If you have sustained an injury in a public place or at your workplace, due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation in situations where you are unable to remain active. These are called personal injury claims.
In the event of an injury, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Owen Hodge are here to help you make a claim for compensation.
What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a claim you lodge to receive compensation for your injuries that were caused by negligent or wrongful actions.
3 common types of personal injury compensation claims
1. Work related injury claims
You might be entitled to claim for compensation for a work injury. Our worker’s compensation lawyers can talk you through the process and work out a sum to which you could be entitled.
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2. Negligence
If eligible, you can make a personal injury claim for professional and medical negligence. If you’re wondering how much compensation you may be entitled to for medical negligence, speak to a medical and professional negligence lawyer at Owen Hodge.
3. Motor vehicle accidents
Want to know how to claim for an injury you received in a car accident? Our car accident injury attorneys can help.
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- Fatal car accident
- Hit and run compensation
- Bicycle and motorbike accident claims
- Truck and taxi accident compensation
- Pedestrian accident
Whatever the circumstances, our lawyers can see to it that you get the compensation to which you’re entitled.
How to make a personal injury claim: 6 steps
In order to claim compensation for a personal injury, you need to comply with certain procedural requirements.
Step 1: Report the accident
The most essential step in the claim process is to report and notify the relevant person or authority about your accident. For example, if you’ve been injured in the workplace, you need to inform your employer.
Similarly, if you are a victim of a motor vehicle accident, the police should be notified and a Traffic Incident Number (TIN) should be obtained.
Lastly, if you have received a personal injury in a public place, you should declare your injury to the concerned local authority.
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Step 2: Seek the advice of your doctor
Medical and diagnostic reports, including medical certificates obtained from your doctor, are evidence which can actually support your claim. Therefore, consulting your doctor is imperative both for your well-being as well as for making an accident compensation claim.
Step 3: Lodge a claim
You should lodge a compensation claim with the relevant authority in the appropriate manner.
- If you’re claiming for workers’ compensation, you may need to do so in a specified format. Speak to your employer or your lawyer about how to do this.
- To lodge a claim for a motor vehicle accident, you will need to apply with the insurance company of the owner/driver of the motor vehicle at fault.
- For public liability claims, you will need to lodge your claim with the insurance company of the person or the authority at fault.
Step 4: Seek legal advice
We highly recommend seeking legal advice from a personal injury specialist so you’re aware of:
- Your legal rights and entitlements in a personal injury claim
- How to proceed while making such a claim
- How long the entire process might take
If your claim is rejected, you will need to speak to your lawyer. Your claim may have been rejected due to non-disclosure or partial disclosure or wrongful disclosure of facts, so it’s important you involve an experienced lawyer from the get go.
Step 5: Receive necessary medical treatment
You should get all the required medical treatment you need while pursuing a claim for personal injury.
Step 6: Settlement
In personal injury claims, damages are awarded for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Medical treatment expenses
- Domestic care and assistance
- Any other losses which may arise
You may also receive:
- A weekly wage, the amount of which depends on the State where the accident happened or the injury was caused
- Referrals to medical specialists and rehabilitation providers
Please note: It might take up to 28 business days for your claim to be either accepted or rejected.
If you receive any monetary compensation against your claim for personal injury, please speak to your lawyer. This will prevent you both from relinquishing your right to a further claim of damages or receiving an amount less than your actual entitlements.
Personal injury claim timeline
How long do you have to make a claim for personal injury?
Compensation claims for personal injuries should be brought within 3 years from the date of occurrence of the injury. This 3 year period also includes the time you spend complying with the Pre-Court requirements such as informing the police and/or lodging complaints with the appropriate authorities.
Your failure to commence Court proceedings within the limitation period will take away your right to claim compensation.
Learn more: personal injury claim time limits
If you’re looking for the law firm Sydney residents trust, look no further. You can bank on the advice of our personal injury lawyers in Sydney. Contact Owen Hodge Lawyers on 1800 770 780 for any matter relating to your personal injury claim.
Personal Injury Law Team
Frequently asked questions
The amount depends on the nature and severity of the injury.
Yes, you do need a solicitor to ensure that you properly navigate the claims.
Not all personal injury claims go to court – it once again depends on the nature and severity of your injury and the damages resulting from it.