they can #ClaimWithConfidence, we asked Jonathan White, our Legal and Compliance Director, a few questions to get his insight, guidance and to debunk some of the false claims about making a claim.
Doesn't making a claim take too long to be worthwhile?
Firstly, if you've been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, I would say it is always worth at least enquiring about a claim. Even if you have concerns or doubts, you may be surprised about how simple the process can be.
As for the length of time a claim may take, it is important to remember that we are here to help people get what they deserve, and we work hard to do so whilst ensuring that the experience is as easy and stress-free as possible.
We know that people will be eager to complete the process and win their claim, and whilst each case is different and depends on various factors, our solicitors do all they can to handle every claim as quickly and efficiently as these factors allow.
And once the hard work is done, and a settlement offer is accepted, it usually only takes between 14-28 days for the compensation to be received.
What about costs? Isn't it really expensive to make a claim?
We know that the perceived cost of making a claim is a common reason for why some people won't even make initial contact with us, nevermind go through the process to get what they deserve.
And that's a shame, because a personal injury claim with National Accident Helpline costs less than many may think. Even with the costs and expenses involved in a claim deducted from the final settlement figure, claimants still receive the majority of their compensation. Exactly how it should be of course.
Working on a No Win No Fee basis means such costs will only need to be paid if you win your claim too. So there is that additional peace of mind.
So how much money will you take if a claim is won?
It is tricky to provide a specific cost for making a claim, as each and every case is different for a variety of reasons. We advise that claimants refer to their welcome pack, which we send to them, for full details.
However, I can advise that any deductions taken from the final compensation amount by us is always capped at 35%, regardless of the costs and expenses involved in the claim. Our advisors outline this during their initial consultation with a claimant, so there is always clarity on the cost of claiming.
Can you be trusted? Aren't claims companies just in it for themselves?
We are fully aware that there has always been a bit of a stigma attached to personal injury claims and companies. Which is why we work hard to educate people about claims, us as a company and the industry in general, to combat such stigmas.
We are also aware that, in spite of this, some people feel they can't trust the industry, believing companies ‘chase' compensation for their own benefit.
I'd say that, given we have almost 3 decades' experience as personal injury and are the UK's leading provider of personal injury advice, National Accident Helpline have proven themselves more than trustworthy over the years!
We're committed to helping people get their lives back on track; that really is what we're here for, and have helped more people than any other personal injury company.
Won't I have to go to court if a claim involves solicitors?
Many people worry about this, and I completely understand why - the idea of having to go to court can be quite daunting!
That's why I feel it is really important for people to know that around 95% of compensation claims we take care of are settled without the need for anyone having to go to court.
And for those cases that are part of the 5% that do require a court hearing, it is equally important to note that we're here to help make the process as stress-free and simple as possible.
Could I be sacked for making an accident at work claim?
Thankfully, no. It is in fact illegal for an employer to sack you, or even treat you differently, due to you being injured in an accident at work.
Employers have a duty of care for their employees that they have to adhere to. So if an employee is injured at work, in an accident that wasn't their fault, it can be argued that the employer has failed in their duty. This is why accident at work claims are often successful, and why they are more common than many people believe.
So if you're injured in a no-fault accident at work and wish to make a claim but are worried about doing so, don't be. You're entitled to make a legitimate claim and expect to keep your job, in exactly the same capacity as before your accident.