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Crazy Claims And No Win No Fee Solicitors

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Has Society Gone Compensation Crazy?

Photo From Flickr User ItzaFineDay

We hear a lot of stories about compensation claims gone wrong and people abusing a system that some feel is far too open to abuse. This lens is about both sides of the Compensation story. Because as I've seen in my own life, for every abuse of the system there is a case where someone feels too ashamed to come forward. The success stories from people who genuinely deserved to earn compensation are out there, so let's not lose sight of that!

The Burning Question

What do you think?

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Resources For No Win No Fee Claims

Everything You Need To Know

This is a collection of links providing everything you need to know about No Win No Fee claims. It aims to help people on both sides: employers as well as employees. Hopefully this way, whatever your views on the necessity of our 'compensation culture', you'll know how the system works and to what victims may be entitled to.
HSE 'Watch Your Step' Campaign
Prevention, as they say, is the best medicine. The 'watch you step' campaign aims to educate British employers and employees about workplace hazards. It is of course, useful in any nation.
What the government has to say on the subject
This is the British direct.gov website giving a comprehensive run down of who is responsible for workplace safety, and how you hold them to account.
Compensation Calculator
With many claims for negligence related injuries being made, you can get a rough idea of how much you may be entitled to by using a compensation calculator.
No Win No Fee News From Google
A contentious issue in British politics, it's worth keeping up to date on what restrictions are being placed on 'No Win No Fee' claims.

Cheesy Nineties Accident Video, ahoy!

A now retro looking insurance video that demonstrates some of the very real ways in which we can get hurt whilst at work. As cheesy as the soundtrack and production values are, there's still an important message to be had here.
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"I've Had An Accident"

What to Do

So you've had an accident. What should you do?

1. Firstly, ensure that the health and safety guidelines set out by the government are followed.

  • A business has to record an injury in their 'accident book' - you or a colleague need to ensure that this is done.
  • Check to see if you're entitled for sick or accident pay from your employer.
  • If you have a dispute with them over these details, deal with them first (but if you are considering legal proceedings, it's better to wait until you have a lawyer.)
  • Most importantly, you must bring Health and safety problems to the attention of your employer or safety representative. Call the HSE Infoline if they refuse to act on something you feel is a serious and persistent breach of safety.

2. Ascertain that you are entitled to making a claim. You can talk with one of the various companies who deal with this kind of business specifically to get an idea, but in general:

  • The action needs to be caused by someone else's negligence. A puddle of liquid on the shop floor left by a chronic drip is negligence. Walking into a post because you were drunk is probably not a valid reason to claim

  • Obviously, you must have suffered an injury of some kind. If not bruising, broken bones, whiplash or similar, you may be able to claim on the grounds of discomfort, but who will handle you case will vary

  • Use a compensation calculator to determine how much you may be entitled to.



3. Find the details of your employer's insurance company: these should be displayed at work, but you may have to request it.

4. If you believe your employer is at fault for your accident, you have three years to claim for compensation. You will almost certainly need legal representation for this.

  • If you are a member of a union you may be able to request a lawyer via such an organisation.
  • Most will take the easier route of seeking No Win No Fee Solicitors. There are several options out there.

Youtube Highlights

Some Lowlights Too...

These youtube videos raise and interesting point: just look how searching for 'accident at work' runs the genuine stupidity with dangerous acts of negligence that must have seriously injured their victims.

What's my point here? That people DO make stupid claims (and yes, sometimes the courts let them pass). But the system must be there to compensate those people who are victims of damaging negligence and lack of competency.
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The Burning Question... Again!

Yes, you've been asked this question before. But having read all the above, what are you thoughts?

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How To Have An Accident At Work

Donald Duck Style!

Cartoon characters tend to bounce back from their accidents - so remember the serious side to this page, even as you chuckle along! In this 1959 animated short subject, Disney's infamous grouch shows us that accidents aren't down to fate - they're down to the carelessness of workers and employers alike!
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stephwoo286

Well, what's to tell? I enjoy a glass of wine with friends, spend most of my money on travel and computer games and I'm going to tell you all about it... more »

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