GORDON AND Thompson PERSONAL INJURY Solicitors 

Personal Injury Claims

At Gordon and Thompson Solicitors, our specialist personal injury solicitors advise and represent individuals who have suffered injury or loss as a result of another party’s negligence.

We act for clients in a wide range of personal injury and medical negligence matters and aim to provide clear advice on the legal process, funding options, likely costs, and timescales from the outset.

Our Personal Injury Services

We advise and represent clients in relation to:

  • road traffic accidents;

  • workplace accidents and employer liability claims;

  • accidents in public places;

  • slips, trips and falls;

  • serious and catastrophic injury claims;

  • industrial disease and exposure claims;

  • medical negligence and clinical negligence claims; and

  • other personal injury compensation claims.

Examples of matters we commonly handle include:

Road Traffic Accidents

We assist clients who have been injured in car, motorcycle, cycling, pedestrian, or other road traffic accidents.

Workplace Injuries

We represent employees who have suffered injury due to unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, defective equipment, or employer negligence.

Medical Negligence

We advise clients who have suffered injury as a result of negligent medical treatment, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, or other forms of clinical negligence.

Slips, Trips and Falls

We represent individuals injured in public or private premises due to hazardous conditions, including wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways.

Serious and Catastrophic Injuries

We assist clients who have suffered severe or life-changing injuries, including spinal injuries, brain injuries, and serious orthopaedic injuries.

Funding Your Claim

No Win No Fee Agreements

Many personal injury and medical negligence claims are funded under a Conditional Fee Agreement (“CFA”), commonly known as a “No Win No Fee” agreement.

Under a CFA:

  • you will generally not pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful, subject to compliance with the terms of the agreement;

  • if your claim succeeds, we may charge a success fee in addition to our basic legal costs; and

  • the success fee is capped by law in certain types of claims.

The success fee is usually deducted from your compensation and will be explained clearly to you before you enter into any agreement.

Not all cases are suitable for a No Win No Fee agreement. Funding arrangements will depend on the circumstances and merits of your claim.

Our Fees

The exact legal costs will depend on the complexity of your case, the seriousness of the injuries, whether liability is disputed, and whether court proceedings are required.

At the outset of your matter, we will discuss:

  • the funding options available to you;

  • whether your case is suitable for a Conditional Fee Agreement;

  • any likely deductions from compensation;

  • whether insurance premiums may apply; and

  • any circumstances in which you may be responsible for costs.

Where appropriate, we may also offer:

  • privately funded arrangements; or

  • hourly rate charging arrangements.

A personalised estimate of likely costs will be provided once we have assessed your matter.

VAT is payable on certain legal fees and disbursements at the prevailing rate, currently 20%.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs payable to third parties during the course of your claim. These may include:

  • medical report fees;

  • barrister’s fees;

  • court fees;

  • expert engineering or accident reconstruction reports;

  • search fees;

  • travel expenses; and

  • After the Event (“ATE”) insurance premiums where applicable.

Disbursements will vary depending on the complexity and value of the claim.

We will discuss anticipated disbursements with you at the outset and throughout your matter. You are responsible for paying the disbursement unless you have legal cover funding in place.

Likely Timescales

The time required to conclude a personal injury or medical negligence claim varies depending on the complexity of the matter and whether liability is admitted.

Typical timescales are:

  • straightforward personal injury claims: approximately 6 to 12 months;

  • more complex or disputed claims: approximately 12 to 24 months or longer; and

  • medical negligence and catastrophic injury claims: often 18 months to several years.

Factors affecting timescales may include:

  • the seriousness of the injury;

  • ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation;

  • disputes regarding liability;

  • the need for expert evidence;

  • court timetables; and

  • settlement negotiations.

We will keep you informed regarding likely timescales throughout your claim.

What Our Service Includes

Depending on the nature of your claim, our work may include:

  • taking your instructions and reviewing the circumstances of the accident or injury;

  • obtaining medical records and evidence;

  • obtaining independent medical expert reports;

  • corresponding with the opposing party or insurer;

  • valuing your claim;

  • negotiating settlement;

  • advising you throughout the claims process;

  • issuing court proceedings where necessary; and

  • representing you through to settlement or trial.

What Is Not Included

Unless specifically agreed in writing, our standard service does not include:

  • appeals;

  • enforcement action following judgment;

  • tax or financial advice;

  • criminal proceedings;

  • representation at inquests; or

  • advice on unrelated legal matters.

If additional work becomes necessary, we will discuss this with you and provide details of any additional costs where applicable.

Contact Us

If you would like advice regarding a personal injury or medical negligence claim, please contact Gordon and Thompson Solicitors to discuss your matter with a member of our team.