Covid-19 and Your Personal Injury Claim
We have now been in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic for the majority of 2020 and it is clear that a return to normal is still some way off. However, we have seen the shift from the initial confusion, to businesses adapting to a new way of working. Oakwood Solicitors is no different, adapting and thriving to ensure business can continue and we can maintain a high quality of service for our clients.
For those pursuing a personal injury claim, or considering a person injury claim, there will be many questions about how the pandemic may affect your ability to pursue your claim. We aim to answer those questions here.
Is Oakwood Solicitors open for business?
Yes, Oakwood Solicitors’ dedicated staff have worked hard over the last few months to ensure that business can carry on as usual. During the height of the pandemic, staff adapted to working from home to ensure that they remained available for you. Oakwood Solicitors have now welcomed their staff back to the offices with some layout changes and extra precautions to keep everybody safe. Meetings continue to go ahead virtually with limited office appointments also available which are carried out in line with the government guidelines.
Can I still pursue my claim?
Yes, Oakwood Solicitors have been working hard to make sure that all clients, existing and new, can still pursue their claim. During a claim we will often be in correspondence with a variety of third parties which has unfortunately, led to some delays as many businesses have temporarily closed or reduced staff numbers, and still struggle to return to normal. Oakwood Solicitors are committed to working with these third parties to ensure we can minimise any delays brought about by the pandemic.
What if I need to attend a medical appointment?
As part of your claim you will be required to see a medical expert for a consultation. The report provided by the expert will be important evidence in your claim. At Oakwood Solicitors, we believe that your medical evidence should not be compromised due to the pandemic and we are working hard to make sure we continue to instruct quality experts.
Many experts have been unavailable during the pandemic due to clinics being closed and experts being called in to dedicate themselves to urgent NHS work. When suitable, a remote appointment may be arranged with an expert to take place via video link. In most situations however, a face to face appointment would be required. This means there may be a delay in the appointment being arranged to ensure your appointment can take place with a quality expert and as safely as possible.
Should you feel uncomfortable about attending a medical appointment at this time then of course we understand. Your dedicated file handler can discuss this with you to make sure that your claim can progress in a way that you are comfortable with.
Can you still arrange my treatment and medical investigations?
Many treatment providers are now able to resume treatment such as physiotherapy, and many have adapted well to providing treatment that you can complete at home whilst keeping in touch with the therapist who can assess your progress.
May hospitals are still unable to provide investigation such as MRI scans unless for medical emergencies. We continue to keep up to date with the providers to ensure investigations can be completed at the earliest opportunity and as safely as possible.
What if my case is issued with the Court? Will this be affected?
Once your claim has been issued with the Court there are strict time frames to adhere to as set by the Court. For personal injury claims these are set out in the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR). In the wake of the pandemic, additional rules were put in place such as Practice Direction 51ZA which allows for further extensions of the time limits set out in the CPR. There will be some inevitable delays with the Courts and this is something that we continue to monitor to ensure we can keep you update with the latest information.
Are the Courts still open for hearings?
The Government considers the Courts as an essential public service and therefore many have remained open throughout the pandemic. Their approach however has differed from Court to Court. Some Courts have continued with scheduled hearings via video link, whilst some have postponed matters.
The government has released guidance on which Courts remain open and how Court proceedings will be conducted and this guidance will be updated regularly on their website. Your file handler at Oakwood Solicitors will be able to guide you through what to expect if you are awaiting a hearing on your claim.
Should I still make a claim now or should I wait?
If you would like to pursue a claim, you should make an enquiry now. There are strict time limits for being able to pursue a personal injury claim. These limits have not been affected by the pandemic, and no leniency will be given by the Court for claims not pursued in time due to the pandemic. If you think you have a claim, please contact Oakwood Solicitors now to seek advice. Our team of personal injury experts are ready and waiting to assist you.
Will my compensation be affected?
The amount of compensation you are entitled to will not be affected by the pandemic. We are working hard to ensure that the evidence required to bring your claim to settlement is obtained as efficiently and safely as possible. Our team are as dedicated as ever to achieving the maximum compensation for you.
If you have any questions about your claim, or how to start a claim, please contact our team or call us on 0113 200 9787.
Covid-19 and Your Personal Injury Claim We have now been in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic for the majority of 2020 and it is clear that a return to normal is still some way off. However, we have seen the shift from the initial confusion, to businesses adapting to a new way…
