If you are reading this blog, then you have taken the correct first step to dealing with with your personal injury claim. It is always advisable to take independent legal advice on your personal injury claim, and finding the law firm you want to act for you is best done directly with the law firm. There are many referral agents out there who may want your claim. Referral agents act as middlemen by selling your claim on to personal injury law firms – this referral fee can be for a large amount of money (often up to £800!).
If a law firm has already reduced their budget amount for your case by paying this fee, it is likely that they will also give you a reduced level of service or face incurring a loss – which isn’t something a law firm is going to want to do!
In summary, it is best to leave the destiny of your claim in your own hands and choose the law firm that is right for you. Below I have listed some useful tips that you may want to look out for when researching potential law firms to instruct on your claim:
- 100% of your compensation: compensation is meant to put you in the position you would have been in had the accident not happened. It makes no logical sense that this compensation should not be reduced by your solicitor. Your lawyer receives their costs back from the other side anyway – so charging you is an outrageous attempt at lining their own pockets.
- No hidden charges: always read your no win no fee agreement thoroughly before instructing a lawyer. A good place to check is if the costs are restricted – law firms are not always able to claim back 100% of their costs; therefore, if costs are not restricted, it may mean that the law firm can come to you for the remainder.
- Service Standards: law firms often have client care standards in place that they must adhere to – an example of this is that they will update you on your case every two weeks, or that they will return your call within 24 hours. Sometimes the hardest thing about pursuing a claim is the waiting for information – if you have to constantly chase your solicitor, this only adds to your hassle and frustration.
The above are important issues you should keep a look out for – there are however those added extras which an excellent law firm may offer. These added extras may be:
Medical Care: many law firms will organise private medical treatment for you which can be done at the early stages of your claim. The costs of the treatment if you win your claim would be covered by the other side, and if you lose your claim are covered by insurance.
Others: a solicitor may even arrange your vehicle repairs and even a hire car for you.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact The Injury Lawyers.
