There are many cases each year where occupants have had an accident due to unsafe living conditions, some of the cases have been very dangerous and sometimes, even after the tenant have informed the Landlord of the problem, the Landlord makes no attempt to rectify the problem resulting in injury.
If you feel that something could have been done to avoid your accident and you wish to take the matter further, you should, first of all, record all the details of the incident. Try to do this soon after the incident so that everything is still fresh in your mind. Try to include: Exactly what happened, what lead to the incident, what caused the incident, how it has affected you, what your injuries are. If possible take photographs of the defect item and of any visible injuries. These can be used as significant pieces of evidence.
It’s also very useful to keep a record of any notifications you have given to your Landlord of the problem that lead to your accident. Your Landlord should have insurance that cover them for any accidental event that may happen, this insurance company will pay out for your compensation sum should the liability be proved to be that of the Landlord.
Record any expenses you have incurred as a result of the incident as potential these costs can be claimed back for you, the aim is to ensure that you haven’t suffered financially because of your accident.
Once you feel you wish to go ahead and place a claim for compensation, it will be better for you to place your claim with an independent firm of personal injury solicitors. An independent firm will fight for the maximum compensation for you. Many solicitors firms who are tied to insurance or claims management companies do not provide the best service for you and this is because, in order for the solicitors to deal with your claim they will have to pay referral fees, these fees are not something that can’t be claimed back along with other legal fees from the party at fault’s insurance company and so instead their service levels to you are poor; they will not fight for the maximum compensation for you and so the claim will be under settled.
Also, simple things such as calling you back or responding emails can often take much longer than anticipated as they will only do the bare minimum in order to keep their service expenses low. It is very sad that this type of thing happens but that’s why it’s always best to research the firm you choose to use, to ensure you are getting the best result.
If you wish to discuss your potential claim further, then please don’t hesitate to contact us and one of our Personal Injury Solicitors will be very glad to help you.