You will be able to discuss in detail the medical facts of your claim with a member of the medico-legal team. Initially this will be carried out on the telephone. Depending on the facts of your claim you might also be asked to complete a questionnaire. As specialists we are able to assess the merits and facts of a case at a very early stage, this is partly due to the fact that we employ five qualified nurses/midwives and three scientists, all of whom support the solicitors in our various work areas.
What details will I be asked for?
After the initial telephone conversation you will be asked to provide the following information:
- You will be sent two questionnaires for you to complete
- A specially written questionnaire asking for further information about your claim which will cover the details of the injury you have sustained and personal and medical details
- A financial questionnaire to help us to assess whether you may be eligible for public funding
- On receipt of the completed questionnaires we will be able to advise you further about the prospects of success with your potential claim and funding options
Funding your case
In any case we start by carrying out a full assessment of your claim. Following this we will discuss the funding alternatives available to you and then investigate the issues by obtaining the relevant medical records and an independent expert opinion.
Where the results of the initial investigation enable us to advise you to proceed with a claim then we will discuss the funding alternatives available to you.
- Public Funding (formerly known as legal aid). In order to qualify for legal aid you we need to carryout a means test
- Legal Expense Insurance - you may have insurance to cover legal or medical claims included in an insurance policy, such as Home Contents Insurance. If you do have this cover you will need to contact your Insurers in order to obtain a claim form. Once the insurers are satisfied as to the merits of any claim you wish to bring your legal costs will usually be covered under this insurance
- Private funding - the cost of privately funding your claim will vary depending on the complexity of your case
If you are funding your claim privately it may be possible to negotiate a Conditional Fee Agreement ('No Win, No Fee') or After the Event Insurance once the initial stages of the claim are completed and it is possible to assess your merits of success. However it is important to note that these types of funding may not be available in every case.
This is intended as a summary of what can be a complex area. All of the financial implications of whatever recommendation we make to you will be fully explained and discussed.
Moving forward
Having assessed your case as having merit and having discussed funding, you will also be given an outline of:
- How your claim will proceed
- Potential difficulties or strengths in your claim
- Timescales for action with regard to your case.
If you believe that you might have a legal claim relating to Making a Product Liability Claim, please complete the online enquiry form or call 0870 024 0558. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a solicitor who specialises in Making a Product Liability Claim.
If you have any comments in relation to Making a Product Liability Claim, please use the online discussion forum.
I will not hesitate to pass your name to others if I know anybody in future who is unlucky enough to have an accident like mine: Marcus, Notts
