Personal Injury – Why choose local?
Article written by Louise Westby, Personal Injury (and Private Client) Solicitor based in Attleborough.
Personal injury claims and the legal processes are a blunt instrument but the only way to obtain justice and financial redress for injuries sustained. The process requires the victim to establish negligence (that the Defendant has breached their duty of care, whether in a workplace or public space) and that as a result you have sustained losses. The burden of proof usually sits with the party pursuing the compensation and it is important that you are appropriately advised.
It is of upmost importance if you are to embark on this process, that the solicitor representing you not only has the grit and tenacity to fight your corner but is also relatable, empathetic and really takes time to nurture and build a strong relationship with you.
The success of developing this close relationship is founded on your local solicitor being approachable and you being secure in the knowledge that we can meet in person to discuss your claim at any time, and as many times as you need to, without feeling that there are any barriers or hinderances to you doing so. This is often lacking with the large, often faceless and geographically distant firms who deal with personal injury claims.
A key factor to the successful outcome of your claim is often founded in gathering persuasive evidence and your local solicitor having sufficient knowledge of your area giving them an insight into the background of the Defendant, together with a history of what other claims they might have faced (evidence which is not gained through an anonymous google search!).
It may be argued that these larger personal injury firms delivering a factory-style service have an increased level of expertise in order to obtain a successful outcome to your claim. However, at Rogers & Norton we have a team of lawyers who are experts in their field, accredited with APIL and can demonstrate many years’ experience in all areas of claims.
Choosing who to represent you throughout what is often a difficult period when you may be suffering life changing consequences is an important decision. APIL estimate that 30,000 people fall ill or are injured each week due to someone else’s negligence which in turn can cause an impact on that person’s work (having to take time off or permanently ceasing work), deterioration in their mental health, no longer being able to pursue hobbies or interest, and affecting both personal and family relationships. The benefit of a local expert, a local office and a familiar face with the local knowledge of the roads you drive, paths you walk and workplaces you attend should not be discounted. Indeed, on many occasions we have received instructions from clients asking us to take over their case from a solicitor who was recommended by their insurer, or who they found on google and who has not lived up to all that was promised.
We will always offer a free, no-obligation initial discussion to consider your case and to take time to explain all of the information you need. We offer a no-win-no-fee service in appropriate circumstances and will always explain all of the funding options for your claim. Meetings can take place in either offices, or at home or hospital.
For more information, please visit our Personal Injury service pages or to arrange an appointment, please contact either Mark Hambling or Hannah Rudling on 01603 666001 at our Norwich office or Louise Westby on 01953 453774 at our Attleborough office.
Alternatively, you can send an enquiry via our website by clicking ‘request a consultation’ or email us at enquiries@rogers-norton.co.uk