introduction people bringing claims funding faqs news, articles and updates enquiry form useful links back to menu			Below are answers to some frequently asked questions, which should be used as a general guide and not as statements of fact. Click on a question to bring up the answer. Have I got a claim? Are there any time limits for bringing a claim? How much will it cost to bring a claim? How long will my case take? Will I have to go to Court? How much will I get? What should I do next?

			Q) Have I got a claim? A) If you have been injured and you think it was someone else's fault, you probably have a claim. Back to top Q) Are there any time limits for bringing a claim? A) Most claims must be started at Court within 3 years of the date of the accident. There are however a number of exceptions to this rule. ::  If the victim is a child the child will have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim. ::  If the victim is a patient (i.e., someone who cannot manage their own affairs), time limits do not apply. ::  In certain circumstances time starts to run not from the date of the accident but from the date the victim knew that he or she had suffered injuries. For example, in a clinical negligence claim a victim may not know that anything has gone wrong until another doctor brings this to his or her attention. ::  If you were injured overseas different time limits may apply. ::  If you were assaulted the time limits to bring a claim is 6 years from the date of the assault. ::  If you suffered injuries as a result of a criminal attack then the time limit to submit a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is 2 years. If you unsure as to whether your case is still within allowed time limits ask a specialist personal injury solicitor anyway. Even if you think your case is out of time still contact a specialist solicitor because sometimes the Court will let people bring claims late if it is satisfied that there are good reasons. Please beware the above time limits are for starting the case in court not notifying a Defendant of your intention to bring a claim. Back to top Q) How much will it cost to bring a claim? A) The first interview will be free during which time your solicitor will advise as to the best way for you to fund your claim. The funding section of this site also provides advice on various ways to fund a claim. Please click here to visit the funding section. Back to top Q) How long will my case take? A) This depends upon how long it takes you to recover from your injuries and how complicated your case is. Back to top Q) Will I have to go to Court? A) Not necessarily, as most cases settle without a Court Hearing. For example, Russell-Cooke's Personal Injury department is usually able to settle over 95% of cases without the need to go to court. Back to top Q) How much will I get? A) This depends on how seriously you are injured and how your injuries affect your day-to-day life. You can claim compensation for the injury itself and expenses you have incurred because of the accident e.g., loss of earnings, costs of care, travel expenses etc. Back to top Q) What should I do next? A) Contact a specialist personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. In the meantime make a note of what happened while the accident is still fresh in your mind and keep a note of all expenses.

If you would like more assistance with a particular case call us on 0208 789 9111 email helpdesk@russell-cooke.co.uk. or click here for our enquiry form.