The thought of going to court can be intimidating but, in reality, most personal injury claims are settled before reaching that stage. Estimates vary in terms of exactly what percentage of personal injury claims end up needing a court hearing, but most put this figure between around 2% and 5%.

This is because both parties usually prefer to settle out of court to avoid the time, stress and costs associated with a trial. Additionally, if your case is strong, the defendant is more likely to offer a fair settlement at an earlier stage.

As such, going to court is generally considered a last resort, and happens only when negotiations have failed or if the defendant disputes liability. Even then, many cases are resolved before reaching the courtroom.

When you're pursuing a personal injury claim, the more information you can provide, the better. Here's a rundown of what we'll typically need from you to build a strong case:

• A detailed account of the incident: We'll need a thorough description of what happened, including the date, time and location. The more details you can provide, the better we can understand your case. We'll also want to know how the injury has impacted your life on a personal level. This can help us claim for emotional or psychological damages, in addition to physical injuries.
• Medical records: Your medical records will serve as vital evidence to support your claim. This includes doctor's notes, medical bills, and any diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Photos and videos: if you have any photos or videos from the scene of the accident or of your injuries, these can be invaluable in proving your case.
• Witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the incident, their accounts could strengthen your claim. Names and contact details would be extremely helpful.
• Financial impact: We'll need to know about any financial losses you've experienced due to the injury. This could include lost wages, travel expenses for medical appointments, and any other out-of-pocket costs.
• Communication records: Any correspondence you've had with the other party, insurance companies, or medical professionals can be useful. This includes emails, letters and text messages.

We understand that gathering all this information can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with an injury. But don't worry, we're here to help you every step of the way.

If your child has suffered a personal injury due to someone else's negligence, you can make a claim on their behalf. The claim can be made by a parent, guardian or a responsible adult who has the child's best interests at heart. This person is known as the ‘litigation friend’.

Normally, personal injury claims have a time limit, but for children, this rule is a bit different. A claim can be made at any time before they turn 18. Once they're 18, they have until their 21st birthday to make a claim themselves.

Any compensation awarded will be held in a trust until the child turns 18, unless it's needed earlier for medical treatment or educational needs. Claims involving children usually need court approval to make sure the settlement is in the child's best interest.

At Switalskis, we have a team of experts experienced in handling personal injury claims for children. We'll guide you through the legal process, which helps to make sure that both you and your child are well-supported throughout.

If you've suffered multiple injuries in an accident, you can make a claim for all of them. We'll start by getting a full medical assessment to understand the extent of all of your injuries, no matter how minor they may seem at first.

Multiple injury claims usually involve catastrophic injuries such as brain or spinal damage. The amount of compensation you could receive will be calculated based on the severity of each injury, how they impact your life, and any financial losses you've experienced. Multiple injuries can often lead to complex medical issues down the line, and we'll make sure this is factored into your claim.

While dealing with multiple injuries can make the claims process more complex, at Switalskis, we aim to make it as straightforward as possible for you. We'll handle all the legalities, so you can focus on your recovery.

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and if their death was due to someone else's negligence, you will be able to make a personal injury claim on their behalf. 

The claim can usually be made by someone names as the executor in a will or by the deceased's spouse, parent or child. You can claim for both the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before they passed away, as well as for the financial and emotional loss suffered by the family. Compensation awarded can cover funeral costs, loss of income to the family, and other financial impacts.

The time limit for making a claim is generally three years from the date of death, or from the date when the death was linked to negligence. As such, it’s best to get in touch as soon as possible - we understand that this is an emotionally charged time for you, and we’ll do all we can to provide the legal and emotional support you need.

If you've been injured at work due to your employer's negligence, you might be hesitant to make a claim, worrying it could affect your job. As such, it's important to know that the law protects employees from being unfairly treated or dismissed in these circumstances.

Every employer has a duty to provide a safe working environment. If they've failed in this, it's your right to seek compensation for any injuries you've sustained. Additionally, most employers have liability insurance to cover claims like this, so it's unlikely that your claim will directly affect the company's finances or your job.

If you've been injured but think you might be partly to blame, you can still make a claim. In legal terms, this is known as contributory negligence. 

If you're found to be partly at fault, your compensation might be reduced by a certain percentage, reflecting your share of the blame. Determining who is at fault, and to what extent, can be a complicated process, which is why it’s so important to seek legal advice in these cases.

Switalskis can help you understand how the law applies to your specific situation, and we'll help you collect all the necessary evidence to build a strong case, even if you're partially at fault. It’s important to be honest and upfront about the circumstances surrounding your accident when making a claim, as this will help us understand the extent of your liability.

If you're not happy with your current solicitor or feel that your case isn't progressing as it should, Switalskis can take over your case. Just get in touch with us, and we’ll offer a free consultation to understand the details of your case and why you're considering a change.

We'll review all the documents and information related to your case to assess its strength, and how we can move it forward effectively. Once you’ve committed to switching, we'll handle all the paperwork and communication needed to transfer your case, making the process as smooth as possible for you.

Worried about additional costs? Don't be. The financial arrangements you had with your previous solicitor will be considered and we will be able to advise you on how your claim will be funded moving forward. Our team of experienced personal injury solicitors will then take over, bringing a fresh perspective and renewed energy to your case.

At Switalskis, we're committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you. We'll explore all avenues, and aren't afraid to challenge previous decisions if we believe it's in your best interest.