Claims and Compensation blog

Finding a No Win No Fee Claims Management Company or Solicitor

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:02:00 +0000

I read with interest a recent legal claim for Personal Injury Compensation involving a Rugby Player who claimed that he was blinded in one eye through the negligent and violent actions of an opponent whilst playing for Moseley against Coventry RFC in September 2001. Clearly, this is no standard or normal Personal Injury Claim and I doubt very much that the claimant was able to find a No Win No Fee Claims Management Company or Solicitor very easily.

Why?

This claim was always going to be difficult to win as it rested on the good old fashioned 'he said she said' kind of argument! In most No Win No Fee Personal Injury Claims, a Solicitor or Claims Management Company will evaluate the likely chances of success any claim will have. It is all about risk assessment and if a claim has strong chances of success, it can be run on a No Win No Fee basis (Conditional Fee Agreement) with ease. Clearly, if a claim is weak or extremely risky - as this one was - then it is far from likely to be taken on by a Solicitor on a No Win No Fee basis.
In most claims, there are clear hazards that were foreseeable, obvious negligence and rules broken - like for example when someone suffers an injury in the workplace because an employer cut corners and failed to provide the correct equipment and training. In cases like that, it is easy to evaluate a claim and get things moving. In the instance of the Rugby Players claim, such an evaluation would be much harder and therefore very risky for a Solicitor to take on with no guarantee of payment of their fees.

The Claim

As a result of the difficulty of this claim, the claimant Rugby player was left with no option other than to represent himself and it seems he did a very good job of it! He gave evidence at the courts and was able to call on witnesses from his Rugby team who corroborated his version of events. The courts were told that one of the two defendants was initially charged by the Police with Assault, but that the charge was later dropped due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The Judge took evidence from the claimant, witnesses and both defendants before adjourning the case for a while.

The result

After the adjournment, the Judge awarded the claim in favour of the claimant, but ruled that one of the two defendants were not liable for the injuries that had been inflicted on the Claimant. The exact level of damages will be set at a further hearing later this year.

Making your claim

To make your claim, come to us. Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Fraudsters get found out

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:44:00 +0000

Fraudulent Claims don't win!

It is pleasing to hear that London Police have today arrested a Man on suspicion of being involved in a multi-million pound insurance claim scam. Rather worryingly though, the individual arrested is reported as being the Director of an Accident Management Company - clearly someone who should no better.

Ministry of Justice

The regulatory authority for the Claims Management Industry - the Ministry of Justice, will surely look in to this story very closely. Whilst the individual remains innocent until proven guilty, this story does our industry no favours. However, thankfully, it seems that the Police are on top of this and working hard to ensure that individuals who want to rip-off and steal from Insurance Companies cannot get away with it. At Direct 2 Solicitors, we are all for helping innocent victims claim what they are legally entitled to. We are also equally against fraudulent claims and welcome the news that criminals working to cheat both the insurance industry and the general public will not get away with it.

Trustworthy Industry

Out of bad can come good - hopefully, this goes some way towards showing that our industry can be trusted and that the tiny minority of individuals who do think that breaking the law and being fraudulent will work, will find it doesn't. If you have a genuine claim, make it. If you don't... don't even try. Compensation is there to compensate innocent victims of non-fault accidents, not for free handouts to all and sundry.

Making your claim

To make your claim, come to us. Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Accidents in the workplace

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Is your employer geared up to deal with accidents in the workplace?

We all know that accidents can happen - even when the most stringent Heath & Safety laws are followed and dedicated planning to avoid accidents or injuries at work has been undertaken. Therefore, with this in mind it is fair to ask the following question; Is your employer prepared and organised to deal with accidents and injuries in the workplace?

Being prepared

Apart from ensuring that staff are properly trained, properly qualified and that the workplace is as safe as it is possible to make it, employers have various obligations regarding accidents in the workplace. If the worst happens and a worker is injured, then the employer must ensure that the following things are available to staff.

1, A first Aid Kit - Does your employer provide first aid equipment?
2, A designated 'first aider' - Do you know who is trained in your workplace?
3, An accident book - Does your employer provide an accident book where you could record the details of your accident in your words?
4, Training - Does your employer train you in how to deal with the aftermath of an accident?
5, Telephone - Do you have access to a telephone should you need to call the emergency services?

Ensure your safety and that of your colleagues

If you feel that your employer and your place of work places you at a heightened risk of injury, then you are obliged to bring this to your employers attention. You don't have the power or authority to MAKE them do anything about the Health & Safety management at your workplace, but you do have the ability to remind those responsible for it should there be shortcomings. It could be that something that presents a clear danger to workers has not been noticed. If you report it, it may be repaired. If you don't, it may hurt someone. If your employer fails to act on your warnings, you could also go to your local Health & Safety executive office and ask for them to inspect your workplace.
Nearly all employers take the safety of their staff and customers extremely seriously and don't place staff at undue risk of injury. However, there are some firms out there who don't take their legal obligations anything like as seriously as they should. If you work for an employer like that, try doing something about it.

Avoiding Accidents at work

Direct 2 Solicitors hope that we can help people avoid the terrible situation where they are unable to earn an income due to an accident at work. However, if the worst does happen, we are here to help and have an expertise in dealing with accidents in the workplace and assisting clients who have been injured at work.

Making your claim

To make your claim, come to us. Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Why Direct 2 Solicitors is the place to make your claim

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:23:00 +0000

The Personal Injury Compensation Claims Specialists

Clearly, Direct 2 Solicitors really is the place to bring your claim for Personal Injury Compensation, but why? Well, we have lots of things on our side. We offer a genuine transparent No-Win, No-Fee Personal Injury Claims service. We have no hidden charges and nothing lurking around the corner that will take our client's by surprise! Added to that, we have a very well trained team who know what there is to know about Personal Injury Compensation claims and how to get the right information to give our client's the very best chances of success with their claim. Our service is so easy to use too. We can complete nearly all claims over the phone, with a simple 15-20 minute claim application process. This takes the hassle away from the client and enables our team to compile a market leading claims investigation file which is ready for our expert Panel Solicitors to commence immediate litigation proceedings against the 3rd party responsible for the injuries and losses caused to our client.

Speed of service

Along with our industry leading panel of specialist Personal Injury Solicitors, we offer a speed of service which is second to none. Client's can request a call back via our website, reply to one of our Direct Mail Campaigns or other forms of marketing and we will contact them immediately. If there is a viable claim to be managed, we inform the client's of our transparent No-Win, No-Fee service and give them the full details of how we make our money. If they then choose to select Direct 2 Solicitors to manage their claim (which they nearly all do!) we commence the claim application call and get the paperwork completed. We then forward 3 simple items of paperwork to our client for their signature and return (so that they can formally instruct us and agree to our No-Win, No-Fee service). As soon as we have these important items back, the claim file is ready for consideration by our Panel Solicitors. The files are forwarded via email and our Solicitors make quick decisions. If they feel a claim is strong, they will call the clients and confirm the details given. If they then decide to take the claim, the claim is up and running - simple as that!

No Fuss, No Hassle

Direct 2 Solicitors clients can relax, safe in the knowledge that we are taking the strain out of the claim process for them. Even after our Panel Solicitor takes over the litigation work on the claim, we remain involved, available and there to assist our clients when they receive information that can be confusing. If needed, we visit people at home and ensure that the client's know and understand the situation surrounding their Personal Injury Compensation claim. We can never guarantee success with a claim, but we always guarantee our No WIn No Fee service - and are happy to do so in writing should it be requested.

Making your claim

To make your claim, come to us. Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

The Compensation Culture blame game... Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:03:00 +0000

Councils in Compensation Claims moaning shocker!

Once again the Local Government lobby is putting pressure on the public to try and deter us from exercising our legal rights! In yet another shameful PR stunt, the Local Government Association (LGA) has issued a press release bemoaning the fact that they are paying out large sums in compensation. We are saddened, but not surprised to see that they blame the volume of claims squarely at the foot of us 'nasty' No Win No Fee Claims Management Companies and Solicitors. The latest story states that some £53m has been paid out in compensation settlements, and that a further £12m has been spent on legal fees and court costs. However, at the same time, the LGA has scored an own goal to it's own argument as the figures taken from an Asphalt Industry Alliance survey of Councils shows that only £52.3m has been spent on repairs to dangerous footpaths and roads. So at the same time as moaning about spending £60m + on genuine claims, the LGA have spent LESS ensuring that the roads and paths are safe which would then reduce the level of genuine claims that they would face! How these people end up in positions of authority is questionable at the very least!

Who is to blame?

The LGA, Insurers and some members of the establishment would like everyone to believe that the blame lies at the foot of people like me, companies like ours and the Solicitors that we work with. However, we know that only genuine claims will succeed. The onus on a claimant to prove that the councils have left a dangerous hazard that would be deemed sufficient to pass the legal liability requirements in situ for a period of time that would also pass the same test is very high. If one can prove the liability side of it, then the Council is in the wrong and they should then, in the eyes of the law, provide compensation to an injured party to cover their injuries and losses. It really is simple. LGA Spokesman David Sparks has been quoted in the media as saying "These figures show the extent to which our efforts are being hampered by the compensation culture that exists nowadays" he goes on to say "since no-win, no-fee was introduced, almost all councils have seen an increase in compensation claims". To be fair, he does go on to say that where there are genuine claims, the claimant should be compensated. To me, this seems to indicate that he is taking the view that there are more fraudulent claims than genuine and that No-Win, No-Fee Solicitors and Claims Management Companies are actively encouraging individuals to lodge fraudulent claims. There is no evidence to support such a view and I wonder why he is wording what he says, the way he is? It is simple, if you end up paying up to settle a claim, you are liable. Thus, if the councils are spending what we are told they are on settling claims, they can only blame themselves.

No Win No Fee

Since the inception of No-Win, No-Fee claims in the UK, there has been a rise and now a fall in the number of claims issued and filed. It goes without saying that the reason for the rise is that when it was first launched, it informed the UK public that they had a right to claim compensation for injuries if they were caused by negligence. Prior to the No Win No Fee system, many claims were not made because individuals didn't know that they could claim and could not afford to pay Solicitors fees should they fail. It seems that the LGA Spokesman is blaming me, my company, our solicitors and any claimants for exercising the legal rights entitled to all of us. So, if we have made people aware of their rights and helped them to claim compensation FOR WHICH THEY ARE LEGALLY AND GENUINELY ENTITLED, then I make no apology. Maybe, the LGA and Councils of the UK should concentrate on the very important work with which they are charged?

Making your claim

To make your claim, come to us. Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Genuine claim or pulling a fast one?

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:57:00 +0000

Bizarre Claims

I read with interest today an article regarding a former employee of Tesco who is taking them to court and suing them for discrimination after he was forced by Managers to work with alcohol during his work at their distribution centre in Staffordshire. The claimant is basing his lawsuit on the fact that his religious beliefs (He is a Muslim) were highly at conflict with him handling alcohol so he could not do this work. He states that he asked to move to different work, but this was refused. However, Tesco have stated that at some point ALL of their distribution staff come in to contact with alcohol and need to move it around.
To me, this sounds a rather far fetched claim. Surely when he took the job, he knew that Tesco sold alcohol?! In our view, the claim will fail, but that remains to be seen!

Employee Rights

Employees do have rights and can object to certain work on various grounds. However, there is a responsibility on employees to mention when being interviewed if there is anything in the workplace that they feel their beliefs or health issues will prevent them from working on.

Employers Responsibilities

Employers are responsible for ensuring that employees are not placed at risk, not exposed to danger and not exposed to harassment, bullying or victimisation.

Making your claim

To make your claim, come to us. Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Who is to blame for an increase in dangerous pavement surfaces?

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:09:00 +0000

It wasn't me honest...

Over the course of the recent months, there have been numerous media stories that have been coming from the point of view of local authorities regarding the terrible strain that they have been placed under by the 'growing number' of Personal Injury Compensation Claims made against them. To us, this seems a bizarre thing for the authorities to do and it appears that they wish to shirk responsibility for their mismanagement of their statutory duties.
The media stories being released are trying to convince Joe Public that the reason for the increase in dangerous pavements that are liable to lead to injuries for which they will have to pay compensation is because of the amount of money being sucked out of their budgets to settle Personal Injury claims. Words and phrases used when mentioning claims include 'over zealous' 'frivolous' and even 'questionable'. For those who know the truth, these stories and versions of events just don't add up!

Their argument

The authorities see it that they cannot spend money repairing the pavement surfaces because they are having to keep funds aside to fight claims and fund staff to do the defence work. Well, this doesn't add up either. For one, they have insurance and secondly local authorities have had a statutory duty of care regarding pavement surfaces etc for 20odd years now. The councils state that they have had to shelve repair and remedial work due to a lack of funds. Well, our argument is that if they had carried out adequate bi-annual inspection regimes, repaired dangerous pavements before they deteriorated to such an extent that the cost of making repairs ballooned.

Defending the truth

Thankfully, there have been some stories from the 'other side of the fence' - from the point of view of the injured party and that of Joe Public. Solicitors and Industry bodies have pointed out that there has been a declining standard of pavements and a drop in investment in repairs for many years and that there has been no new drop in repairs due to the modern 'claims culture' that we are being hoodwinked in to believing.
We have the knowledge of what to many, a simple fall on a damaged pavement can do to peoples lives. Clients of ours have had their entire lives turned upside down due to sustaining injuries in such falls. Often, especially to the elderly, a fracture to a wrist, leg or spine can end the independence that we all cherish. This is no small matter. In our view, the authorities must accept responsibility for making the repairs we all want to see. If the pavements are sound, inspections are carried out and minor repairs undertaken when needed, then the councils won't face claims in the first place. Simple isn't it?!

Duty of care

Remember, your local authority highways department has a statutory duty of care to ensure that the pavements in your area are free from hazards. If you think that there is a hazard that could cause injury, phone your council and report the matter. They can come and inspect it and decide if it requires remedial work. Let's do our part and trust that the councils will do the same.

Making your claim

To make your claim, come to us. Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Tragic Accident leads to death of child

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:25:00 +0000

More Personal Injury No Win No Fee Claims in the news

Three companies in Dorset are to face legal action over the death of a child according to today's news. In a very tragic incident, the 9 year old was crushed to death by an electric gate at his grandparents home in April 2006. Poole Borough Council are prosecuting 3 firms as a result of this incident. Two firms are to face legal action under the Health and Safety at Work act and the third under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) regulations. The cases are due to be heard before Wimborne Magistrates Court later this year. An inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death.

This is a very sad story indeed and our hearts go out to the family of the dead child. It highlights that vendors of tools, equipment and products need to take great care to ensure the safety of UK Citizens. The family will likely claim compensation, but no settlement will be sufficient to cover the terrible loss of their child.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Midwife Sues couple

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:23:00 +0000

Personal Injury No Win No Fee Claims in the news

It has been reported today that a couple in Hull are being sued by a Midwife who was injured during a routine home visit to see them after the birth of their twins. The Midwife has taken private legal action and instructed a Solicitor to sue the couple under The Occupiers Act 1957 and has been reported as stating that they are liable for her injuries for failing in their duty of care to provide a safe place of work.

The claim is based on the fact that the Midwife alleges that she fell on the stairs by catching her foot on a buggy that had been left in the way. To me, it would seem that there is split liability here and plenty of causation against the midwife. Surely she could see the buggy and should have either moved it or asked for it to be moved? Alternatively, she could have stepped over it and avoided a fall? It could also be argued (as is being done by the claimant Solicitor) that the couple should not have left the buggy in the way!
It is an interesting case, but I am not sure that the claimant will succeed. It remains to be seen!

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Another claimant helped

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Injured at work - another client helped

We have just completed a cracker of a work accident (employment liability) claim. The client came to us having sustained nasty ankle and knee injuries in a fall at his work place. He worked for a leading UK supermarket chain at their distribution depot. The client stated that the lighting was in a terrible state, with numerous bulbs out of action and those that were still working had been knocked around by reversing lorries and didn't light the correct areas. As a conscientious member of staff, he had the foresight to bring this to his employers attention so that they could repair the dodgy lighting and reduce the risk of an accident. Unfortunately, despite this complaint and numerous reminders, no repair work was carried out and sure enough, the client fell heavily whilst working due to the lack of light and sustained nasty injuries keeping him off work, in pain and heavily out of pocket for many months.

Checklist

When the client called us, we thought he had a strong claim. The liability certainly wasn't an issue, so we had to check two key factors. Firstly, we needed to know that the accident was recorded officially. Thankfully, the client was on the ball and had ensured that the correct details of the accident were entered in the employers official accident book. The client even has a copy of this entry. Secondly, we needed to confirm that the client has been treated by a professional qualified medic and that his medical records will confirm this. Again, all was well, as the client had been to A&E before being dealt with in out-patient clinics, seeing his GP and also had undergone a course of physiotherapy. We were only too happy to confirm that this kind of accident claim was exactly what the No Win No Fee system had been set up for and that we were the perfect company for him to place his claim with. Having explained our way of working and discussed the likely process that he would go through in order to get to a point when his claim was settled, the client confirmed that he was happy to go ahead and we completed our claim application file.

No Win No Fee Solicitor - the dream claim

This is the kind of claim that our specialist Personal Injury Panel Solicitors love. It ticks all the boxes. Liability is as solid as a rock, the accident is fully recorded and the client is a reliable and trustworthy individual. Solicitors love the work accident claims as the law is so clear on the responsibilities of employers and employees regarding health and safety in the workplace. In this instance, the employer has clearly failed in their duty of care towards their staff and our client. Our client reported the lighting issue as an accident waiting to happen and then reminded the employer many times. Unfortunately, because they failed to take action and failed to heed their employees warnings, they are now liable for the compensation of our clients losses and injuries.

Have you sustained injuries at work?

Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd have specialist knowledge of handling work accident claims. As a claims Management company, we handle the full spectrum of Personal Injury claims - all on a No Win No Fee basis. If you have had an accident at work, or in any other situation and you feel that someone else is at fault for the state that you are now in, please call us. Our expert knowledge may well be the route to getting you compensated so that your loss of wages gets covered and you are given the financial settlement that reduces the stress placed upon you and your family. We can never re-write history and prevent an accident that has already happened, but we can prevent them happening again. Call us today.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Slip & Trip Public Liability Personal Injury Compensation Claims

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:05:00 +0000

Slip & Trip claims - Who should foot the bill?

We have all heard the phrase "Where there's blame, there's a claim", but is that true? If it is true, who foots the bill for the compensation and what will it cost them?

The majority of 'Slip and trip' claims (correctly know as Public Liability claims) tend to be made against Local Authorities and Councils. The duty of care to maintain footpaths to a safe standard falls under the Highways Departments of the Councils of the UK. In basic terms, the law can hold the Council liable for injuries caused by a fall on a Public Footpath if a few basic criteria are met. These include, the height or depth of a hazard (hole or raised edge) on a footpath, the fact that it has been in situ for a certain length of time (at least 6 months and around 1 year) and that it has been reported to the Council or they have failed to carry out adequate inspection regimes.
These are fair criteria in anyone's book. we know that Council's have miles and miles of footpaths and road surfaces to check and maintain. They can't possibly be expected to repair any damaged or dangerous surface within hours, days or weeks of it becoming a problem. Therefore, to allow many months to carry out inspections and then action necessary repairs is very fair indeed. So, if the council's fail in their statutory duty to provide safe and well maintained footpaths, who foots the bill?

The Payers

Local Authorities are covered by Public Liability Insurance and it will often be the PL insurance company who foot the bill if their client is proven to have been negligent and at cause for an injury. However, we often hear stories in the media regarding the amount of council tax payers money that has to be kept aside to 'pay off compensation claims'. This story is often touted around the media as if to say it is terrible and a rip-off - almost as if it was designed to put people off from claiming. So, why would this story be presented in the way it is? Clearly, the councils are always under pressure to spend money in their regions. Everyone wants a piece of the pie and there is only so much pie to go around. In our view, Councils shouldn't be putting money aside to cover potential claims - if they are doing that, it indicates that THEY KNOW that they are likely to receive claims because they have not made an area claim proof! I don't understand this. Surely, it would be beneficial and far cheaper in the long run, for a Council to spend money ensuring that the pavements in their area are well maintained, employ a sufficient numbers of inspectors to inspect the pavements in their area and report back any faults that are liable to be 'claimable' and then spend the money on making their pavements and parks claim proof. Sure, you can never make anything 100% claim proof, but you can go alot further than some of the councils of our country have done. You see, they don't need to set £5 million big ones aside to settle claims. They need to continually invest in repairs, inspections and renewals of footpaths and the like on an annual basis. If this was done, the volume of genuine Public Liability 'slip and trip' claims would fall and thus, the insurance premiums and council costs would drop too. Simple isn't it?

Don't blame the injured party

To me it seems that the publishing of the story about how much money is set aside to compensate victims of personal injury accidents, is aimed at blaming them for the cost and to increase the belief in the myth of the Compensation Culture. Maybe the thinking behind it is 'if we can make people feel bad about taking tax payers money and that if they do, they are not really entitled to it, they won't claim'? I don't know, but it does seem odd.

If people are injured because a footpath has been left to rot or not been resurfaced and repaired, or tree root growth that has lifted paving slabs and created a minefield for the elderly and children has not been tended to within a reasonable time, why shouldn't someone claim compensation? I know that if I fell on a bad pavement and sustained a broken arm or ankle, I would want to claim. Why should I be unable to earn my wages because the council that I pay my council taxes to, have failed to repair a pavement?

Doing our part

Clearly, we the general public of UK Ltd, need to give our councils help. If we spot dangerous pavements with a hazardous appearance, we MUST inform our Highways Department. By doing this, we are ensuring that the Councils know about the hazards in their areas and can make them safe.

If they then fail to attend the area and make the relevant repairs, then they have no-one to blame other than themselves when their insurance premiums go up and claims are made against them.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Personal Injury Claims - With an Ethical and Fair Approach

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:53:00 +0000

At Direct 2 Solicitors, we have always prided ourselves on our ethical and honest approach to Personal Injury Claims Management practices. We want to be sure that the service we offer to our clients represents a fair and equitable deal for all parties concerned. Yes, we stand to make money from successfully pursued claims, but that is not our starting point when we review and qualify new claim enquiries that come to our attention. The victims of the non-fault accidents that we help need two things. They need compensation to cover their loss of income and physical trauma and they also need to know that the company that they have chosen to manage their No Win No Fee Personal Injury Claim will do so in a transparent manner with no hidden nasties and certainly in a fair and equitable way.

Our Modus Operandi

We offer clients a simple and transparent solution and lead the market in providing a clear and understandable explanation of the No Win No Fee Personal Injury Claims service that we offer. We do not ask our clients to sign complicated loan agreements, take out unknown ATE or BTE Insurance Policies or sign any complicated paperwork. Many Claims Management Companies do sign clients up to bizarre agreements that are complex, misunderstood and often not fully explained. Indeed, Direct 2 Solicitors clients sign 3 items of paperwork when they instruct us to assist them in finding a specialist Personal Injury Solicitor from our Panel to manage their claim. The first item is a signature to confirm that the information that they have provided is an honest and accurate report of the events that lead to their injury. The 2nd relates to whether or not they have access to any Legal Expenses Insurance Policies that may or may not assist in the funding of their Solicitors costs (prior to the 3rd party paying them at settlement) and the final item is our Fair Trading Statement or No Win No Fee agreement. This keeps it simple for all concerned, us our clients and our Panel Solicitors. Everyone knows where they stand.

The No Win No Fee Agreement

Our agreement is simple. We don't expect to make commissions from over-inflated ATE or BTE insurance Policies and we don't expect a 'back hander'from a credit agreement either. We simply state to our clients that their claim will be managed on a genuine No Win No Fee basis. This means that if they lose their claim, we don't make a penny. They don't pay us (or anyone else) a penny and they walk away having had full legal support and a genuine shot at claiming their compensation. Not all claims win, but our clients know that they have been given the best chance of success by us and our Panel Solicitor. On the other hand, our No Win No Fee agreement does mean that if a claim is settled in the favour of our clients, we do make a deduction of £395 + VAT from their agreed settlement. This is always seen as fair and there are no hidden or murky agreements that enable anything different.
Indeed, our clients report that they like this approach and believe that it is better to know how companies make their living and profits rather than knowing nothing about them. We often get asked: "What if my claim is only worth a few hundred pounds?". Well, this is not an issue for more than one reason. Direct 2 Solicitors take a different approach to this and evaluate a rough likely settelment value for any claim at the outset of the client contacting us. If we feel a claim is worth less than £1,000.00 we do not take it on. It is as simple as that. However, we know that some claims settle for as little as £1,000.00. In that event, taking £395 +VAT would not be ethical or fair. Why should we have almost half of someones settlement? It cannot be justified.
Therefore, we have a clause in our agreement to state that if a claim settles for £1,000.00 we waive our fee and make NO DEDUCTION whatsoever to their claim. But what if a claim only settles for say £1,250.00 or similar? Would taking over £400 (including VAT) be justified then? The short answer is no! Therefore, we have another clause - again in the clients favour, cause we are the good guys!) stating that should a claim settle for between £1,000.00 and £1,500.00 our Management Fee is altered from a fixed £395 +VAT to a fairer 15% of their settlement. You see, 15% of £1,250.00 is £187.50 - meaning the client still receives over £1,000.00 - a sum which all can agree is substantial and fair. If we took our £395 fee from £1,250.00, we would be taking a whopping 31.6% from the claim. This, in our view would not be fair - or ethical.

Honest, fair and understandable No Win No Fee

We have nothing to hide. We are proud of the service we offer and proud that we have helped many clients achieve compensation for their injuries and losses. Clients come to us at a time when stress levels are high, money is tight and lives are hectic. The last thing they need are complicated agreements, hidden charges and bizarre unknown loans and credit agreements to run their claims. Thankfully, it appears that the Personal Injury Compensation claiming public seem to agree with us and report that they like our transparent and understandable agreement.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

No Win No Fee - the fair way

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:43:00 +0000

Personal Injury Claims - With an Ethical and Fair Approach

At Direct 2 Solicitors, we have always prided ourselves on our ethical and honest approach to Personal Injury Claims Management practices.
We want to be sure that the service we offer to our clients represents a fair and equitable deal for all parties concerned. Yes, we stand to make money
from successfully pursued claims, but that is not our starting point when we review and qualify new claim enquiries that come to our attention.
The victims of the non-fault accidents that we help need two things. They need compensation to cover their loss of income and physical trauma and they also need to know
that the company that they have chosen to manage their No Win No Fee Personal Injury Claim will do so in a transparent manner with no hidden nasties and certainly in a fair and equitable way.

Our Modus Operandi

We offer clients a simple and transparent solution and lead the market in providing a clear and understandable explanation of the No Win No Fee Personal Injury Claims service that we offer.
We do not ask our clients to sign complicated loan agreements, take out unknown ATE or BTE Insurance Policies or sign any complicated paperwork. Many Claims Management Companies do sign clients
up to bizarre agreements that are complex, misunderstood and often not fully explained.
Indeed, Direct 2 Solicitors clients sign 3 items of paperwork when they instruct us to assist them in finding a specialist Personal Injury Solicitor from our Panel to manage their claim. The first
item is a signature to confirm that the information that they have provided is an honest and accurate report of the events that lead to their injury. The 2nd relates to whether or not they have access to
any Legal Expenses Insurance Policies that may or may not assist in the funding of their Solicitors costs (prior to the 3rd party paying them at settlement) and the final item is our Fair Trading Statement or
No Win No Fee agreement.
This keeps it simple for all concerned, us our clients and our Panel Solicitors. Everyone knows where they stand.

The No Win No Fee Agreement

Our agreement is simple. We don't expect to make commissions from over-inflated ATE or BTE insurance Policies and we don't expect a 'back hander' from a credit agreement either. We simply state to our clients that
their claim will be managed on a genuine No Win No Fee basis. This means that if they lose their claim, we don't make a penny. They don't pay us (or anyone else) a penny and they walk away having had full legal support
and a genuine shot at claiming their compensation. Not all claims win, but our clients know that they have been given the best chance of success by us and our Panel Solicitor. On the other hand, our No Win No Fee agreement
does mean that if a claim is settled in the favour of our clients, we do make a deduction of £395 + VAT from their agreed settlement.
This is always seen as fair and there are no hidden or murky agreements that enable anything different.
Indeed, our clients report that they like this approach and believe that it is better to know how companies make their living and profits rather than knowing nothing about them. We often get asked: "What if my claim is only worth a few hundred pounds?"
Well, this is not an issue for more than one reason. Direct 2 Solicitors take a different approach to this and evaluate a rough likely settelment value for any claim at the outset of the client contacting us. If we feel a claim is worth less than £1,000.00
we do not take it on. It is as simple as that. However, we know that some claims settle for as little as £1,000.00. In that event, taking £395 +VAT would not be ethical or fair. Why should we have almost half of someones settlement? It cannot be justified.
Therefore, we have a clause in our agreement to state that if a claim settles for £1,000.00 we waive our fee and make NO DEDUCTION whatsoever to their claim. But what if a claim only settles for say £1,250.00 or similar? Would taking over £400 (including VAT) be justified then?
The short answer is no! Therefore, we have another clause - again in the clients favour, cause we are the good guys!) stating that should a claim settle for between £1,000.00 and £1,500.00 our Management Fee is altered from a fixed £395 +VAT to a fairer 15% of their settlement.
You see, 15% of £1,250.00 is £187.50 - meaning the client still receives over £1,000.00 - a sum which all can agree is substantial and fair. If we took our £395 fee from £1,250.00, we would be taking a whopping 31.6% from the claim. This, in our view would not be fair - or ethical.

Honest, fair and understandable No Win No Fee

We have nothing to hide. We are proud of the service we offer and proud that we have helped many clients achieve compensation for their injuries and losses. Clients come to us at a time when stress levels are high, money is tight and lives are hectic. The last thing they need are complicated
agreements, hidden charges and bizarre unknown loans and credit agreements to run their claims. Thankfully, it appears that the Personal Injury Compensation claiming public seem to agree with us and report that they like our transparent and understandable agreement.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

The Compensation Culture Question

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:23:00 +0000

The Compensation Culture Myth

Everyone has heard of the Compensation culture. Apparently, we are living in a litigious society and one regularly hears cries of 'we are becoming like America and claiming compensation for everything'. Well, we know that this is not the real case. As I have blogged before, a claim is only viable when an individual, company or organisation has caused injury and losses through negligent actions. Any claim is made against a 3rd party Insurance Policy that is already in existence, in just the same way as you make a claim for damage caused to a car in a crash from the guilty parties Insurance. So why does the myth of the Compensation Culture exist? Who peddles this myth and what are their aims? Read on for our opinion on this matter.

Myth Busters

To get to the bottom of the reason for the creation of the Compensation Culture myth, we need to look at who loses out financially when a client successfully wins their legal claim for Personal Injury Accident Claim Compensation. It goes without saying that the biggest loser when a claim is won, is the Insurance Industry. As always, Insurers take the fees for the policies that they supply and accept the risks of insuring their clients, yet when it comes to paying out compensation to the genuine victims of injuries caused by negligence, they are not so quick to settle up. Sure, they should never settle a claim without fully investigating the matter and ensuring that the claim is genuine and honest. But when a claim is proven, settle it they should, and they do, albeit sometimes begrudgingly.
So, the infamous Compensation Culture, why peddle it? There are a whole host of reasons for this and many vested interests. Unfortunately, many people with viable claims caused by genuine negligent actions often dont wish to pursue their rights and make a claim for Personal Injury Compensation. That is fine and their right to do so, but it is a pretty sad state of affairs when individual legal rights are overruled by myth and pressure from massive wealthy corporations. We have often been told by clients that the reason that they dont wish to claim is because they dont want to be part of the compensation culture and they dont want to be seen as getting something for nothing. Something for nothing? Why? Again, I point out the car damage scenario. If your car was damaged, you would think nothing of making a claim for the repair work or write off settlement fee from the guilty 3rd parties insurance policy. Making a claim for Personal Injury Compensation against an employers liability insurance policy or local authority public liability policy is no different.
In our view, the fact that people have been convinced that making a genuine claim is a dirty and cheeky thing to do suits everyone but the guilty party and their insurance partner.

Pressures on the Claims Industry

In 2006, the Labour Government passed the Compensation Act. We are in support of this. It introduced a regulatory authority to oversee our industry. Claims Management Companies must now be authorised to operate within the Personal Injury Claims sector. This is right and proper and to be supported. However, their is a very strong lobby placing great pressure on our industry and Government from the Association of British Insurers to introduce further aggressive changes which they hope will squeeze even more companies out of the industry and prevent more people claiming compensation. It boils down to the fact that the Insurance sector dont like it when a claim is settled, not only do they pay the compensation to a client, but they also have to pay the clients legal fees. What they want to do, is make it harder for Solicitors to be involved in claims and get the clients to claim directly to the insurers.

Why?

Well, it is promised by the Insurance Sector, that any such move would lead to quicker insurance settlements and lower fees for the insurance sector to manage. They also state that Claimant Solicitors would not slow the process down in order to ramp up their fees. Basically, they are claiming that Solicitors are the problem. The way we see it is (unsurprisingly!) from a completely different perspective. If clients claim directly to an insurer, they MAY get their claim settled more quickly, but they may just as easily have their claimed turn down when maybe it should not have been. Surely, an Independent Solicitor is the best person to manage a claim. They will know if a claim is viable and genuine, how much a suitable settlement would be and what processes to follow to ensure that any settlement is made in the clients best interests. Often, individual claimants who go directly to an insurer settle quickly, but have undergone NO medical assessment. A qualified Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor, such as the members of the Direct 2 Solicitors Personal Injury Solicitor Panel, will ensure that a medical expert reviews the clients injuries and likely recovery or otherwise and fight tooth and nail to ensure that a claim is settled in their clients best interests. Sure, they earn fees by representing clients. But their fees are earned legally and by ensuring that they have represented their client properly. The fees are never paid by the client as both we and our Solicitors operate a genuine No Win No Fee claims service. But what is wrong with that? Dont let yourself be fooled in to believing in the Compensation Culture myth. It may be good for some if you do, but it wont be good for you.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Accident Compensation Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:29:00 +0000

Real Lives, Real Injuries, Real Problems

We have helped numerous victims of non fault accidents in their quest for Personal Injury Compensation. On a daily basis, we field calls and internet enquiries from potential clients who are struggling to cope in the aftermath of their accident and with the loss of income and independence their injuries have caused to them.

It is pleasing to know that during our daily slog at work, we have gone some way towards helping these people get back on their feet, both financially and physically. It goes without saying that nobody wants to get injured and nobody wants to be financially ruined because they cant work, especially after a terrible accident.

Thankfully, we live in a civilised society with a legal system that provides financially risk free legal assistance like our No Win No Fee accident compensation service; to help the unfortunate innocent accident victims pick up the pieces of their lives and get back to where they should be.

Work Accident, loss of income loss of happiness

Our client was at work at the joinery firm he had been with for around 6 weeks. As a skilled and qualified joiner, he was used to handling all sorts of machines, timbers and tools. His new employers had promised him everything. More money, better hours and the journey to his new work place was around ½ an hour less than his old one.
Unbeknown to our client, behind the image that they had put to him, they were corner cutters and scrimped on vital Health & Safety equipment, new tools, tool repairs and training. It turns out they the new employer preferred to take cash out of the business at the risk of employee injury.

When a new job came in, our client was only too pleased to be involved in the task. It seemed that overtime would be available and if the job were finished within the agreed time frame, a hefty bonus would be his for the taking. Who would turn that down?

The job was to make huge speaker boxes for stadium performance amps, the kind of thing that would be used by a huge rock band at Wembley Stadium. Our client knew how to use the routing machine, having used one for many years in his previous job. He knew the safety requirements of being trained, correct clothing, eye protection etc, so he started with the task in hand.

Cutting Corners

What he did not know was that his employer had loosened the safety guard to enable the large wooden amp frames to fit on the router. He had no idea that he was about to sustain a life changing injury through an act of negligence by his employer. Loosening the guard enabled the wood to fit the machine, but it also exposed him to a great risk of injury. The employer should have purchased or hired in a larger machine so that the job could be done safely.

Unfortunately, the loosened guard offered no protection to our client. As he was routing the 2nd item, the router jammed, pulled the wood hard and caused our clients hand to jam against the sharp blade.
His injuries were terrible. He basically routed the back of his dominant right hand clean off. Despite immediate medical attention and expert surgery within hours, the full use of his hand could not be saved. Now, as well as having a terrible disfigurement in a very visible place, he also has a 60% loss of use of the hand.

Loss of income

The severity of this injury caused our client to have no option other than to leave his job. He could no longer operate the machinery required and was unable to perform the tasks that he had done for many years. As a middle aged man with a training and background in the Joinery trade, he had no easy option and was unable to command an income anywhere near that which he was used to.

Suddenly, paying the bills, servicing his mortgage and funding his family was almost impossible. He was entitled to some benefits, but not enough to pay the way.

Accident at work compensation claim

Fortunately, our client was made aware of his right to make a claim and along with his wife looked in to his options. Thankfully, he chose the right partner for his work accident compensation claim and came to Direct 2 Solicitors. We knew immediately after speaking with him that he had a very strong claim. Indeed, we went as close as we ever do to guaranteeing his claim would win. We never do guarantees of that sort though, but always guarantee that we offer a genuine No Win No Fee service.

His claim is now well towards settlement and our Panel Solicitor running the claim has informed us that the settlement will be substantial. The 3rd party insurance company has accepted liability and it is hoped that the settlement will be enough to wipe out our clients immediate financial worries. Our client has since been in contact with us and is very happy with the progress to date of his claim.

Remember your rights. You can claim if you are not at fault

If you, a friend, family member or colleague is injured through no fault of their own, they may well be able to claim accident compensation. The compensation settlement will not change the fact that they are injured and have suffered, but it will compensate them for the pain and distress of their injuries and financial losses.

Any claim is made against an Insurer, such as an Employers Liability, Motoring or Public Liability Insurance Policy. The insurers accept the risk and charge a premium to provide cover. If the worst happens, the policy is there to be used.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364), check the regulators web site www.claimsregulation.gov.uk and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Regulated Claims Management Companies

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:47:00 +0000

Compensation Act 2006

As a direct result of the Compensation Act 2006, companies such as us now have to be approved to operate within the Personal Injury Claims Management Sector. The Act came in to force in April 2007 and we are the proud holders of a certificate of authorisation and follow strict guidelines that are set out by our regulatory body, the Ministry of Justice. Our Authorisation number is CRM3364.

The move to a fully Regulated Claims Management Industry is one we welcome and were actively involved in promoting. Indeed, members of our team assisted with Government working parties and pushed the debate towards having the regulatory system that we now operate within. We now feel that victims of accidents, who wish to launch No Win No Fee Accident Claims, can be sure of an open, ethical and honest partner when they choose a company to manage their accident claim.

Why have a regulated Claims Management Industry?

Prior to the Government creating a law, which legally requires any person or company operating within the Personal Injury Claims sector, there were no restrictions on who could get involved in this industry or how they could operate. Clearly, this was not acceptable and whilst the majority of companies operating did so in a proper manner, a hardcore few didn’t. This caused a whole series of problems for claimants wishing to lodge a claim. Individuals ended up out of pocket, people were harassed in to making a claim, Solicitors were provided with falsified versions of events and Insurers could not be certain that claims were genuine.

There was a genuine case of all Claims Management Companies being tarred with the same brush. Those in the majority who were genuinely acting in the clients best interests were indistinguishable from those that were dishonest and feathering their own nests.

Fortunately for us, the move to a fully regulated sector has banished the less scrupulous firms and practices. We no longer get tarred with the same brush as the firms who operated in a less than squeaky clean manner.

Famous cases of unethical Claims Management practices

The two most famous exposures of bad practice were the collapse and folding of Claims Direct and The Accident Group (more commonly known as TAG).

Claims Direct were the first big No Win No Fee Company to operate in the Personal Injury Sector in the UK. They initially did great things, before their demise lead to the Sun labelling them ‘Shames Direct’. The demise of Claims Direct hit the headlines when it emerged that the compulsory insurance premiums that they had forced their clients to sign up to were wiping out customer compensation settlements. Unsurprisingly, Claims Direct never recovered from the public relations disaster and later went under.

TAG caused a messy stir of their won when they admitted to sacking 2,400 employees by text message after the company ran out of money to write new business. The No Win, No Fee Company, was placed in the hands of administrators Price Waterhouse Coopers, who had a hard job fending off claims from employees who say TAG never bothered paying commissions and fees that had been earned. To make matters even worse, clients of TAG who succeed in winning their cases (estimated to be about 70 per cent of 100,000 customers) were informed that despite the demise of TAG, they might still receive money because the policies that they forced their clients to sign guaranteed a minimum payout of £500 if a claim was successful, but that winnings may be significantly reduced. Under the terms of TAG policies, personal injury victims were made to take out an insurance policy of between £800 and £900. The company believed that this sum would be recovered when a claim was won, as it would be argued that this was a legal fee. Unfortunately, this was not the case and this very belief caused numerous TAG employees to lodge fake claims. After all, the company got a massive commission on every policy taken out. This commission was paid regardless of the claim and regardless of the outcome. Why would a company worry about honest claims if they could make a nice sum of money for every client they signed up? It was rumoured that TAG customers would be liable to make up most of the shortfall, which would have to be paid to the policy insurers and to TAG bankers.

What does the regulatory status mean to clients?

The Regulatory Authority rules mean many things to clients. There have been some key rules that offer genuine choice, safety and transparency to all members and parties operating within the No Win No Fee industry. Firstly, no company or business is allowed to offer claims management services unless they are authorised to do so. Any businesses doing so without approval should be reported. To do so, either call us or visit the Ministry of Justice website and tell them.
The regulator has also outlawed various marketing methods used by the less scrupulous firms. Cold Calling is no longer allowed. Trawling around housing estates, knocking doors and harassing people are now banned. Further, companies can no longer aggressively advertise or harass people in Hospitals. Wording such as No Win No Fee must now be qualified and we are obliged to inform individuals and clients how we make our money, who pays us what, when and how.

We also offer a proper published Complaints procedure, although this has never been used against us!

Also, we are now obliged to have Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Who you gonna call?

Direct 2 Solicitors are approved for Regulated Claims Management Services by the Ministry of Justice (Authorisation CRM 3364) and are also members of the Claims Standards Council. We offer genuine peace of mind, honesty and a friendly caring service.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Stamping out Fraudulent Claims

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:55:00 +0000

Fraudulent claimers get found out!

Honest Accident Claim Clients

We know, because of the efforts taken by our Accident Claims Managers, that 99.9% of our clients are the genuine victims of non fault accidents. We know that their claims for accident compensation are worthy and well worth pursuing. These clients deserve their compensation when it eventually comes, often after a long and hard fight to get it.

But, as often is the case, the ease with which one can pursue compensation and the way upon which that client is looked by their peers or perceived by the general public, is tarnished by the very few who try and get away with claiming compensation that is not theirs.

Dishonest Accident Claim Clients

Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd have a good reputation within both the Accident Claim Client and Solicitor Sectors. People know that we are honest, trustworthy and a reliable base from which they can mount their claim for compensation. However, even the most thorough of regimes to ensure that fraudulent claimers are weeded out, can sometimes get breached!

It amazes us when this happens. Surely people think this through and realise that Insurance companies don’t simply fork out compensation to anyone who applies for it. Anyone reading this that has been unfortunate enough to need to make a valid claim on an insurance policy will know just how tough getting your rightful settlement can be. Stories need to be proven, injuries need to be treated and records need to be in existence so that a claim can be verified.

Unsurprisingly, the kind of person who attempts to make a fraudulent claim, can often be described as not the sharpest tool in the box.

Questions and answers

When an accident claim client comes to us with a potential claim, we take them through a fairly rigorous qualification process. Our team ask relevant questions about their accident, injuries, medical treatment and available proof that what they have said is accurate. Unfortunately, this doesn’t prevent the determined idiot fake claimer who is prepared to lie. However, their lies will be found out before they get compensation! Indeed, they will not get compensation, they may end up arrested instead!

Just the other day, we had a claim that had failed some months after one of our Solicitors had taken the case on. The initial story presented to us by the client was extremely plausible. He appeared genuine and had obvious injuries. We took him at face value and completed our claim work and handed the same to our Solicitors so that they could pursue compensation for him. It was only upon the release of the clients medical records some 3 months later, that it was shown that he had sustained his injuries in a drunken fight and not in the way he had claimed. He simply (simply being the operative word here!) decided that he would pick a company at random and make a claim against them. If he had been successful, an innocent 3rd party and their insurers would have picked up a potentially hefty legal bill and compensation settlement. We were pleased to ensure that did not happen and closed the claim immediately before informing the 3rd party insurers that there was no case to answer.

This client was clearly less than intelligent. He had not thought about the fact that his medical records listed not only his injuries and how they would be treated, but how they happened in the first place

Consequence

The upshot of his fraudulent claim affects 3 parties. We and our Solicitors have our reputation tarnished and waste valuable resources trying to help a liar. The genuine clients out there who wish to pursue their legitimate accident compensation claims will find a less trusting Solicitor & Claims Company and may well come up against a cynical 3rd party insurer and the client himself is now subject to a criminal investigation and pursuit of costs from us and our Solicitors.

We can live with the time wasted, that is not our main concern although it is a right pain in the you know what. We worry more about our genuine clients and even the poor 3rd party insurers! There is no benefit to us if they pay out compensation to individuals who are not entitled to it. It is vital for us that our genuine clients receive what is legally theirs. Fraud helps no party in this industry and we are happy to help stamp it out.

If you know of a fraudulent claimer, please help us by telling us this. Email me at: webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk with the details so that the liar can be identified.

Who you gonna call?

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Assault Victim? Win the fight for justice

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:39:00 +0000

One of the best things about working in Personal Injury Claims Management is knowing that the work that we do on behalf of our accident claim clients is going to go some way towards helping them overcome the hardship caused to them. It is satisfying when we learn that a client has successfully pursued their claim for compensation and been awarded a sum of money to compensate them for their injuries and losses.

Thankfully the majority of accident claims that we deal with are just that, Accidents. Often people, employers or organisations are regrettably negligent and at fault for the injuries and losses sustained by our clients, but rarely are claimants injured and in need of making a compensation claim through purposeful acts of violence. However, occasionally people are injured through malicious acts of aggression. Often in these instances, the injuries that people sustain are more than just physical. The shock, trauma and fright caused to innocent victims of these assaults has a big impact on their lives. Rebuilding their lives and confidence can take much time. They also need the support of friends and family members. Victims of Criminal Assaults know that they must inform the Police and know to seek medical treatment, but many have no idea at all that they can claim compensation for their injuries.

Did you know that you could claim compensation for Criminal Injuries?

The Government fund an organisation called the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) that has been set up to provide financial compensation for the victims of unprovoked Criminal Assaults. The criteria for making a successful claim is that a victim MUST have informed the Police of the assault, must have sought medical treatment and MUST cooperate fully with the Police. Also, individuals with criminal records of their own may well be barred from making a claim.

So, you know that you can claim Criminal Injuries Compensation, but where do you do it?

At Direct 2 Solicitors, we can assist you with a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claim. We are able to complete the paperwork for you, liaise with the CICA on your behalf and give you the best chance of claiming something back for the pain, distress and injuries that you sustained. You were an innocent victim and we want to make sure you get back to where you should be.

The CICA will pay out compensation for injuries ranging from cuts and bruises, to stabbing, Murders and many more incidents.

Whilst it is satisfying knowing that we have helped an innocent accident claim client gain compensation, it is even more pleasing to hear of a successful claim for one of our Criminal Injuries victims. The monies awarded to them will never rid them of the painful memories, but it does help them to overcome what they went through.

Who you gonna call?

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

A day in the life of a Personal Injury Claims Management Company

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:17:00 +0000

Lots of people talk about claiming compensation for their accident. Lots of people want to make a claim. But not many people know what happens in the day to day management of an accident claim. Cast your eye below to see what has been happening so far today at Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd.

Helping Clients

As always, we have been busy talking to our clients and Solicitors regarding claims. I have just spent 40 minutes on the phone taking details of a claim. A retired gentleman on Holiday with his Wife in Torquay sustained some really nasty injuries tripping on a very badly damaged footpath. They are extremely keen to lodge a claim for compensation. So what did I do?

As well as needing information about their accident from the clients so we can build a viable claim for them, we needed witness information. In this case, I was after a Hazard Witness. As it happened, the Gentleman who owned the Holiday accommodation where the client was staying has come forward to act as a Hazard Witness. It transpires that this Gentleman has complained to Torbay Council on more than 4 occasions over the last year about the dangerous and hazardous footpath outside his Holiday Flats. Yet no remedial action or repair has been carried out by Torbay Council. Indeed, they have not even inspected the area. Clearly this witness is far from happy with the Council. As a result of ignoring the complaints made to them, the Council could well be held liable for the injuries sustained by our client. Thus the supporting Hazard Witness Statement will assist greatly in our Solicitors obtaining a successful outcome for our client. So after speaking to the client, I called the Hazard Witness and discussed the pathway in question. He is more than happy to assist with the compensation claim and we now await his statement. This is a good news story. We have tracked the witness down and he is happy to cooperate. It is not always like this! But some of the investigating work we do in tracking down folk who can play a vital role in the success or failure of a claim can be fun (even if it can be hard work!).

Accident Claims. More than meets the eye

You see, there is more to making an accident compensation claim than many would believe, especially those that pedal the myth about the compensation culture. It is not enough to say you fell and were injured. We need evidence. Public Liability related claims need to be supported by photographs of hazardous pavements. Independent Witnesses need to be found who are willing to state that a defective and dangerous area of footpath has been in situ for a considerable period; it is dangerous and has been ignored by the Council responsible for the maintenance of the footpath. It is with such information and proof, that we can achieve success with a No Win No Fee claim.

Building a viable claim

Fielding calls (the phones are ringing around me this morning) from people wishing to find out if they have a viable compensation claim and sorting the wheat from the chaff is one part. But we also do many other things too. Such as liaising with Solicitors about the details of the enquiry when needed, making sure we have the full details about the accident, losses and injuries so we can commence our claim file, starting an accident claim application, speaking to witnesses, reviewing photographs, appointing regional claims managers to visit accident sites, submitting claims to our Solicitors, and much, much more beside!

What is our involvement in your accident claim?

Our job is to provide our Solicitors with all the information that they will need to enable them to successfully pursue our clients accident claims. We work tirelessly to do so and 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday is a busy time for the team here at Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd. We work hard to make sure that our clients are in the know, the evidence is gained, the witnesses are involved and the claim is watertight. At Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd, we manage your accident claim. Giving you the very best chance of success in your rightful pursuit of Personal Injury Compensation.

Who you gonna call?

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

Do you know if you are entitled to make a No Win No Fee accident compensation claim?

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:10:00 +0000

You have been injured, it was not your fault. But can you claim compensation?

With so many armchair Solicitors and many well meaning, but misinformed people ready to tell everyone what they think they know about making a claim, we find that often the injured party either does not know that they could make a successful claim, or has been informed that they could and should, when they cant! So, to help potential claimants decide if the cause of their injuries will enable you to lodge a claim for Accident Compensation, basic accident claim criteria information is needed (see below).

Remember, there are always exceptions to rules and each accident claim needs to be assessed on its own merits. We advise all persons injured in non fault accidents considering a claim to call us and discuss their accident claim circumstance with our experts. You may think you dont have a claim when you do.

Basic Criteria

Limitation: This is the time frame in which a claimant HAS to register a claim in the courts. An adult (over 21yrs) has 3 years from the date of an accident to ensure a claim is registered. Therefore, if accident injuries were caused 3 or more years ago, the claim is out of limitation and any rights to make a claim become statute barred.

Remember, an Accident Claim Solicitor or Claims Management Company usually require AT LEAST 6 months of a 3 year period remaining so that they can prepare a claim properly (although there are exceptions to this).

Exceptions

Adults have 3 years; children have until their 21^st birthday (or 3 years). CICA claimants (Criminal Injuries) have 2 years (although older claims can be considered) as do MIB claimants (victims of uninsured and untraced drivers).

Liability: For an individual to successfully pursue a No Win No Fee accident compensation claim there needs to be a liable 3^rd party to pursue for the compensation. If the accident was your fault, you have no claim. However, if your injuries arise from an accident at work, a road traffic accident or a slip/fall in a public place, you may be able to claim compensation. It boils down to a duty of care at the feet of the persons, authority or employer who owns or operates the location where you were injured.

Like who?

For example, Council Highways Departments have to monitor, inspect and repair footpaths and roads within a reasonable time frame and ensure that defects of a certain size and of a certain age are removed. If they dont, person injured on a hazardous pathway could make an accident compensation claim. Employers have to provide Health & Safety training and equipment and follow strict laws governing employees safety at work. Failure to do so could result in a serious injury and leave them open to a claim for work accident compensation. Drivers of cars, motorcycles and pushbikes have a responsibility to drive safely and pay attention to road conditions and traffic. If they fail to do so and cause a Road Traffic Accident, an injured person could easily pursue a whiplash claim or similar for their injuries and losses.

Proof: Individuals MUST prove that they were injured and that it was someone else's fault. If they fail to do so, their accident compensation claim will fail. Persons wishing to pursue compensation claims MUST have sought medical treatment either at a Hospital or GP and it MUST be noted on the medical records. Also, the injuries have to be of a certain severity.

How?

As well notes on medical records, injured parties MUST always ensure that accidents at work are recorded in employers official accident books. Injured parties MUST report this themselves, ensuring the record is an accurate report of what happened. A person injured in any public establishment, such as a Hotel, Shop or Restaurant, again must ensure a record is entered in an accident book. Road Traffic accident victims should ensure that their insurers have been informed and if necessary, also inform the Police. Whilst Police cannot always attend an accident, they will make a log of any report and issue an incident reference number.

Now I know. Or do I?!

As stated earlier, each case has to be looked at individually, but the above gives some pointers as to if you could make a claim. Our advice remains the same, contact us for an honest opinion. It is free and you may well be entitled to compensation. We know Accident Compensation wont make the pain go away, but it does help you to get back to where you should have been if you were not injured in the first place. Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd, will know if your claim is worthy of consideration by an expert Personal Injury Solicitor, so to let us discuss your accident and we can then decide if it is in your interests to make a claim for Accident Compensation.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box on this page.

No Win No Fee Accident Claim Checklist

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:56:00 +0000

The No Win No Fee Accident Claim Checklist

Of course we are going to be confident in ourselves and we are going to claim to be the best (and we are!) Hopefully the information that we have given you in our blogs to date is a good help for you, with the aim being that we have given you the information and understanding you need to enable you to make an informed decision and have the peace of mind you need to relax whilst your Personal Injury Compensation Claim is managed in a way you understand and in your best interests.

How do I know if my accident claim management company can be trusted?

In the sometimes murky and alien legal world, selecting a trusted accident claims management company can be a real game of roulette! So, dont leave your claim in the hands of chance! Come to Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd.

Like the calm and clearer air after a Thunder Storm, we arrive like a refreshing breeze with our quick reference Accident Claim checklist. This gives you some good points of reference to check with your selected Claims Management Company. See below!

Checklist:

· Does the company you are speaking with have regulatory approval?
· What credentials do they have?
· What experience do they have?
· How many specialist Accident Compensation Solicitor Firms sit on their panel?
· is their agreement & No Win No Fee service transparent?
· Will they provide written guarantees to you?

Direct 2 Solicitors tick all these boxes for you – so go on, give us a call!

· We are approved as a regulated company in respect of regulated Claims Management activities (Authorisation Number CRM 3364) by the Ministry of Justice
· We are members of the Industry Trade Organisation – the Claims Standards Council
· We have a strong knowledge of the criteria that make a viable Work Accident, Road Traffic Accident or Public Liability Accident claim and a team that will take all of the strain of making your accident compensation claim away from you, leaving you free to concentrate on the important things in your life – your recovery and return to work
· We work with over 12 leading Personal Injury Specialist Solicitor practices, all regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority and members of APIL – Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. This gives you the best chance of gaining the specialist help you are after. We also work with the Government funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) assisting victims of violent crime in gaining compensation as well as the Insurance Industry funded Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) with victims of uninsured and untraced drivers.
· We are transparent and will explain in full exactly what our No Win No Fee service means, who pays us, what we earn and how it affects you.
· If any client requires the peace of mind, we are happy to guarantee in writing what we say verbally.

Has that made the murky world a little clearer? At Direct 2 Solicitors Ltd, we tick all of the boxes to give you the confidence to let us manage your claim for Accident Compensation.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back" box at the top right of this page.

How to avoid a bad No Win No Fee Claim experience!

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:13:00 +0000

Scared of the dark? Wont walk under ladders? Dont cross on the stairs? A few odd superstitions and irrational fears that humanity has developed over time. So, you see some people avoiding the above, for no reason other than an old wives tale! Fair enough I guess? But it is amazing how many people don't avoid some of the real pitfalls in life and do things like enter in to a very important legal matter, such as making a Personal Injury Compensation Claim. They often do so without understanding what they are agreeing to and just how see through the company that they are instructing is.

Transparent Accident Claim Service

Direct 2 Solicitors, has a very transparent arrangement and we make a point of disclosing what we get paid when successful, what our Solicitors pay us and what if any fee you would pay if your claim was successful. Unfortunately, we have been approached by clients who have chosen badly when making their claim with a cowboy outfit that have deducted high sums from settlements that had not been explained clearly at the outset, or that they had not queried at the outset. Also, we have heard from clients who have been unable to make contact with the person running their claim. Numerous messages left, unanswered letters and a lack of support is the last thing you need when dealing with a complex and alien matter like a Personal Injury Claim. Direct 2 Solicitors are available Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm on 0800 9177456 with an answering service outside those hours. We guarantee to call you back the next working day if a message is left.

One shot for success

Remember, You only get one chance to make a claim for any accident, so it needs to be right. Often at such a late stage when things have gone wrong, we can do nothing to help these individuals other than point them in the direction of the Claims Regulation team at the MoJ. We have also had clients come to us late in the day when another Claims Management Company or Solicitor has all but ruined their chances of success. Most people know that you have 3 years to make a claim, but most dont know that any Claims Management Company or Solicitor will need at least 6 months of that period remaining in order to ensure that they can prepare a decent case and get it registered in the courts in time, should that be needed. In the past, some firms have wasted time by not acting on a claim or failing to place it promptly. We work hard to ensure that any claim is seen by the full extent of our panel in the quickest time frame. Indeed, we only allow a Panel Solicitor 5 days to view and consider a claim and accept or reject the chance to litigate on that matter. If they fail to say yay or nay in that time, we take it away and try it with another.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back..." box at the top right of this page.

What Everybody Ought to Know About No Win No Fee

noreply@blogger.com (Ian Morris) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:49:00 +0000

So, you want to make a claim for the injuries you sustained after your accident at work, but where do you go to do it? How do you make a claim? What do you look for? What do you need to make sure has happened (or not!), to give your work accident claim every chance of success? The world of Personal Injury (No Win No Fee) claims can appear to be a murky one, especially if you have not had the experience of making a claim in the past or you are not an insurance expert! If you are new to the world of making an accident compensation claim, the process that you will be asked to go through when making your work accident claim will be a new, and maybe frightening experience for you.

Well, we have this lovely new blog and we are going to use it to tell the world that there is a safe place to take your claim and a trusted partner to manage the process for you!

Why?

We have been in the fortunate position, or unfortunate (depending on what side you view it!) of helping numerous people with their claim for compensation. Many of them badly injured, away from work and struggling to cope financially.

Well, we are happy to be in that position and to take the stress of making a claim away from the injured client. When making a claim, it is obvious that evidence will be needed to enable a successful outcome. We know what questions to ask. Was the accident recorded in an accident book? Were there witnesses? Was there a lack of training or equipment that lead to the accident? Have you seen a doctor? What is the diagnosis?

Questions and answers!

Clearly, the right questions need to be asked and at Direct 2 Solicitors, we know what we need to ask. Do you know what you need to ask? Make sure that any claims company you approach can confirm that they are regulated and approved by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). Ask for their authorisation number and if you want, check it out on the MoJ website: www.claimsregulation.gov.uk to ensure any authorisation is still active. Ask about charges, who pays what to who? What are your liabilities? How long will the Claims Company take to decide if they can manage your claim? How many Solicitor firms do they work with? What experience do they and their Solicitors have? Can you always contact them? Basically don't be a fool and protect your interests.

If you are in need of a reliable and approved Claims Management Company to manage your accident compensation claim, look no further. Email us at: webenquiries@direct2solicitorsltd.co.uk, call us on 0800 9177456, or get us to call you, using the big blue "Call me back..." box at the top right of this page.