Suffering a serious injury can be a life-altering experience. Whether caused by a road traffic accident, a workplace incident, or medical negligence, the consequences can affect every aspect of your life, including your physical health, mental wellbeing, employment, and personal relationships. At Marley Solicitors in Exeter, we are dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex process of making a serious injury claim with confidence and clarity.
This guide will help you understand what constitutes a serious injury, how to pursue a claim, and why expert legal advice can make all the difference.
What is considered a serious injury?
In the legal context, a serious injury (also known as a catastrophic injury) typically refers to an injury that has a long-term or permanent impact on the victim’s life. These injuries may involve extensive rehabilitation, lifelong care, or a significant reduction in the ability to work or perform daily tasks.
Examples of serious injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Serious psychological trauma
It is important to note that the impact on your life, not just the severity of the physical injury, plays a critical role in how your claim is assessed.
Common causes of serious injuries in Exeter
While serious injuries can occur anywhere, some of the most common scenarios include:
Exeter’s road network, including the busy M5 motorway and the A30, sees thousands of vehicles each day. Accidents involving cars, motorcycles, cyclists, and pedestrians can result in devastating injuries.
From construction sites to agricultural settings, workplace environments in and around Exeter pose various risks. Lack of safety protocols, insufficient training, or faulty equipment can all contribute to serious injuries.
If a healthcare provider fails in their duty of care, the consequences can be life-changing. Surgical errors, delayed diagnoses, or birth injuries are examples of medical negligence that may justify a serious injury claim.
Who can make a serious injury claim?
If you have sustained a serious injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence or failure to act responsibly, you may be eligible to make a claim. The injured party can bring the claim directly, or in cases where the individual is a minor or lacks mental capacity, a family member or guardian can do so on their behalf.
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to claim compensation. In such cases, the compensation amount might be adjusted to reflect shared responsibility.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In most cases, the standard time limit for making a serious injury claim is three years from the date of the incident or from when you first became aware of the injury being linked to negligence. However, there are exceptions, including:
- Claims on behalf of children (time limit starts when they turn 18)
- Claims involving individuals lacking mental capacity (no time limit unless capacity is regained)
- Claims for criminal injuries (usually must be made within two years)
It is always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.
How compensation is calculated in serious injury claims
Compensation in serious injury cases, also known as damages, is typically divided into two categories:
General damages
These cover the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity resulting from your injury. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and any impact on your ability to enjoy life.
Special damages
These compensate you for financial losses related to your injury. This may include:
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses
- Costs of care or home adaptations
The amount awarded will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the extent of your financial losses.
The claims process with Marley Solicitors
At Marley Solicitors in Exeter, we understand that pursuing a claim while recovering from a serious injury can feel overwhelming. That is why we aim to simplify the process and provide clear, compassionate support at every stage.
Step 1: Initial consultation
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case. During this session, we will discuss the circumstances of your injury, potential liability, and the likelihood of a successful claim.
Step 2: Investigation and evidence gathering
We will collect relevant evidence, including medical reports, witness statements, accident reports, and expert assessments. This stage is crucial to build a strong case.
Step 3: Negotiation with the responsible party
Where possible, we will attempt to reach a fair settlement through negotiation with the at-fault party or their insurers. Many claims are resolved at this stage without the need for court proceedings.
Step 4: Court proceedings (if necessary)
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced solicitors will represent your interests and ensure you have the best possible chance of success.
Rehabilitation and ongoing support
In many serious injury cases, early access to rehabilitation services is just as important as financial compensation. At Marley Solicitors, we work closely with medical and rehabilitation experts to ensure our clients receive the care they need to maximise their recovery.
We can also assist in securing interim payments while your claim is ongoing. These are advance payments on your final compensation amount, designed to help cover immediate expenses such as medical treatment or loss of income.
We handle serious injury claims in Exeter on a no win, no fee basis.
We accept no-win, no-fee claims for the majority of serious injury cases. This implies that you won’t be required to pay any legal fees up front, and you will only be required to pay if your claim is successful. If you do not win your case, you will not have to pay our legal costs, giving you peace of mind and financial protection.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Exeter?
Choosing the right solicitor is a critical decision when pursuing a serious injury claim. Here is why clients in Exeter trust Marley Solicitors:
- Local expertise combined with national experience
- Compassionate, client-focused approach
- Proven track record in handling complex and high-value claims
- Dedicated case handlers who guide you throughout the process
- Transparent costs with no hidden fees
We are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients and providing the support they need at a difficult time.
Contact our serious injury solicitors in Exeter today
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury and you believe someone else was at fault, do not hesitate to get in touch with Marley Solicitors in Exeter. Our team is ready to listen, advise, and help you begin your journey toward justice and compensation.
Call us today or use our online contact form to arrange your free consultation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by speaking with a legal expert who truly understands what you are going through.
