Category Archives: personal injury

Firework Injury Compensation Claim

Firework Injury Compensation Claim. It’s that time of year again when we all don our winter wardrobe and head out to various organised events to celebrate all that Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas, and New Year have to offer. Whilst we sit back and enjoy the fireworks we should spare a thought for the event organisers and the work and effort which is required to put on these types of events.

Don’t play with fire

Depending on the complexity of the event and whether or not any attractions could be considered risky or dangerous will depend on what actions the organiser will have to take to ensure the event runs safely and adheres to all health and safety guidelines. Whilst this could be voluminous, one of the big parts of running an event is to ensure your staff are well trained and aware of all the processes required during the running of the event in addition to their day-to-day job role.

Despite measures taken every year, there are still incidents whereby employees sustain an injury whether from an ill-prepared event or from some colleague who decides to engage in some tomfoolery!

Understand the risks

When asked to assist or supervise an event as part of your employment your employer should be making sure that you are fully trained to deal with the task provided to you, they are also obligated to ensure you understand the risks and to make sure your fellow employees are safe and competent.

If training has not been given and employees are not aware of the requirements of their role or if simply a colleague is ‘messing around’ and not called upon their actions then the employer could be held responsible for the negligent actions of their staff. Where an injury is sustained as a result of this negligence then the employee has every right to pursue a claim against their employer for personal injury and loss.

Safety First

Imagine trying to run or work at a firework display or bonfire where a colleague is unruly and unsafe. We often hear of people throwing highly flammable items on a fire or setting off fireworks without any proper skill. Although the gunpowder plot was foiled had Guy Fawkes succeeded then a full-on catastrophe would have ensued!

The same can be said for an organised event, you want to make sure that you are safe whilst conducting your duties and this responsibility predominantly lies with your employer. If you are operating in an unsafe environment with untrained or unsupervised colleagues, especially when around hazards such as fire and fireworks this too could end in disaster and possibly injury.

If you find yourself in this situation ensure you speak up, and report issues to your superior immediately to try and avert any danger. If you are unsure of your job role and need advice then you should seek assistance. Remember it is their responsibility to train you and keep you safe.

How we can help  with your firework injury compensation claim

If you have been on the receiving end of some negligent actions whilst at work and have suffered an injury we may be able to assist.

To get your claim started or to have a chat to see what we can do to help, get in touch with us today:

  • call us now on 0113 224 7830/ 07793 821361 (eve- w/ends)
  • email us at enquiry@cohencramerpi.co.uk
  • complete the contact form at the bottom of this page
  • book a call back at your convenience

For the Quality Legal Service You Deserve.

Kelly Prydderch – November 2023

Firework Injury Compensation Claim

Causation in Injury Claims

Causation in Injury Claims. After submitting a claim and receiving an ‘admission of fault’; to a Claimant the next step in the claim process is to quantify their claim and receive a settlement. It can, therefore, be somewhat confusing when a Defendant raises the issue of causation. An explanation of ‘they have admitted they were negligent, however, they deny that your injury and loss was as a result of their negligence’ can be difficult to comprehend.

One of the most common discussions I engage with my clients is that of causation. For legal professionals dealing with injury claims daily, it is a relatively simple concept. However, for many clients, it is the first time that they have encountered this phrase, especially in a legal context.

The ’Burden’ of Proof

In a nutshell, we simply have to prove that any injury and loss incurred has been ‘caused by’ the negligent act of the Defendant. Simple right? Not always.

As a starting point, when looking at causation we consider the ‘but for’ test. But for the breach of duty by the Defendant would the Claimant have suffered the loss and damage? If this cannot be established, then the claim is not likely to succeed.

Causation Issues can arise when medical attention has not been sought promptly when the Claimant already has preexisting medical conditions or injuries or when the incident itself has not been reported. This is not an exhaustive list however it gives us an idea of the problems which can be encountered.

Preexisting condition

If a Claimant is already suffering from a preexisting condition or is recovering from an injury when an accident occurs, then this can cause complications. This does not mean that a claim cannot succeed, however, it will be required to prove that any condition has been made worse as a result of the new injury.

A Defendant in this circumstance will be looking for inconsistencies in evidence and may challenge the injury on the basis that symptoms were present prior to any negligence.

It is therefore important to ensure prompt medical advice is sought. Any increase in medication or the requirement for treatment should be logged and any evidence obtained should be retained. Expert evidence will be required to establish any link between the accident and the new or increased symptoms.

Prompt reporting and medical attention

An especially common issue that arises in accident claims occurs when a Claimant has an accident but fails to report the accident or their injuries for a period of time. Without a contemporaneous report of the accident, it is easy for the Defendant to challenge a claim.

By reporting the accident as soon as possible there will be an evidential log which will assist in proving the accident occurred. Similarly, when seeking medical attention this should be done as soon as possible. If injuries are not recorded in medical notes for a period of weeks after the accident occurred then it makes proving they occurred as a result of the accident difficult.

Often a Claimant will seek advice from their GP and may focus on the main area of concern. For example, if you fall over an abandoned box in a supermarket and injure your arm, leg, and face, with the facial injury being the most painful and obvious injury it is easy to only refer to this when talking to your GP/medical practitioner. However, it will follow that only this area of injury will be recorded. When it then comes to submitting your claim problems may be encountered when claiming for all 3 areas of injury.

As you can see proving causation may not be as straightforward as it seems, however as explained above there are simple, logical steps that can be taken right from the start to make pursuing a claim a little less complicated.

Kelly Prydderch – October 2023

Why chose Cohen Cramer Solicitors?

We pride ourselves on our personal service; we don’t have banks of receptionists putting you on hold. As our client, you will have direct access by telephone and email to the person who is acting on your behalf.

Our solicitors and lawyers have the expertise, experience, and knowledge to ensure that you receive every single penny that you are due.

To get your claim started or to have a chat to see what we can do to help, get in touch with us today:

  • call us now on 0113 224 7830/ 07793 821361 (eve- w/ends)
  • email us at enquiry@cohencramerpi.co.uk
  • complete the contact form at the bottom of this page
  • book a call back at your convenience

For the Quality Legal Service You Deserve.

The Health and Safety at Work Act.

The Health and Safety at Work Act. This piece of legislation is vital and applicable to all workplaces regardless of their size. It is in place to help ensure that all employers provide a safe working environment for their employees and that they look out for their health and safety.

This blog will outline and explore what makes you eligible to claim compensation in such circumstances.

What are my employers’ duties?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 sets out that employers must take reasonable steps to remove or reduce any risk of injury which may be posed to their employees. This is known as the employers’ duty of care to their employees.

In order for an accident at work claim to be successful, you must prove that your employer has been negligent which involves them breaching their duty of care which has resulted in your injuries. Each workplace will have different steps they are required to take to minimise these risks, but your employer should perform regular risk assessments to address any potential threats to the safety of their employees.

Here are some of the common accidents which may occur in a workplace:

  • Receiving no training resulting in performing part of your job incorrectly
  • Manual handling injuries
  • Faulty or inadequately maintained work machinery
  • Slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a hazard that should not have been there in the first place

What obligations does the Act place on employers?

The Act itself is a very large piece of legislation and it is very easy to get lost down a rabbit hole when researching into this, therefore the following points highlight the main aspects of the Act.

A safe place of work

Your employer is under an obligation to provide you with a safe physical environment whilst at work. This includes things varying from cleanliness, fire safety, and perhaps the handling of harmful substances.

Some working environments such as construction sites will have more factors to consider than those of an office building.

Safe equipment

Any equipment that you need to use at work needs to be maintained to ensure that it is safe to use. Employers may undertake periodic reviews and checks on the equipment to ensure that it is safe.

Staff training

Employees must be provided with relevant training to ensure that they are responsible and competent when it comes to their job roles. Training may include manual handling or training on how to use a particular piece of work equipment.

Risk assessments

This piece of legislation outlines that the employers should protect ‘as far as reasonably practicable’ the safety of their employees. One way in which they can evidence that is by undertaking risk assessments and identifying any risks that may pose a threat to the safety of their employees. Once these have been identified, preventative action can then be put in place.

Evidence is key!

As solicitors working within this area, we would always recommend that you seek medical attention for any injury that you have sustained as a result of an accident. This will later form part of your evidence within your compensation claim.

Another element of evidence that is very important if you have been involved in an accident at work is to ensure that you complete and file an accident report with your employer confirming all aspects of the accident.

Other evidence which is very useful in these circumstances may include:

  • Photographs of your injury
  • Photographs or information surrounding the hazard
  • Any independent witness information

All of the above evidence will help your solicitors gather enough information that may support your claim and assist in proving negligence on the part of your employers.

Time limits.

The Limitation Act 1980 sets out that the general time limit for starting a claim for an accident at work is three years. This time begins from the date of the accident itself or from your date of knowledge which means the date that you became aware that the negligence of your employers caused your injuries.

There are some exceptions to this rule, which include someone who is making a claim, and they are under 18, or that they are mentally incapable of making a claim themselves.

Compensation for Health and Safety at Work Act Claims.

The Judicial College Guidelines are used by Solicitors to assist in valuing your claim for the injuries that you sustained due to the accident.

Along with this, you will be able to claim for the following costs which have been incurred:

  • Loss of earnings
  • Care costs
  • Medical expenses
  • Travel expenses

Our team of solicitors at Cohen Cramer will be able to provide advice and please get in touch with an advisor from our team should you need further information.

Jordanna Gee – October 2023

Get in Touch

To get your claim started or to have a chat to see what we can do to help, get in touch with us today:

  • call us now on 0113 224 7830/ 07793 821361 (eve- w/ends)
  • email us at enquiry@cohencramerpi.co.uk
  • complete the contact form at the bottom of this page
  • book a call back at your convenience

For the Quality Legal Service You Deserve.

The Health and Safety at Work Act.

Social Media #HelpOrHindrance

Social Media #HelpOrHindrance .There is no escaping that we now live in a world full of social media and digital communications. There are now so many social media platforms that it is unusual for someone to not have at least one account. Many of us are guilty of sharing details of our private lives, posting our whereabouts, and detailing exploits for friends, family, or the whole online population to see.

Even with tight security settings, a social media profile picture or a comment on a public site can potentially provide someone with information about you that you may not want them to know.

Putting Social Media on Trial

You may be wondering how this is relevant to pursuing a claim for personal injuries.

Traditionally, especially in higher-value cases, Defendants could use surveillance techniques to film those pursuing a claim to ensure that the claim being pursued was genuine and/or not exaggerated. Whilst this is still an occasional practice, social media has opened up an easy, cheaper way to ‘spy on’ or ‘monitor’ a Claimant’s actions.

Cases have been unwound after screenshots from social sites have been used as evidence. For example, a Claimant who suffered a serious leg injury and could no longer ride a bike was exposed for cycling up and down mountains. Other Claimants who have pursued claims for loss of holiday have been shown enjoying their dream cruise whilst ‘checking in’ at every port.

Even a simple picture can potentially be damaging. A person with facial scarring who is embarrassed by the way they look might regularly change their profile pictures. This could be used by a defendant to argue that posting photographs for all to see are not the actions of someone embarrassed by their looks.

Pulling at Social Threads

Whilst a snapshot of your life may not actually represent your factual position (what if you were supporting friends who had been biking and you were simply posing with your bike?), once the evidence has been obtained it casts an obvious doubt onto your claim. This could cause the Defendant to dig deeper for any inconsistencies and they could use this evidence to discredit you.

Social Media can be a key aspect of someone’s potential downfall. There are examples of this in the public eye, such as former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whose WhatsApp messages have been called as evidence in the COVID enquiry. Similarly, in the United States, former President Trump has faced accusations of witness intimidation for comments made on his Truth Social platform in the wake of several indictments.

It isn’t however all bad. Being aware of the impact social media can have and demonstrating caution when posting whilst pursuing a claim for personal injury should ensure that no controversial evidence is obtained.

Supporting your Claim

Social media can even help with pursuing a claim. If you were injured whilst out somewhere not local, photographs taken and uploaded could come in useful. Historical posts might also demonstrate that you regularly took part in an activity that has since become impossible post-injury.

The key message when it comes to social media use, after submitting a claim for personal injury (or in fact at any time whether pursuing a claim or not) is to look at what you are posting. Could it be misconstrued, who can see the post, and what meaning can be discerned from its content?

In January 2023, there were 57.1 million active social media users in the UK (source: Statistica). Multiply that by a typical number of posts per year and it would stretch easily into the billions. That’s a huge amount of content and a potentially endless source of evidence either to help or hinder your case. Think before you act and consider the consequences. It could be the difference between a successful case or a less-than-savoury result.

Kelly Prydderch – August 2023

Pot Holes – Jog on

Pot Holes – Jog on. Running. It’s just one foot in front of the other, right? It is difficult to remember the last time I walked (or ran) down a pothole free street. Maintaining a straight line is getting more and more difficult. Instead, it’s a merry dance of side-stepping, leaping and generally trying to keep your eyes peeled for hazards.

As a runner (or a cyclist), hitting a pothole while on a run can be a painful and dangerous experience. Not only does it break the pace and momentum of the run (or ride), but it can also cause serious injuries that can set back a runner’s training for weeks or even months. Potholes are a common sight on roads and footpaths, and they pose a significant risk to any runner.

The most common injuries from potholes are twisted ankles, sprains, and joint pain, however, sometimes a more serious injury can occur. When a runner lands on a pothole, the sudden jarring impact can lead to an unbalanced landing, which can result in ankle twists, knee sprains, or hip pain.

Although the law cannot assist you with maintaining your training schedule it may be able to assist with rehabilitation and compensating you for an injury that has been sustained through no fault of your own.

What is the Law?

In order to be successful in pursuing a claim for injury for this type of accident, we have to show that the Defendant was negligent in failing to monitor and repair the pavement or road in accordance with their obligations. Once this hurdle has been overcome, we are required to show that the defect was dangerous and required repair. This is what the Local Authority would refer to as an ‘actionable defect’.

The Law does not require Local Authorities to keep the pavements and road surfaces completely level and free from defects. This would be near on impossible and to do so would not be cost effective.  Instead, they have a duty to have in place a reasonable system of maintenance, inspection, and repair. If the Local Authority can demonstrate this, then they may be able to avoid liability. As part of the system of inspection, the Local Authority will have a set classification for what they consider to be an ‘actionable defect’. It is accepted in the Courts that for a defect to be actionable on a footpath the defect must measure a depth of at least 1 inch. This is increased to 2 inches on the road.

If the Local Authority have not kept up with inspections or has not repaired defects that they have been notified of then it could be that they have been negligent and therefore responsibility for any injury arising from a fall from the negligence would rest with them.

What action should I take?

If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a tripping accident due to poorly maintained pathways or road surfaces, you should make sure that you document your injury and the specific defect and area. Note the street name and any identifying buildings/places it is near. It is always useful to take several photographs of the area from various angles and differing distances. A photograph measuring the depth and width of the defect is really helpful especially when it comes to demonstrating that it exceeds the threshold as mentioned above.

You can then either report the matter to the Local Authority or contact a Solicitor for further advice on pursuing a claim.

Kelly Prydderch – May 2023

Aeroplane Accident Injury Claims

Aeroplane accident injury claims. In the modern world, many of us take air travel for granted. Technology has advanced to the point that individuals can access the Internet on a mobile device, book a flight and get on board in less time than it would take to drive from Yorkshire to London. If your life experience predates the advent of the World Wide Web, you’ll recall that this has not always been the case. With so much air travel it goes without saying that incidents leading to injury onboard are more likely.

What is the Montreal Convention?

The Montreal Convention (MC99) is a treaty signed in Montreal in 1999. This is fairly common in the case of convention signing (e.g. the Geneva Conventions were signed in Geneva; the Vienna Conventions were signed in Vienna. You get the idea). The Montreal Convention established rules for airlines that must be followed on international flights between countries that are signatories to the convention. It consolidated disparate and individual legislation which had previously existed in separate signatory countries.

MC99 replaced earlier legislation (the Warsaw Convention – dated 1929). The Warsaw Convention came ten years after the first recorded commercial flight between London and Paris. It aimed to agree on common rules between countries for international air travel. Many of the aspects of Warsaw are still in place today: such as passenger ticketing, baggage documentation, and airline liability in the case of injury or death.

Warsaw was amended twice more before Montreal, in both 1955 and 1971. However, modernisation was recognised as necessary by the aviation industry. In 1999, the Montreal Convention aimed to integrate and simplify that which had been established by Warsaw.

What does the Montreal Convention do?

The Montreal Convention provides for fair compensation for death or injury to passengers or damage to baggage and freight, that occurs during an international flight. It applies to all international flights between the 135+ signatory countries and territories. Currently, this includes the majority of UN member states and all EU member states.

Accidents and Liability under Montreal

Importantly, the Montreal Convention sought to better protect airline passengers and bring fairer compensation in the event of a legal claim. There is, however, a delicate balance at work in that it is also intended to promote growth in the aviation industry. Legal settlement can only be pursued in cases where there has been an ‘accident’ which can be seen to restrict airline liability in certain circumstances.

Accidents could include:

  • food poisoning after ingesting airline food
  • spilling of hot food or drink by an airline staff member
  • a broken or faulty seat or onboard equipment
  • assault by another passenger or crew
  • a plane crash.

Liability can only be established for aeroplane accident injury claims if three requirements are met. The passenger must have suffered a bodily injury; which has been caused by the accident; and the accident must have taken place on board (or whilst embarking/disembarking) the aircraft.

The legacy of Montreal

Montreal is known for its traditions. The local dish – poutine (French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy) – is celebrated with an annual festival. It is a city split almost down the middle with French and American influences and multicultural sensibilities. Perhaps it’s fitting then that such a major piece of legislation has its roots in a part of the world which reflects the personalities of so many nations. The impact of the Montreal Convention is as far-reaching as the farthest international flight.

Can we help you?

Yes! If you have suffered an injury that occurred as a result of an accident onboard an aircraft, then please contact us and we can discuss with you how best to pursue a claim. It is important however to act quickly as MC99 imposes a timeline of 2 years in which to pursue a claim.

 

Aeroplane accident injury claims

And when in Montreal ……..

Making a Personal Injury Claim

What to expect when making a personal Injury claim.

For many people making a personal injury claim, this is the first time that they have had to do anything like this and it can be quite daunting. The personal injury team at Cohen Cramer can help you through this process so you don’t need to feel so worried. We can help you understand what to expect throughout the process and help, guide, and advise you on decisions which need to be made. Outlined below is an overview of what you should expect once we have agreed to take on your claim:

Who is responsible?

The first thing your solicitor will need to establish in your claim is who is responsible for your accident, as this will be who you will bring your claim against. This party will be identified as the defendant in your claim. This is not always the easiest thing to establish, but if you provide as much information to your Solicitor at the beginning of your claim, they can begin working out who the possible defendant or defendants may be. For example, you could have had an accident on a defective paving stone outside a shop. It will be necessary to establish whether the Highway Authority is responsible for this area or whether the area is privately owned, and if so by whom.

Drafting the documentation.

The initial documentation will be sent to the defendants and will outline all the details of the accident or incident. The information which will be provided to the defendants will be things such as where and when the accident happened, how the accident happened, whether this accident was reported, why you think the defendant is responsible for the accident, and what happened after the accident i.e. have you sought medical attention for the injuries which you have sustained.

Once your solicitors have taken full instructions from you, they will draft the initial documentation outlining all the above and any legislation which may apply to your accident circumstances. This documentation will be sent to you for your review and approval. It is very important that you read this documentation and ensure that this is correct, as this will form the basis of your claim against the defendant. Ensure all your injuries are detailed fully and do not be afraid to tell your solicitor if you feel like you would like this amending slightly, your solicitors will go through this documentation with you should you have any questions.

Submitting your claim.

Once your documentation is approved, this will be sent to the defendants or their insurers for them to consider. In the majority of cases, the insurers will have up to 3 months to provide your solicitor with their decision on liability. If liability is admitted in your case, your solicitor will arrange for you to undergo a medical examination with an appropriate medical expert. The instructed expert will be independent and will produce a medical report outlining your injuries and their opinion on when you should recover from your injuries. Your solicitor will discuss your report with you to ensure that you are satisfied with the contents.

Medical evidence.

Your medical report will be used to assess the injuries that you have sustained, along with your comments as to how the injuries have affected your life on a day-to-day basis.

This may mean that the medical expert recommends rehabilitation in order for you to make a full recovery. For serious injuries, it may take a long time to fully recover or to be able to establish the long-term effects of your injuries, and this may mean that you may need to see multiple medical experts to assess the different injuries which you have sustained. Once all the medical evidence has been obtained, your solicitor will be able to attempt to value your claim.

Valuing your claim.

Your solicitor will use the injuries outlined in your medical report in conjunction with the Judicial College Guidelines, to place a value on the injuries sustained. Along with this, they will review previous case law to assist with valuing your claim. The valuation will take into account your injuries and the amount of time taken to recover.

Once this has been done, a schedule of loss will then be prepared which will include things such as the cost of any medical treatment, or rehabilitation which you have incurred, travel expenses, loss of income, any home adaptations, and care costs.

These two figures will then be added together to place a value on the entirety of your claim.

Settlement.

Once you have discussed the value of your claim with your solicitor, they may then suggest making an offer to the defendants or alternatively disclose your medical evidence to the defendants to see whether they make the initial offer. Either side can make multiple offers and your solicitor will deal with the communication and the negotiation process for you. They will discuss any offer which is made and also provide you with advice as to whether any offer should be accepted or rejected. This will take into account the circumstances of your claim and also any risks associated with your claim.

If the value of your claim cannot be agreed upon, your claim may be taken to court but your solicitors will try to negotiate an out-of-court settlement if this is possible.

Damages payment.

If you have accepted an offer, you may receive your damages payment in a lump sum once the claim has concluded. Your solicitor will outline your offer to you and advise on any circumstance in which you may not be able to receive a lump sum payment such as if a periodical payment has been awarded by the Court.

The solicitors working within the personal injury team at Cohen Cramer have years of experience in order to guide you and assist you through your personal injury claim.

Jordanna Gee

March 2023

Making a Personal Injury Claim

Sporting an injury?

Sporting an injury? Twisted ankle? Broken bone? Concussion? You wouldn’t be alone if you’d suffered an injury at the hands of sporting recreation. Even sporting superstars are not immune.

Apparently, there is something big going on in Qatar right now. The 2022 World Cup is unique and has heaped many physical challenges on the players performing at the tournament. It is a winter World Cup (for the first time in its history), occurring mid-season in an acutely hot climate. The fact that there have been injuries, including some serious ones, is perhaps not a surprise.

Be ‘En Garde’

Although sometimes sports injuries are genuine accidents, such as the majority of footballing issues, this isn’t always the case in everyday life.

Injury can occur due to the negligence of someone else. For example, when you first join a gym, it is expected that the facility will provide an induction to demonstrate any equipment with which you are not familiar. If you’re taking up fencing, you’d better hope the right supervision, training, and equipment are provided!

Recreational sport is getting more adventurous including trampoline workouts, bungee aerobics, and airsoft events. With great adventure usually comes greater risk. As a paying customer/participant, you expect the provider to have done the research and made all preparations to make the activity safe.

If measures haven’t been taken or if the equipment is unchecked, then incidents can occur. If this is due to someone’s negligence and you are injured, then you may have a claim.

Jesus Priced Superstar

Back to the football analogy. In the summer, Arsenal paid £45 million to sign Gabriel Jesus, a striker from Manchester City. Since then, his form has been excellent, playing 14 times and scoring 5 goals. After representing Brazil 3 times during the World Cup, Jesus suffered a knee injury that now requires surgery. He will be unavailable to play for Arsenal for the foreseeable future.

In order to facilitate his recovery, Jesus will require surgery, physiotherapy, and a host of clinical measures to return him to match fitness. It is a cost his club must bear, even though he wasn’t representing Arsenal at the time of the injury. International-level injuries have long been a subject of contention in football. In 2012, the FIFA Club Protection Programme (CPP) was established to offer clubs an insurance policy to cover injury risk to national team players. Fortunately for Arsenal, the medical bill for Jesus’ injury will be partly covered by FIFA (the governing body responsible for arranging the World Cup).

No CPP? Speak to CCS

We don’t all have access to dedicated medical teams and pitch-side physiotherapy like the elite football teams. However, Cohen Cramer Solicitors do have the expertise to advise and assist you should you find yourself sustaining a sporting injury due to the action or inaction of someone else. With a helping hand, we can help promote you back to the top of the table.

Get the help you need

For expert advice with your personal injury claim get in touch with us today:

Sporting an injury?

In Evidence Consistency is “King”

In Evidence Consistency is “King”. President John Adams was once quoted as saying, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” The quote from John Adams originates in 1770 (source: https://www.history.com/news/boston-massacre-trial-john-adams-dan-abrams) and therefore predates his presidency. It is taken from a case he was defending after the Boston Massacre when British soldiers fired upon five colonists. During the case, multiple witnesses were said to have given contradictory testimony, perhaps prompting the now-famous remarks about evidence.

Success in a claim for personal injuries hinges on proof that the person or company you are claiming from has been negligent. So how do you do this? Although you may think that you have a closed case, convincing the court is an entirely different ball game. If proof can be questioned, perhaps by inconsistent evidence (as it was in the case of Adams’ Boston Massacre trial), then a successful claim is no longer most likely.

Whilst there are many facets to pursuing a personal injury claim, one important aspect is the actual physical and documentary evidence. What is in existence differs from claim to claim, as evidence for a road traffic collision will differ from that presented for an accident at work or a trip in the street. One thing they do all have in common though is that the evidence should be consistent and support the allegations being made against the alleged wrongdoer.

Consistently Consistent

Evidence crops up in many different forms and, although it may be difficult to have full control over its existence and accuracy, there are steps you can take to assist with consistency.

When you are involved in an accident one of the first things you may be asked to do (depending on the need for medical attention) is to complete an accident report. This may be with your insurers, your employer, or the people responsible for the location at which you were injured. It may be tempting to give a brief explanation or not check what is being written down if this is being completed on your behalf, or to simply think, ‘that’s close enough’. It is of great importance that what is in the document is an accurate and full description of what occurred. The document will be produced in evidence as part of the claims process.
If it differs from the full and formal allegations later provided as part of your claim then this could be detrimental. This is because any errors or inaccuracies will of course make it harder to persuade the court that what you say happened in the manner which you say it did.

Consistency in different situations

Although much harder to influence and check the accuracy of entries, it is also important to ensure that when you attend a medical institution for treatment you think about the information being given to the medical professionals. They are likely to ask you what has happened so that they know how you have injured yourself. Again, try to be as precise as you can and ensure that you maintain the same commentary at each appointment.

For example, “I slipped on spilled oil in the street,” can be interpreted differently from “I fell in the street”. Although in both situations a fall has occurred in the street (one is a slip and involves a substance on the floor, the other is a trip with no explanation as to the cause of the same.

In the weeks and maybe even months following an accident, there could be occasions when this has to be discussed. It may be at a work meeting or with a vehicle engineer or, in the case of a personal injury claim, with an expert who is reporting for the claim. Evidence following the accident should also be precise and consistent.

In written accounts (such as emails) think about what you include. If a claim is against an employer, they can use the emails later down the line and the information may be interpreted incorrectly (e.g. if you apologise or say you did something you shouldn’t have).

When reporting to solicitors, be sure of the facts of the circumstances as these will form the basis of your claim, and once formally documented and submitted it is difficult to change. Make sure, people, places, etc are correct.

The same, not different

One of Adams’ most famous Presidential contemporaries, Abraham Lincoln is remembered for perhaps his most famous quote, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Lincoln was referring to the diverging social norms of his day (specifically pertaining to slavery). His words were advocating that slavery must either be universally accepted or denied. In a similar, manner a legal case divided against itself will struggle to stand. Evidence must retain consistency throughout to stand any chance of a claim being successful.

Get the help you need

For expert advice with your personal injury claim get in touch with us today:

In Evidence Consistency is “King”

November 2022