Accident claims refer to the practice of claiming compensation for injuries sustained in any type of accident that wasn't your fault. Accident claims can be made against an employer, a business owner, the council or a driver of a vehicle, depending on the cause and circumstances of your accident. Claims are a way of seeking financial compensation for the losses you've suffered. For example, if you've been injured because another driver drove into your vehicle, you may want to bring a claim for compensation.
The different types of accident claims
There are a number of different types of claim, from those related to the workplace to those made following slips or trips in public places. Below are some of the common types:
Work accident claims
These claims relate to being injured in the workplace, and are usually caused by poor health and safety standards. Employers are required by law to take steps to reduce risks to their employees' health and general well-being. The majority of work accident claims result from a failure to uphold these standards.
Industrial accident compensation claims
These accident claims are related to injuries sustained in industrial environments, typically places like construction sites, warehouses and factories. They can also relate to injuries sustained after long term exposure to chemicals and harmful substances (asbestos, lead, etc.) which are associated with industrial conditions.
Car accident claims
Road traffic claims come from the need to claim compensation for injuries that have resulted from collisions with cars, pedestrians or cyclists. These cover a broad range of injuries from whiplash to broken limbs or even head injuries.
What's involved in making a claim?
Claims can be relatively straightforward to make, however it's crucial before you get the ball rolling to find the right legal advice from a company or an individual you trust. You may need to ask questions or provide documents and the right guidance could make a huge difference to the speed and ease with which your claim is settled.
What you might need to make a claim
It's best to keep anything that can be used as evidence of your accident or injury, including medical bills, receipts, details of witnesses, and correspondence with your employers if you've had to take time off work. These things can help your solicitor to develop a good understanding of your accident when they begin to work on your case.
Why make an accident claim?
One of the main reasons for of making a claim is, of course, the compensation you may receive as a result. This could greatly improve the time it takes you to recover both physically and mentally. It could make up for the money you've lost from taking time off work, paying doctors or hospital fees, or paying for care services you might have needed after your injury. Whilst it won't ease the injury itself, compensation could improve the quality of your life and how you feel after being injured.
Bringing a claim can also help prevent accidents in the future as, following a claim, steps will usually be taken to prevent a similar accident occurring.
Source by Jessica A Parker