Q. What is a Conditional Fee Agreement?

A. Conditional Fee Agreement is the formal name for a "no win no fee agreement". This is the document that confirms the arrangement for the solicitor to act for you which confirms that the solicitor will not make any charge if you are unsuccessful and do not recover damages in your personal injury claim.

Q. What Can I Claim for?

A. You can claim damages for the injury that you have suffered but also other financial losses including loss of earnings, private medical costs, the provision of care and assistance at home, even if it has been provided by a family member and other expenses. Solicitors at HEWITTS are fully aware of the items that can be claimed and would discuss this with you. The intention would be to try and put you in the financial position you would have been in had the accident not occurred.

Q. Do I have to go to Court?

A. Many personal injury cases do not go to court. There is a protocol in place in which the insurance company of the person responsible for your accident has to say whether or not they accept responsibility for your accident. Once this point is reached we can advise you more fully on whether or not court proceedings will be necessary. Court proceedings are only ever taken if you agree to the same.

Q. Can a child make a claim for personal injury?

A. A child can make a claim but they must be represented by what is called a Litigation Friend. This is usually a parent but it can be a grandparent or a godparent or somebody close to the child who is seen as a responsible adult. Any damages awarded for a child are invested through the courts until the child reaches 18. It therefore generates a fund for the child who receives the damages plus interest at the age of 18.