Choosing a solicitor after an accident at work or in a public place – how do I decide?

Perhaps when an individual is looking for legal help following an accident, what it will cost them is mainly what they have on their mind.

How do they make sure that the firm they choose is credible and has their best interests at heart?

It can be difficult to know you are making the right decision. Forefront of our minds, here at Oakwood, is speaking plainly (without legal jargon), sympathetically and making the whole process as swift and straight forward as possible.

How will I contact you?

Check that the firm you choose is able to use many forms of contact – email, text, phone calls and correspondence. You will have your preferred method, so make sure they are able to use this.

At Oakwood we use cutting edge technology to ensure all correspondence is logged and processed efficiently and speedily, however the main attraction for our customers is our approachability.

Our personal injury team is made up of experienced individuals, who have lived life and understand how difficult it can be to make that initial approach to a firm of solicitors.

How is the claim paid for?

We would love you to choose us, but if you decide to pick another firm, remember to check what percentage (or deduction) they will take at the end of the claim

We will always aim to speak to you as honestly as possible, giving you an idea of the likelihood of your claim succeeding.  You won’t pay a penny.  I can hear the question ‘How can that be possible?’ forming your mind.

No-one gets something for nothing after all. The answer is simple, if we are successful and obtain compensation for you, we will take a percentage of that money (a maximum of 30%) to cover any costs that we cannot recover from those responsible.

My advice, when choosing the right firm to represent you, is to check there are no upfront costs, that you won’t be expected to pay for any fees (such as medical reports or court costs) and that the percentage they will take from your compensation is no higher than 30%.

‘After The Event’ Insurance (ATE)

You should also ask about something called ‘After the Event Insurance’ (or ATE).  This is a policy that a lot of firms recommend to protect you in the eventuality that you are told you have to pay the Defendants’ costs, in the event of the claim failing.

These policies can cost hundreds of pounds and, whilst the fee usually is deducted from your compensation, here at Oakwood we prefer you to receive as much money as possible and we therefore decided a few years ago to cover those costs ourselves.

We are therefore fairly unique in that we do not recommend an ATE policy and you will not be asked to pay for such a policy out of your damages.

No hourly rates!

We don’t charge an hourly rate (perhaps like the gentleman in the photograph would).  We won’t turn around at the end of the claim and tell you that we are taking all your money to cover our costs (so you receive nothing).

We won’t direct you to the invisible small print, pointing out that the ‘no win, no fee agreement’ no longer applies as you did not comply with clause (x), (y), (z). We simply do our best to succeed and ask you to contribute 30% to as at the end of the claim.

Ensure that the firm you choose acts in the same manner – some firms are more reputable than others, after all.

How long will it take?

Our aim, and your aim when you are searching for the right firm, is to ensure you get what you deserve, as speedily as possible.  We also aim to return to individuals quickly when they contact us during the life of their claim.

No more hanging on the telephone for hours waiting to be heard, sending countless emails to get a reply four weeks hence or sending letters – seemingly into a black hole never to be seen again.

A good question to ask, however, when choosing your representatives is ‘What is the average length of time a claim takes to process?’.  This will give you an idea as to how promptly the firm deals with correspondence and how proactively they deal with issues as they arise.

Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors?

Myself and my colleagues are, I promise you, real people whose main motivation is to help people in difficult situations.  No tricks, or hidden costs of any kind. We hope you have no need to put your trust in us and that you stay safe and don’t encounter any accidents, but if you do, please do call us and we would be happy to help.

Choosing the right firm to represent you is probably the most important decision you will make, allowing you to recover from your injuries, without worry. Always ask the right questions at the outset and do not be afraid to ask the difficult questions – that way you will not regret putting your trust in the firm you choose.

Further reading

Accidents at Work – Oakwood Solicitors

ACAS

WHAT TO DO NEXT

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