Brain injury compensation. no-one can change the past, but one of us could change your future

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1 Brain injury compensation no-one can change the past, but one of us could change your future

2 One million people like you every year Each year, around one million adults and children in Britain suffer a head injury that puts them in hospital approximately 170,000 people suffer brain damage, half of whom are left with a disability. Car accidents cause 50% of head injuries, 20-30% are due to domestic and industrial accidents, 10% are from sporting accidents and 10% from assaults. Cycling causes approximately 20% of head injuries in children. Injury could turn you into someone very different The effects of a head injury can be temporary or long-term, mild or severe. How a survivor is affected depends on which part of the brain is damaged. The injury can cause the survivor to have for example speech and language problems. However, a traumatic brain injury can also cause disabilities that are not visible, such as changes in personality, thinking, memory or behaviour. The effects of a brain injury may not be confined to the injured person, but can alter relationships with family, friends and colleagues as well. To ensure you get the compensation you ll need for ongoing care, treatment and rehabilitation, your lawyer has to understand these problems and their impact on your life.

3 Someone who understands more than just the law Our team of head injury specialists includes solicitors and qualified nursing personnel, many of whom are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and specialist groups such as Headway, the Children s Brain Injury Trust and HIRE (Head Injury Re-education). Members of the team are involved in local Headway groups and the firm is included in Headway s Personal Injury Solicitors list. Headway s directory of solicitors lists those firms experienced in handling brain injury claims and only includes firms which have declared that the criteria set down by the Headway board of management have been met. In addition to our legal expertise, we also understand the importance of consulting with treating professionals involved in your care and rehabilitation and will liaise with them throughout your case. We can also, where possible, secure interim payments for you which can help pay for a care package and any rehabilitation you need and put you in touch with professionals who can assist you. The importance of step number one During our first meeting we ll discuss all the details of the accident with you, its effects on your life so far and how you may be affected in the future. You can make a claim for compensation if we are able to show that someone else negligently caused the injury that has affected your life. Claims for compensation for severe injuries can take some time to reach a settlement, especially as the full extent of the injuries may not appear immediately after the accident.

4 If you are going to pursue a compensation claim for a head injury, you should not expect your case to be settled too quickly. It is essential that we ensure that any long term effects of your injuries are fully addressed so that you are properly compensated. To get the true level of compensation for your injury, we will make a detailed assessment of the consequences and support your claim with evidence from specialist medical experts. Usually there is a time limit of 3 years following an accident to bring a claim, so prompt action is advisable. For children, the three-year time limit won t start until their 18th birthday. An exception to this rule may be if an injury is so severe that it prevents the person who has suffered it understanding the significance of the time limit. More than one way to pay The first interview is completely free and we can visit you at home or in hospital. At this meeting we ll discuss with you the best method of funding your case. Legal Aid Legal aid is no longer available for most personal injury claims, except cases of clinical negligence or criminal injuries where you may get legal aid, depending on your finances. We will advise you whether or not legal aid is available. Conditional and deferred fees We can also offer no-win, no-fee arrangements in many cases where if we don t win your case, we won t be paid, and if we do win, we ll be paid a success fee by the responsible party. Insurance You may already have cover for the legal costs you may incur in pursuing your claim under your household, motor or some other forms of insurance. We will explore these options with you.

5 Getting compensation for every one of your losses The compensation we claim for you will reflect the pain and suffering you ve been through and the impact on your life. We will also claim for future losses, for example, if you re unable to return to work or need nursing care or help in your home. We will also seek compensation for any direct financial losses you have suffered, such as lost earnings or medical expenses. Once your compensation has been finalised, you may need guidance on your long-term financial security. Our independent financial experts will be able to advise you on investing your award and protecting it in a Trust if necessary. We are also experienced in dealing with Court of Protection matters for those people who are incapable of managing their own financial affairs. Why wait one more day? The time limit for personal injury claims means prompt action is essential. Our personal injury team has a national reputation and is recommended by the Legal the clients guide to the legal profession. Throughout your case, we ll give you straightforward, easy to understand advice and keep you informed throughout the process. Simply contact the team at the office which is most convenient for you and we will be happy to answer your queries and arrange an introductory appointment. All of our offices have car parking with disabled access, but if it s particularly difficult for you to see us, we can visit you where you are.

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7 Nelsons is one of the largest, strongest law firms in the East Midlands with offices throughout the region and expertise in all aspects of business and personal law. A dynamic and forward thinking firm, we pride ourselves on combining high professional standards with impeccable client care. Our client service code demands that letters and telephone calls are answered promptly, costs explained clearly and that we communicate in a language that you understand. We promise to deliver a responsive, efficient service where you are always kept in the picture on costs, progress and on time.

8 one team to contact Helen Froggatt Sterne House Lodge Lane Derby DE1 3WD Tel Fax Chris McKinney Provincial House 37 New Walk Leicester LE1 6TU Tel Fax Bruce Williams Pennine House 8 Stanford Street Nottingham NG1 7BQ Tel Fax