Here are some of the answers to frequently asked questions. If you cannot find what you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and our team will happily answer any queries.
Any questions?
Military Hearing Loss Claims – Your Questions Answered!
If you’ve served in the military and experienced hearing loss, you may be entitled to compensation; however, we understand that the process can be confusing. Don’t worry! We’ve answered the most common questions about making a military hearing loss claim in a simple, straightforward way.
Will you act for me on a No Win No Fee basis?
We handle the vast majority of all our compensation cases on a No Win No Fee basis as we have the experience to know when you have a strong case and a lot of confidence in our own abilities to succeed.
Will you act for me on a No Win No Fee basis?
We handle the vast majority of all our compensation cases on a No Win No Fee basis as we have the experience to know when you have a strong case and a lot of confidence in our own abilities to succeed.
Will you act for me on a No Win No Fee basis?
We handle the vast majority of all our compensation cases on a No Win No Fee basis as we have the experience to know when you have a strong case and a lot of confidence in our own abilities to succeed.
Military Injury Claims – Your Questions Answered!
If you’ve been injured in the Military, you might be entitled to compensation, but we know the process can seem confusing. Don’t worry! We’ve answered the most common questions about making a military injury claim in a simple, straightforward way.
Why am I unable to claim for service prior to 1987?
The Crown Proceedings Act 1947 protected the Ministry of Defence from civil liability for injuries arising in the course of military service, under a legal principle known as Crown Immunity.
However, this protection was later removed by the Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987, enabling service members to bring a claim for injuries sustained in the course of military service after 1987.
If you have served both before and after 1987 you may still be able to bring a claim however, certain deductions will apply.
Can I still claim if I have previously made a claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pension Scheme?
Yes! It is possible to bring a civil claim despite having already made a claim through either of the no-fault schemes, regardless of whether your application was successful. The rules applied to the schemes differ from a traditional civil claim (for example the requirement to establish breach of duty) and so it is important to seek independent legal advice.
However, you cannot be double compensated for the same injury and therefore any compensation previously recovered will be deducted from your compensation from your civil claim in the event that both claims are successful.
Civil compensation awards are usually substantially larger than those granted by the no-fault schemes.
Can I bring a claim if I am currently/no longer serving?
Both current and former military personnel have the legal right to claim for injuries sustained after 15th May 1987. However, if you are still actively serving, there are certain considerations that should be made. Therefore, it is important to obtain specialist advice on your situation.
What are the time limits of bringing a civil claim?
Traditionally, the time limit for bringing a civil claim for personal injury is 3 years from the date of accident or date of knowledge. Despite this, there are other options available, such as judicial discretion under section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980.
Limitation can be a complex issue. Therefore, it is important to seek independent legal advice at the earliest opportunity to discuss the options available to you (even if you believe you have exceeded the time limit).
How much will bringing a claim cost me?
We operate claims under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), more commonly known as a ‘No Win – No Fee’ agreement. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be charged save for exceptional circumstances. If your claim is successful, the MOD will pay the legal costs and we will deduct a maximum of 25% from your awarded compensation to cover our success fee.
Therefore, you will not be liable for any out-of-pocket expenses if you fully comply with the terms of our arrangement.
Additionally, we will take out an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy to protect you from disbursements (costs incurred in pursuing your claim).
Upon receipt of an offer, we will provide you with a full breakdown of any deductions with confirmation of the amount you will receive.
How long does it take to be paid?
The length of bringing a claim varies significantly between clients. Therefore, we are unable to confirm the timescales.
However, we will endeavour to settle your matter as quickly as possible and will ensure that you remain updated at regular intervals throughout the entire process.
It is not anticipated that I would sustain injury in the military?
Whilst the Armed Forces is widely recognised as a high-risk occupation, particularly during ongoing conflict, the Ministry of Defence still owe their employees a duty of care. They are responsible for ensuring that all reasonable steps are taken to promote your safety.
Combat Immunity has been widely confirmed by various cases, such as Mulcahy -v- Ministry of Defence [1996], which prevents individuals from bringing a claim for injuries sustained in the course of active combat. However, there are numerous exceptions to this and it is important to seek expert advice as to the application to your circumstances.
We have reached agreements with the Ministry of Defence on a large number of cases, in which the issue of combat immunity (together with various others) have been set aside.
How likely am I to be successful?
Each matter has its own technicalities that need to be considered by your dedicated file handler. However, if we accept your instructions to bring a claim, our experts consider that you have mor than 51% chance of being successful (i.e. your claim is more likely to be successful than not).
Naturally, our views are subject to receipt of relevant disclosure and may vary as the claim progresses. However, we will discuss our views with you throughout the progression of your claim.
What amount of compensation will I receive?
Essentially, there are two ‘elements’ of a compensatory award in injury claims against the Ministry of Defence known as general and special damages. The amounts awarded vary significantly based on the unique circumstances of your case.
General damages is the compensation for the injury sustained such as damage to your hearing causing hearing loss.
Special damages are claims for specific items such as hearing aids or medical treatment costs.
Upon receipt of your medical report, and with consideration to the Judicial College Guidelines and relevant case law, your dedicated file handler will discuss a range of compensation that is likely to be awarded.
Will I have to go to Court?
Whilst there is a slight possibility that you may need to attend Court, this is extremely unlikely and only occurs in a small minority of cases. We will endeavour to reach an amicable settlement agreement with the Ministry of Defence without the need for Court involvement. Litigation carries significant costs and risks to both parties and thus the Ministry of Defence are equally inclined to settle claims without going to Court.
Housing Disrepair Claims – Your Questions Answered!
If your house is in disrepair, you might be entitled to compensation, but we know the process can seem confusing. Don’t worry! We’ve answered the most common questions about making a housing disprepair claim in a simple, straightforward way.
What is housing disrepair?
Housing Disrepair describes any situation in which your rented property fails to meet the required standards for habitancy. For example, structural damage, damp and mould, or faulty heating. If you Landlord fails to reasonably resolve any issues, you are potentially entitled to bring a formal claim for housing disrepair.
How long does it take to claim for housing disrepair?
On average, we expect matters to settle within approximately 3 to 6 months. However, this can vary dependent on the unique circumstances of your matter. We will ensure we provide regular updates as to the progress of your matter throughout its lifespan.
Usually, repairs should be conducted within 90 to 120 working days. If your landlord fails to make the necessary repairs, we can consider alternative options such as issuing court proceedings for breach of the Tenancy Agreement.
Can I be made homeless for bringing a claim?
No! You are entitled to bring a claim against your Landlord if they have failed to comply with their statutory obligations in respect of the condition of your rented property.
How much will it cost me?
We accept instructions under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) which is more commonly referred to as a ‘No Win – No Fee’ agreement. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be charged save for exceptional circumstances. If your claim is successful, your landlord will pay the legal costs and we will deduct a maximum of 25% from your awarded compensation to cover our success fee.
Can I claim if I have rent arrears?
Yes! You are still able to bring a claim for housing disrepair if you are in rent arrears however, it is important to note that any awarded damages will be utilised to pay of the existing arrears.
Will you send a surveyor to my property?
Whether we send a surveyor will depend on the specific circumstances of your matter. Your dedicated file handler will discuss this with you in further detail should the need arise. If a surveyor is sent, we expect to receive their report within approximately 10 working days.
Can I get legal aid for housing disrepair
Generally, Legal Aid is available for housing disrepair claims. However, this is limited to specific circumstances. We do not accept instructions under the Legal Aid Scheme.
Our Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) which is more commonly referred to as a ‘No Win – No Fee’ agreement allows us to act for clients of all financial means with minimal risk to them as an individual.
Do I need to have provided my landlord with notice of the disrepair
Yes, you are required to provide your landlord with adequate notice of the disrepair and afford them a reasonable opportunity to resolve any issues. Typically, approximately 4 months of notice is considered to be a reasonable timeframe.
It is important to notice that you are not required to have exhausted any internal formal complaints procedure prior to contacting us to bring a claim.
Industrial Hearing Loss Claims – Your Questions Answered!
If you’ve have loss your hearing in an industrial workplace, you might be entitled to compensation, but we know the process can seem confusing. Don’t worry! We’ve answered the most common questions about making a hearing loss claim in a simple, straightforward way.
Personal Injury Claims – Your Questions Answered!
If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be entitled to compensation, but we know the process can seem confusing. Don’t worry! We’ve answered the most common questions about making a personal injury claim in a simple, straightforward way.
What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process where you seek compensation if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. This could be from a road accident, workplace injury, medical negligence, or even a slip and fall.
Can I make a personal injury claim?
If you were injured in the last three years and it was someone else’s fault, then yes—you may have a claim. If you’re unsure, we offer a free claim assessment to help you find out.
How much compensation could I receive?
It depends on your injury, its impact on your life, and any financial losses (like lost earnings or medical costs). We’ll assess your case and give you an estimate.
How long does a personal injury claim take?
Some claims settle in a few months, while more complex cases can take a year or more. We’ll always work as quickly as possible to get you the best result.
Do I have to go to court?
The vast majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court, but if needed, we’ll guide you through the process and fight your case every step of the way.
Types of Personal Injury Claims
What types of accidents can I claim for?
You can claim for injuries caused by:
- Road traffic accidents (drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians)
- Workplace accidents (faulty equipment, unsafe conditions, lack of training)
- Slips, trips, and falls (in public places, shops, pavements)
- Medical negligence (surgical errors, misdiagnosis, poor treatment)
- Criminal injuries (if you were hurt in an assault)
Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation, but the amount could be reduced. This is called “split liability.”
Can I claim for emotional distress or psychological injury?
Absolutely! Compensation isn’t just for physical injuries—if you’ve suffered stress, anxiety, PTSD, or depression due to the accident, we’ll include this in your claim.
Can I claim if I was injured as a passenger?
Yes! Passengers can claim against the driver at fault, whether it was the driver of the car you were in or another vehicle involved.
Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can claim on behalf of:
- A child (under 18)
- A loved one who has passed away
- Someone who lacks the mental capacity to claim themselves
Costs & No Win, No Fee
How much does it cost to make a personal injury claim?
Most claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis.
What does ‘No Win, No Fee’ (also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement) mean?
If your claim is unsuccessful, you do not pay anything to anyone, and it means you don’t pay anything upfront either. If your claim is successful, we take a small percentage of your compensation (our success fee)
Are there any hidden fees?
No! We are always transparent about our fees. We will advise you in detail at the start of your claim.
Do I have to pay anything if I lose?
No! With No Win, No Fee, you won’t pay anything if your claim is unsuccessful.
Can I switch solicitors if I’m not happy?
Yes, you can change solicitors if you’re not satisfied with the service. We’ll help you transfer your case smoothly.
The Claims Process
What are the steps in making a personal injury claim?
- Free consultation – We take details of your accident/claim, assess your case and explain your options.
- Gathering evidence – We collect medical records, witness statements, and accident reports.
- Submitting the claim – We notify the responsible party’s insurer.
- Negotiation – We work to settle your claim fairly.
- Settlement or court – Most cases settle out of court, but if needed, we fight for you in court.
What evidence do I need for my claim?
Helpful evidence includes:
- Photos of your injuries and the accident scene
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Accident reports (e.g., police or workplace reports)
How long do I have to make a claim?
You have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. If the injury was not immediately obvious (e.g., medical negligence), the time limit starts when you became aware of it.
What if the other party denies responsibility?
We gather strong evidence to prove fault and negotiate firmly on your behalf. If necessary, we’ll take your case to court.
What if the person who caused my injury has no insurance?
If the at-fault party is uninsured (e.g., in a hit-and-run), you may still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) or the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Compensation & Payouts
What can I claim compensation for?
You can claim for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earnings (past and future)
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Travel costs related to the injury
- Care and support (if you need extra help)
How is compensation calculated?
Compensation is based on:
- The severity of your injury
- The impact on your daily life
- Any financial losses
How is my compensation paid?
Once your case is settled, the compensation is usually paid in a lump sum directly to you.
What if I’m offered a settlement—should I accept it?
Insurance companies sometimes offer low settlements early to save money. We’ll review any offer and fight for what you truly deserve.
What if I’m offered a settlement—should I accept it?
Insurance companies sometimes offer low settlements early to save money. We’ll review any offer and fight for what you truly deserve.
Other Questions
Can I claim for a minor injury?
Yes! Even minor injuries can cause inconvenience and costs, so you’re entitled to claim.
What if I was injured abroad?
You may still be able to claim, depending on the country’s laws and whether the accident was in a package holiday, car accident, or workplace abroad.
Can I claim if I was injured at work?
Yes! Employers have insurance for workplace injuries, so claiming won’t affect their business directly.
What if I was self-employed?
If the injury was caused by a third party’s negligence (e.g., a site owner, contractor, or faulty equipment), you may still claim.
What should I do next?
Simple—get in touch! We offer a free, no-obligation chat to discuss your case and help you take the first step toward your compensation.
Can I make a claim for Industrial Deafness?
There is a wide range of criteria required to be successful in bringing a claim for Industrial Deafness. For example, you will need to provide that your employer(s) breached their duty of care, and that this breach resulted directly in your deafness. Our dedicated legal experts will conduct detailed enquiries into the relevant evidence, to determine whether you have a potential claim.
If you believe that you may have a potential claim, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated legal experts on 01254 924811 to discuss your unique circumstances.
What are the time limits of bringing a civil claim?
Traditionally, the time limit for bringing a civil claim for personal injury is 3 years from the date of accident or date of knowledge. Despite this, there are exceptions available, such as judicial discretion under section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980.
However, limitation can be a complex issue in ongoing matters. Therefore, it is important to seek independent legal advice at your earliest opportunity to discuss the options available to you (even if you believe you have exceeded the time limit).
How can I prove my hearing loss is because of my employment?
To support your claim, we will arrange an independent hearing test to be conducted, together with the drafting of a medico-legal report addressed to the Court. Within the Report, an ENT Expert will confirm a diagnosis of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and confirm whether it is attributable (on the balance of probabilities) to your employment.
Your dedicated legal expert will ensure that enquiries are undertaken into other potential causes (i.e., noisy hobbies) to ensure that your claim remains as strong as possible.
How much will bringing a claim cost me?
We operate claims under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), more commonly known as a ‘No-Win, No-Fee’ agreement. Therefore, you will not be liable for any out-of-pocket expenses if you fully comply with the terms of our arrangement.
Additionally, we will take out an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy to protect you from adverse costs and enable peace of mind when considering incoming Offers.
Upon receipt of an Offer, we will provide a full breakdown of any deductions with confirmation of the amount you will receive.
How long does it take to be paid?
The lifespan of a claim varies significantly between clients, as each matter has its own unique factual matrix to be considered. Therefore, we are unable to provide a general timescale.
However, your dedicated legal expert will endeavour to settle your matter as quickly as possible and will ensure that you remain updated at regular intervals throughout the entire process.
How likely am I to be successful?
Each matter has its own technicalities that need to be considered by your dedicated file handler. However, if we accept your instructions to bring a claim, our experts consider that you have beyond a 51% chance of being successful (i.e., your claim is more likely to be successful than not)
Naturally, our views are subject to receipt of relevant disclosure and may vary as the claim progresses. However, we will discuss our thoughts with you throughout the progression of your claim.
What amount of compensation will I receive?
Essentially, there are two ‘elements’ of a compensatory award in injury claims against a Defendant, general and special damages. The amounts awarded vary significantly based on the unique circumstances of your case.
Upon receipt of your medical report, and with considerations to the Judicial College Guidelines, your dedicated file handler will contact you to discuss a range of compensation that is likely to be awarded.
Will I have to go to Court?
Whilst there is a slight possibility that you may need to attend Court, this is extremely unlikely and only occurs in a small minority of cases. We will endeavour to reach an amicable settlement agreement with the Defendant(s) without the need for Court involvement. Litigation carries significant costs and risks to both parties and thus the Defendant(s) are equally inclined to settle pre-issue.
Will claiming impact my job?
We have a wide range of Client of whom are bringing claims against their employers, whilst remaining in their current positions.
You have a statutory right to bring a civil claim for Personal Injury sustained as a result of negligence. Therefore, there are certain legal protections to protect individuals who initiate a claim against their employers.
