Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions, click on a question to view the answer.
• Why should I choose Howe & Co?
• What sort of injury claims do Howe & Co deal with?
• I live a long way from Howe & Co's offices. Does this matter?
• Another firm has told me I don’t have a case.
What should I do?
• Will I have to pay anything?
• What if I am already paying privately for
somebody else to fight my case?
• Will I get all my compensation?
• How long will my claim take?
• How long do I have to make a claim?
• I have been the victim of a violent crime. Can I claim?
Why should I choose Howe & Co?
There can be no better recommendation than that of our former clients. We are proud to say that many of our existing clients have been advised to use our services by friends and family members we previously acted for.
We are specialist personal injury solicitors. Our expertise and unrivalled resources allows us to deal with your case as quickly and effectively as possible to get you the maximum compensation for your injury at absolutely no cost to you.
Our solicitors are all members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers or the Law Society's Personal Injury Panel. Each of them is devoted to providing you with a professional, friendly and courteous service. Click here to have a look at what some of our clients have said about us.
What sort of injury claims do Howe & Co deal with?
Our expertise and unrivalled resources mean that we are able to act in virtually any type of personal injury claim. Like most solicitors, the majority of our work is made up of claims arising from road traffic accidents, accidents at work and tripping and slipping accidents in the street and other public places. However we also regularly take on more specialist personal injury claims such as;
• Industrial diseases such as asbestos claims, industrial or occupational asthma and other respiratory diseases
• Carbon monoxide and other poisoning claims
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Accidents involving children
• Holiday and travel accidents
• Medical negligence claims
• Brain/ spinal injury
• Psychiatric injuries
• Fatal accident claims
I live a long way from Howe & Co’s offices.
Does this matter?
Definitely not. It is much more important to make sure you have the right solicitors acting for you. Much of our work comes from the north of England, the Midlands and Wales where we have strong contacts. Indeed the majority of our clients live outside the London area.
We are always prepared to arrange home and hospital visits in the early stages of a compensation claim if that is the best way to obtain your instructions and give you early advice.
Another firm has told me I don't have a case.
What should I do?
Contact us as soon as possible. Our expertise and experience often allows us to take on and win cases others think hopeless.
Will I have to pay anything?
Absolutely not. Not one penny.
All legal costs are paid by the other side if your claim is successful. In the unlikely event that your claim is not successful then you still pay nothing because our No Win No Fee funding scheme guarantees that we will not charge you anything.
What if I am already paying privately for somebody else to fight my case?
You shouldn’t be. If your case is strong enough for someone to recommend that you pay privately for them to represent you then it is strong enought to be fought under a CFA (‘no win, no fee’) funding arrangement with no cost and no risk to you.
Will I get all my compensation?
Yes. We guarantee you will receive 100% of your damages. You will not be asked to take out a loan or to pay for a special insurance policy. We guarantee you will pay nothing whether your case is won or lost.
How long will my claim take?
Our job is to get you the maximum damages (compensation) in the least possible time.
Most cases are settled within 12 - 18 months. In some cases where the Defendant admits liability and the injuries are not complex settlement may be achieved within 6 - 9 months. In other more complex cases a settlement may take longer.
When you receive your compensation the payment is made to you on a once-and-for-all basis. You cannot re-open your case for any reason once it has been settled. It is therefore important that the settlement of your claim takes into account all aspects of your case. If you have not fully recovered we need to know what the long-term prognosis for your recovery is and that there is no risk of deterioration in your condition. We will obtain a medical report on your condition from a suitable consultant and will advise you fully on the medical evidence and its implications.
How much is my claim worth?
In most cases the amount of damages you receive will be made up of two elements:
General Damages: these are awarded for the injury sustained and for the pain and suffering and ongoing disability associated with that injury. The amount depends upon such factors as the nature and severity of the injury, the period of recovery and the outlook for the future. General damages are assessed by the court primarily by reference to the medical report on your condition and comparing that report to previously decided cases. Guidance is also given by the Judicial Studies Board who produce guideline figures for general damages for all different types of injuries.
Click for Examples.
Special Damages: essentially these are your out-of-pocket expenses arising from the accident and includes such things as wage loss, medical expenses and travel expenses. Special damages are usually capable of exact mathematical calculation. The amount of special damages is added to the amount of general damages to make up the total of the damages award.
In more serious cases damages will also be awarded for such things as:
• Ongoing future loss of earnings
• Ongoing medical, care and other expenses
• Disadvantage on the open labour market
• Lost opportunity for promotion
• Pension loss
We will advise you fully on the types of damages that should be claimed in your case.
Damages are intended to compensate the injured victim for the actual loss suffered by them because of their accident. Damages are tailored to the individual circumstances of the case. Because of this damages can vary greatly in apparently similar cases.
Click for Examples.
If you have recently had your accident beware of any firm who says they can tell you exactly what your case is worth. The value of your case can only be properly assessed after expert medical evidence about your injuries has been obtained and analysed by a lawyer who is specialised and experienced in personal injury claims.
Will I have to go to court?
Probably not.
Most claims are settled without the need for court proceedings. However unlike claims management companies we are never afraid of commencing court proceedings if that is the best way of getting you the maximum compensation as quickly as possible.
How long do I have to make a claim?
Time limits for making a claim for damages are governed by the Limitation Act 1980.
If you have had an accident then you have 3 years from the date of that accident to make a claim. If you were under 18 when the accident happened then you have until your 21st birthday to make a claim.
If you have developed a disease or some other condition through the fault of someone else then the rules are more complicated. In broad terms you have 3 years from the date you first realised that you had developed your disease or your condition and at the same time knew or should have known that that disease or condition was caused by someone else's negligence.
The courts have discretion to allow claims to continue even if the 3 year time limit has been exceeded.
How do I make a claim?
Simply complete the online claim form. Alternatively if you would prefer to speak to a member of our staff please call us on: FREEPHONE 0500 823 958
I have been the victim of a violent crime. Can I claim?
Yes. If you have been the victim of an assault or other violent criminal act then you are entitled to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
The amount you can be awarded is anything from £1,000 - £250,000. If you fail to make a complete recovery compensation can also be claimed for loss of earnings.
To qualify for compensation from the CICA you must report the assault to the police within a reasonable time and cooperate fully with the police in their enquiries.
If you have been the victim of a violent crime then simply call our freephone number 0500 823958 or complete the online enquiry form for no obligation expert advice.