The Personal Injury Solicitors at Forbes understand people often think that they cannot afford legal advice and that help may be out of their reach. This is simply not true.

We offer free initial advice on your personal injury claim and work with you to ascertain whether you have a case. If we find you have a strong case we will discuss what options you have in regards to pursuing legal action with no obligation to continue your claim with us.

There are many options available for those needing legal advice regarding personal injury claims but the most common and cost effective on a no win, no fee basis. If the claim is for an injured child, we do not charge a success fee.

No Win, No Fee

Forbes Solicitors can offer a range of services but the most common is our no win, no fee service. This means that there is no upfront or on-going cost to you whatsoever as we obtain our fee at the conclusion of the claim. Alternatively, if your case is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.

Our Personal Injury Solicitors will go through the charges involved should your claim be successful and keep you informed every step of the way, explaining any legal jargon.

Private services

Our Personal Injury Solicitors are also able to offer their services via an hourly fee. In this case we will outline all costs involved and discuss how much your claim is likely to cost you.

For more information on our personal injury claim services, contact the experts at Forbes solicitors today.

You can usually claim for personal injury compensation if it is possible to establish some fault against another party after an incident which caused you harm or suffering. According to the Law Society, over three million people in the UK are injured in accidents every year. Personal injury law can be very complicated, so it is best to get the help of a qualified solicitor if you wish to claim for a personal injury to help make the claim much more straightforward. Forbes Solicitors work on a no win, no fee basis meaning we will not charge if the case fails. If the case is successful we will claim our costs from the other party and you will only be charged a small success fee.

Generally, personal injury claims must be made within three years from the date of the injury. If the accident involved a child, then the three-year rule runs from the child's 18th birthday. There can sometimes be exceptions to this rule; so, for this, it's best to speak to a personal injury solicitor.

To claim for personal injury, your solicitor may need the following information:

• Date of the accident

• Where and how it happened

• Contact details for any witnesses

• Details of your injuries, medical diagnosis and treatment received

• They may also ask if you are a member of a trade union or have legal expenses insurance as this may entitle you to free, or reduced-cost, legal representation

• Any other evidence that could be used to support your claim

If you want to claim for loss of earnings as part of your personal injury claim then your solicitor will need to see proof of your loss and any other financial expenses you may have incurred due to your injury.

Your solicitor will be able to help determine if the case is likely to succeed and how much compensation you are likely to get.

Once the solicitor has taken on your case, they will need to do the following:

• Submit details of the claim to those who are believed to be responsible for your accident. Known as the defendant If necessary

• Get an expert opinion

• The defendant should then reply within a fixed period (usually three months) and state whether they accept or deny liability for your injury

If they accept liability, your solicitor will aim to settle the matter out of court. An offer of compensation is then made by your solicitor.

If this is agreed then the case can be settled out of court. It is possible for the defendant's solicitor to make a counter offer; if this happens, your solicitor will advise you of your options. If the defendant says they are not liable, the case may have to court and it is then up to a judge to decide who is liable and how much (if any) compensation should be paid.

Providing we can establish at least some fault against another party for your accident your claim should be successful.

For a free consultation call our Personal Injury Solicitors on freephone 0800 689 0973 or fill in our contact us form.

We operate on a No Win No Fee basis, so if your claim is unsuccessful we will not charge you anything. If the claim is successful, we will claim our base costs from the other party. For certain cases we may need to charge a success fee out of your damages, but this would be discussed with you in full before your case commences. Please call our help line 0800 689 0973 or request a call back to discuss your claim, alternatively if you would prefer to discuss your claim in person you can call in at any of our offices (by appointment only).

Call our freephone and ask for a free consultation with a Personal Injury Solicitor or complete the contact us form today.

How much you will get from a personal injury compensation claim can vary, depending on the particulars of the case. As a general rule, you should be compensated for all losses caused by the other party's negligence. This may include:

• Loss of earnings

• Damage to property

• Continuing medical expenses

• Future losses

• Pain and suffering you have undergone

In regards to your injuries, the amount of compensation will go up in accordance with the severity of the injury or injuries you have sustained. When compensation is taken into account, it is divided into two groups; 'General' and 'Special' damages:

Special damages

Special damages are those which are easily quantifiable, like loss of earnings, medical expenses, taxi fares etc. To be able to be compensated for these expenses, you will need to try to make sure you keep a record, ideally receipts or invoices, of any expenditure you have occurred as a result of your injury.

General Damages

General damages refer to 'damages for pain suffering and loss of amenity (inability to do the things you enjoy). How much you receive will depend on your personal circumstances. Most lawyers and judges will look back at past cases that are similar, to determine the amount of compensation awarded.

It will usually take about 6 months to bring a straightforward personal injury compensation claim to its end. It may take much longer depending on the following:

• If your injuries are more serious than first thought

• If the other party (defendant) fails to co-operate

• If the defendant refuses to accept liability

• If the case goes to court

Use our Personal Injury Calculator to find out how much compensation you can claim for your injuries. Call our Personal Injury Solicitors for a free consultation on freephone 0800 689 0973 or complete our contact form.

To begin with giving us details of the case either in person or over the telephone. Keeping a written record of any losses, receipts where possible and attending a doctors appointment so that a report can be prepared on your injuries.

For a free consultation, call our Personal Injury Solicitors on freephone 0800 689 0973 or complete our contact form.

You will only have to go to court if the person/persons or company you are holding liable for your injury disputes liability, fails to co-operate or offers an unreasonable settlement. The vast majority of cases are settled out of court.

If your claim does go to court, a solicitor may need to do the following:

• Appoint a barrister

• Send you for a medical examination to an independent medical expert

• They must serve proceedings on the defendant, together with the medical evidence to support your claim

The defendant will then serve their defence. If it's not possible to settle, the case will then go to trial. The court will provide both sides with directions for the case (i.e a timetable for disclosure of evidence).

It will be up to the judge to decide the outcome of the case and what, if any, compensation will be awarded.

You can use any solicitor you choose.

At Forbes Solicitors, we handle accident and personal injury claims on a No Win No Fee basis. Call our Personal Injury Solicitors for a free consultation on freephone 0800 689 0973 or complete our contact form.

No. All employers are insured by law and it is against the law to discourage or threaten or even suggest that your position at work will be affected.

To find out more, call our Personal Injury Solicitors for a free consultation on freephone 0800 689 0973 or complete our contact form.

No. This is a common misunderstanding. If someone else is negligent you have a claim.

You have 3 years from the date of the accident or 3 years from the date of knowledge of the circumstances giving rise to the claim. Children and those under a disability have much longer in which to claim.

If you would like a free consultation, please call freephone 0800 689 0973 and ask to speak with a Personal Injury Solicitor or complete our contact form.

In 2021 the Claimant sustained injuries when they were involved in a road traffic accident whilst riding their motorcycle. on the A59.  As the Claimant was proceeding through some roadworks just outside the petrol station before a village the Defendant pulled out of a petrol station in order to turn right and drove into the path of the Claimant.  The Claimant was thrown over the front of the car sustaining injuries. Liability was admitted. Medical reports were obtained from a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Psychiatrist and Neurologist. The Claimant sustained injuries to his neck, lower back, ankle, foot and various bruises and abrasions.  He also suffered a head injury and psychological dysfunction. There were concerns the head injury could lead to epilepsy and the issue of provisional damages was considered. A link could not be proved. In addition to their injuries, the claimant had time off work and claimed loss of earnings,

The Claimant accepted an offer of £30,000 plus payment of his legal costs.

The Claimant who was a Child at the time of the collision was a pedestrian crossing the road and had proceeded ¾ of the way across the carriageway when the Defendant drove into collision with him.  The Defendant's insurers failed to respond to the claim. A copy of the police report was obtained which confirmed the Defendant had pleaded guilty to driving without due care. Liability was admitted. As a result of the collision, the Claimant sustained injuries to their left ankle, hip, lower back, arm/wrist, RTA and headaches.  They sustained a dental injury with fractures to two teeth which would root canal treatment in the future.

This case had the potential for the insurers to raise arguments about who is to blame, the driver or the child.

In the case of Gul v Mcdonagh, a 13-year-old was hit by Mr McDonagh who was fleeing from the police in his car. He was doing 45 in a 20 zone. There were speed bumps along the road.  On the face of it an open and shut case, however, Mr. McDonagh’s Insurers sought to contest the case, arguing that Gul’s claim should be reduced because he was contributory negligent. He was wearing headphones, presumably listening to music. The vehicle would have been visible, he should have kept an eye on it and should have appreciated it was travelling quickly.

It is often argued a very young child cannot be guilty of contributory negligence.  There is no precise definition of when this changes for an older child. A court should only find a child guilty of contributory negligence if they are of an age where they would be expected to take precautions. The older the child the more likely they have experience of such matters. Each case turns on its own facts.  There has to be some blame on their part.

The case of Ellis v Kelly in 2018 provides some help. Master Ellis was 8 when he ran diagonally across a road towards a zebra crossing when he knew a car was approaching. The court concluded that it was reasonable to infer he believed the car would stop at the crossing. He would have misjudged the speed and its ability to stop in time. There was no finding of contributory negligence.

Gul sustained catastrophic and life-changing injuries. The insurers for Mr McDonough sought a reduction of 25%.  The Judge disagreed and found Gul was 10% contributory negligent. His claim is likely to be worth many millions. A 10% reduction will save the insurers a substantial amount.

The conviction following a guilty plea essentially put a stop to the insurers placing any blame on the pedestrian. The Defendant made an offer to settle the claim in the sum of £30,000 which was accepted by the Claimant.

If you, a friend or a family member have been a victim of a pedestrian road accident you may be entitled to recover your losses to help with your recovery. In a serious case like the one described above, catastrophic injuries can change the lives of an individual and their family. They may need support, equipment and adapted accommodation. Here at Forbes Solicitors, we offer no win no fee advice. Please call one of the Team if you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian road traffic accident.

Forbes Solicitors has secured a settlement in the sum of £20,000 for a client after they were left with a facial scar following an RTA on the 10th March 2022.

The Client was a passenger in a vehicle where the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a lamp post resulting in the Client sustaining facial injuries.

Following the accident, the Claimant contacted Forbes Solicitors to claim the injuries they had suffered in the road accident. When Forbes Solicitors contacted the Defendant, the Defendant admitted liability for the accident and negotiations between the parties resulted in a successful outcome for the Client.

The case was settled by Michelle Kemp, one of Forbes Solicitors Personal Injury expert solicitors.

Forbes Solicitors has secured a £20,000 settlement for a student after they were left with a broken ankle following a pedestrian RTA close to a school in 2022. The Claimant was crossing the road at a junction when the Defendant turned into the road they were crossing and collided with the Claimant.

Following the accident, the Claimant contacted Forbes Solicitors to claim for the accident they had suffered. When Forbes Solicitors contacted the Defendant, liability was denied and the driver sought to blame the Claimant for failing to look before crossing the road. Proceedings were issued and the Defendants offered to settle the claim after the case was allocated to the Fast Track and timetabled through to trial.

The case was settled by John Bennett, one of Forbes Solicitors Personal Injury expert solicitors for £20000.00

Forbes Solicitors secured a settlement for a Client after they were left with injuries following an RTA on the 2nd of December 2022.

The Client was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by a family member. The vehicle in which the Client was a passenger, was correctly proceeding through a green light when the Defendant drove through a red light and collided with the Client’s vehicle.

Following the RTA, the Client contacted Forbes Solicitors to claim the injuries received as a result of the collision. When Forbes Solicitors contacted the insurers for the Defendant, the insurers admitted liability following a review of CCTV of the incident which clearly showed their insured to be at fault. The Client suffered neck, back, shoulder and wrist injuries - together with damage to the teeth which resulted in future dental treatment being required.

Michelle Kemp, a Personal Injury expert solicitor at Forbes Solicitors, settled the case for £8816.41.

The Child Claimant was involved in an RTA and had been injured in a pedestrian versus car road traffic accident.

The Child Claimant suffered an adjustment disorder with anxiety, plus minor physical injuries.

On behalf of Forbes Solicitors, Barrister Cressida O’Connor of St John’s Buildings, advised on the value of general damages for the purpose of settlement negotiations and infant approval. The offers made by the Defendant fell below the figure advised would be a suitable settlement sum and the case proceeded to a Stage 3 disposal hearing.

At the Hearing, the Judge assessed damages in a sum much closer to what had been advised, beating the Claimant’s own best offer and securing a Part 36 uplift and penalty interest as a result. The sum of £5,600 damages was secured and the offer was accepted.

Forbes Solicitors has secured a £2400.00 settlement for a cyclist after they were left with various cuts, bruises and sprains.

The Claimant was cycling to work along the Penwortham bypass when a car ran into the back of them. The car threw the Claimant from their bike, snapping the frame in two and buckling the wheel.

Following the collision, the Claimant contacted Forbes Solicitors to help claim for the damage caused. When Forbes Solicitors contacted the Defendant, they failed to respond to the claim. Court proceedings were issued and documents and statements were served. The Defendant failed to provide an account or statement supporting their defence. The Defendant’s insurance made an offer to the Claimant to avoid going to trial.

The case was settled by John Bennett, a Personal Injury expert solicitor at Forbes Solicitors, for £2400.00.

Following a collision between two buses on the 6th of July 2023, Forbes Solicitors has secured a settlement for a Claimant after injuries are serious enough to warrant compensation. The Claimant was a passenger on a bus when it was involved in an RTA with another bus from which they received an arm injury, facial bruising and suffered flashbacks.

The Claimant contacted Forbes Solicitors after the bus accident to claim the injuries they had received. When Forbes Solicitors contacted the Defendant, the Defendant failed to respond. Forbes Solicitors issued proceedings to progress the claim, following which a settlement was reached with the Defendant.

Michelle Kemp, a Personal Injury expert solicitor at Forbes Solicitors, settled the case for £3500.00.

On November 24th, 2023, a client suffered significant injuries after tripping over a box of vegetables that was left protruding into a walkway at a local market hall. The incident resulted in a laceration to the client’s left eye and injuries to the knee and shoulder, with grazing to a finger. Additionally, the client’s glasses were broken during the fall and required replacement.

The client turned to Forbes Solicitors for their expertise to pursue a personal injury claim after the accident. The defendant acknowledged responsibility for the incident after the firm quickly got in touch with them. This acknowledgment made it possible for the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) portal to process the claim effectively.

Through effective negotiations led by Michelle Kemp, a Personal Injury expert at Forbes Solicitors, the case was resolved quickly. The swift handling of the claim ensured that the client received the compensation they deserved for their injuries.

The case concluded with a settlement of £6,779.53, providing the client with financial relief following their accident. This successful resolution underscores the importance of expert legal representation in personal injury cases.

If you, a friend, or a family member have been a victim of a trip or fall you may be entitled to recover your losses to help with your recovery. Here at Forbes Solicitors, we offer no win no fee advice. Please call one of the Team or contact us here.

After a Client suffered severe leg injuries in a road traffic accident on 29th December 2021, Forbes Solicitors was able to gain compensation for them. The Defendant pulled out of a parking space, made a U-turn and collided with the Claimant, who was riding a motorbike along a major route in Blackburn, Lancashire.

After the road traffic accident, the Claimant got in touch with Forbes Solicitors to file a claim for the injuries they sustained. The Defendant blamed the Claimant for the accident and denied any responsibility when Forbes Solicitors contacted them. Complete investigations ensued, resulting in the issuance of police reports and proceedings. Negotiations with the Defendant followed after the proceedings were issued and a settlement was agreed upon.

Michelle Kemp, a personal injury expert solicitor at Forbes Solicitors, successfully negotiated a settlement of £10,000 for the Client, covering the costs of their injuries and any related financial losses.

If you, a friend or a family member have been a victim of a motorcycle RTA you may be entitled to recover your losses to help with your recovery. The personal injury solicitors at Forbes specialise in motorcycle accident claims and offer a free consultation for people injured in motorbike accidents in England and Wales. Please call one of the Team on 0800 689 0973 or contact us here.

The client had a longstanding diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and required a support worker.  Our client’s symptoms and isolation declined following the death of a close family member.

Our client was inappropriately placed on Ribble Ward and there was a failure in care.  Another patient was given access to the room and attempted to kill or seriously harm our client.  This other Patient was able to contact our client’s mother and report that our client had attempted suicide. Our client was left in soiled bedsheets and wet clothing.

Following a complaint on behalf of our client, there was a move to Darwen Ward.

 This case involved a compliant to the Parliamentary Ombudsman who found that the risk assessment when moving our client from level 2 observation (every 15 to 20 minutes) to level 1 (every hour) was not robust or in line with the guidelines and the Defendant acknowledged the distressing events of soiled clothing and aggression on the ward. The lack of a structured care plan was a serious failure.  Essentially there were failings in assessment, record keeping and observation.  The failings identified within the report were found to have led to a period of significant distress for our client.

The negligence led to a further decline in mental health which led to detention under section 2 of the Mental Health Act 2005.

Following discharge our client continued to have nightmares.

 Expert assessments of capacity to litigate and manage property and affairs were required.    Specialist evidence on the extent of the injuries caused by the negligence, against a background of pre- existing problems had to be assessed.  Our client endured increased psychological sensitivity and the appropriate treatment, due to ASD had to be identified.

 Settlement

The case was settled by Leonie Millard, one of Forbes Solicitors Personal Injury expert solicitors for £20,000.  She had the benefit of input from Www.disability-equality.org.uk, furthering the human rights of disabled people.

If you or a family member have suffered from Medical Negligence, at Forbes we're able to offer a range of full and comprehensive legal advice which will ensure you receive the compensation amount you deserve. Please call one of the Team on 0800 037 4625 or contact us here.

This was a claim against multiple defendants by the adult child of the deceased.

The Deceased was admitted into care at a residential care home in February 2017.  From January 2021, the Deceased started to suffer with consistent weight loss , but no action was taken. Furthermore, in May of 2021, a pressure sore was identified on the Deceased’s sacral area. From June 2021, the Deceased was under the care of district nurses for wound care.  They also provided guidance to the care home in relation to the care of the wound.  Having suffered at least six falls whilst resident at the care home the Deceased was eventually admitted to hospital in July 2021. On admission the Deceased was found to be suffering from a sacral pressure sore, which was by then 4x2 inches with necrotic edges that had become inflamed as it had been infected.

The Deceased passed away in September 2021, with a cause of death listed as an intramuscular abscess and sacral ulcer. This meant that as a result of the substandard care the Deceased suffered pain and suffering, but it  could not be proved that it caused the death against a background of other medical issues.

The claimant pursued a case against the care home and district nursing team, on the basis that the Deceased suffered unnecessarily due to the negligent care they received at the care home from May 2021 – July 2021. Forbes Solicitors alleged that there were failures to undertake skin inspections to monitor the Deceased’s condition, ensure there was frequent re-positioning of the Deceased and failures to devise a complete care plan.

Initially, liability was denied by both Defendant’s. Supportive expert evidence from a nursing expert was obtained and  the matter was placed in Court.

Settlement

The case was settled by negotiation by Leonie Millard, one of Forbes Solicitors Personal Injury expert solicitors for £9,000.

If you or a family member have suffered from Care Home Negligence our care home negligence solicitors work to hold care homes accountable for their actions and strive to obtain compensation for their clients. Please call one of the Team on 0800 037 4625 or contact us here.