Multiple Serious Injuries

A serious injury is almost certain to have a significant impact on your life, often including a long recovery process and emotional distress. However, multiple injuries can be even more devastating, affecting not only your life but that of your family.

At Ramsdens Solicitors, we have helped thousands of individuals claim compensation after they sustained multiple injuries through no fault of their own. We know just how stressful an incident like this can be, and we are dedicated to finding a solution that helps you get your life back on track. We can guide you through the entire process of making a multiple injury claim, from helping you to understand how much compensation you could be entitled to to representing you in court should the need arise.

For more information, speak to our personal injury claims experts by calling us today on 01484 821 500, or fill out an online contact form to arrange a time for us to call you back at your convenience.

What is the process for making a multiple injury claim?

Making a multiple injury compensation claim follows a standard set of steps, each step of which is essential in establishing your case and seeking the compensation you deserve:

1. Medical consultation: if you have suffered multiple injuries, your first priority should be seeking medical attention. This not only ensures your health and safety, but medical reports will also provide crucial evidence in your claim.
2. Documenting the incidents: make sure to document the details of each incident as thoroughly and accurately as possible. This includes photographs, witness information, accident reports, and anything else that may be relevant to your claim.
3. Consultation with a solicitor: reach out to an experienced personal injury solicitor to discuss your case. A solicitor will be able to evaluate the potential claims and guide you through the legal process.
4. Claim submission: your solicitor will then help you to submit your claims, ensuring all necessary documentation is accurately prepared and submitted within any applicable time limits.
5. Negotiations and settlement: your solicitor will negotiate with the responsible parties or their insurance companies on your behalf to reach a fair settlement.
6. Court proceedings: if a settlement cannot be agreed upon, your solicitor may advise you to take your claims to court where a judge will decide on the matter.

Remember that each injury claim is unique, and the process can vary depending on the specifics of your case.

Making a compensation claim of this type can seem daunting, and sometimes it may seem unclear who you will be claiming against. At Ramsdens Solicitors, we handle this for you, taking away the stress of the legal process to ensure you are able to focus on getting better.

What documents and evidence do I need to present to support my multiple injury claim?

To support a multiple injury claim, you will need to provide various documents and evidence, which may include:

1. Medical records: your medical records are crucial to establish the nature and extent of your injuries. These may include hospital records, GP records, and any reports from specialists you have seen.
2. Photographic evidence: photographs of your injuries and the accident scenes can help demonstrate the circumstances and severity of the accidents.
3. Accident reports: if your accidents were reported to any authorities or organisations, such as the police or your employer, these reports can be useful evidence.
4. Witness statements: statements from anyone who witnessed your accidents can help support your claim.
5. Financial documentation: receipts, bills and wage slips can help prove any financial losses you have incurred due to your injuries, such as medical expenses, travel costs, loss of earnings, and care costs.
6. Diary or notes: keeping a diary or notes detailing your injuries, the impact they have had on your life, your recovery process, and any pain or discomfort you experience can also be useful. It is also recommended that you keep a record of any care or assistance provided by friends or family, the nature of that assistance and amount of time that any such assistance was provided for. 

At Ramsdens Solicitors, our team will guide you through what evidence is needed and take a lead role in assisting you in gathering the necessary documentation to build a robust case.

Is there a time limit for making a multiple injury claim?

The general rule for making personal injury claims in the UK is that you have a three-year period from the date of the accident or from the date when you first became aware of your injuries (also known as the 'date of knowledge'). Depending on your circumstances, this may apply to each injury you sustained, meaning that the timeline for each claim can be different if the injuries occurred as a result of separate incidents.

There are a few exceptions to the time limit. In cases where children are involved, the claim can be brought at any time until their 21st birthday. For those who lack mental capacity, the time limit will not be imposed unless they happen to regain mental capacity.

It is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that you do not lose your right to compensation due to time constraints.

How long does it take to settle a multiple injury claim?

The timeline for settling a multiple injury claim can widely vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, whether fault is accepted by the other party, and how swiftly the responsible parties respond.

Claims involving minor injuries and clear liability might be settled in a few months, while cases with serious injuries, split liability or complex circumstances may take several years to resolve.

At Ramsdens Solicitors, we understand that waiting for a resolution can be stressful. Our dedicated personal injury solicitors strive to progress each case as quickly and efficiently as possible, while ensuring your claim is thoroughly prepared and negotiated to secure the best outcome.

It is important to remember not to rush into a settlement. Accepting an offer too early, before the full extent of your injuries is known, could leave you without sufficient compensation for your needs.

How is compensation calculated for multiple injury claims?

Calculating compensation for multiple injury claims involves assessing several factors:

1. General damages: this refers to the compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injuries. The severity of each injury, its impact on your life, and how long it takes for you to recover are all taken into account.
2. Special damages: these are financial losses resulting from your injuries, such as loss of earnings, medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, travel expenses for medical appointments, impacts upon future pensions and the costs of care and assistance needed due to the injuries.

When multiple injuries are involved, each injury is typically assessed separately in terms of general damages. However, it's important to note that the overall amount might not be the sum of each injury's compensation because courts recognise that the total impact of multiple injuries on a person's life can be more than the individual effects.

For special damages, any costs or losses directly related to each injury will be considered separately, but financial losses common to all injuries (like loss of earnings) are usually combined into a single claim.

Causes of multiple injuries

The team at Ramsdens Solicitors has dealt with many different types of multiple injury claims, and we know the impact this can have on your life.

Common causes of multiple injuries include:

• Severe road traffic accidents
• A severe accident in the workplace or out in public

FAQs about multiple injury claims