When you begin a claim you want to know a.) that it has good prospects of success and b.) what compensation you are likely to gain from the claim. Well, at The Injury Lawyers we do not take on claims unless we feel that it has a good chance of success, as we do not want to waste your time or our own time and money. As for item b) – giving clients an accurate prediction on what amount of compensation they can earn can be difficult at the early stages of a claim; however, at The Injury Lawyers, we do not take on a claim unless we feel that it is worth at least £1000 – in this respect you know that making your claim is worth while.
Now, why is valuing a claim at the outset difficult? Furthermore, how do solicitors value claims? Solicitors use a variety of tools to place a value on a claim – these I have set out below:
- Medical report: Once liability has been admitted on your claim your solicitor will arrange for you to have a medical examination. This examination produces a report which provides extensive information on your accident, injuries and the effect of the injuries on your life. The medical report also gives a prognosis detailing when you are likely to recover from your injuries. The medical report therefore provides a valuable foundation from which your claim can be valued.
- Judicial Studies Board Guidelines: The JSB guidelines band neck injuries for the purposes of valuations. These bands are as follows:
- Minor Whiplash Injuries – £875 to £5,150
- Moderate Whiplash Injuries – £5,150 to £16,400
- Severe Whiplash Injuries – up to £97,000
The average minor whiplash claim settles for around £2,500.
- Case law: your solicitor may look at cases similar to your own which have settled already in order to value your claim.
- Skill, experience, and expertise of your solicitor: A solicitor will utilise all of the tools at their disposal in order to value your claim and maximise your compensation. This is why it is beneficial to choose a law firm who have a great deal of knowledge and experience in personal injury and specifically in whiplash injuries.
Following on from my last point, choosing the right law firm for you and your claim can be crucial to maximising your compensation. If you require information regarding the benefits and services which The Injury Lawyers offer, feel free to give us a call.
