If you have suffered an accident in a public place, you may be able to seek compensation from the responsible party for the harm suffered. This includes medical treatment and financial losses such as loss of earnings if your injury prevents you from working.

Examples of accidents that occur in public places

• Tripping on a pothole or uneven / defective pavement
• Slipping on spillage in a restaurant, bar, nightclub, shop or other public place
• Injuries as a result of something falling in a store or shop
• Slipping on icy pavements that have been left untreated
• Public playground accidents because of defective equipment

You may be entitled to seek compensation following a trip, slip or fall in a public place that wasn’t your fault. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and will take into consideration factors such as the requirement for ongoing medical care.

How long do I have to submit a claim?

Generally, you have 3 years to submit a claim from the date of the accident, however we recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible.

What should I do following an accident in a public place?

If you have had an accident in a public place, always seek medical attention at a hospital or G.P. for assessment and treatment of injuries. It is also important to report the accident to the person responsible for the location of the accident. It is also advisable to collect as much evidence as possible, inclusive of photographs of the location where the accident happened. Photographs of the injuries sustained can also be very useful when seeking compensation as well as evidence of medical appointments attended for treatment of your injuries. Obtain witness statements if possible.

To find out more about the claims process, contact our personal injury solicitors on 028 7963 2030 or email info@bernadettemulholland.com.

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Taking time to prepare your car and yourself will help you stay safe on the road this winter. Unfortunately there is a greater increase in the number of road traffic accidents during winter.

Read our tips on how you can stay safer on the roads this winter:

• Take extra precautions such as lowering your speed and keep a safe distance between cars. Speed is one of the most important factors in road traffic accidents.
• Ensure your winter car preparations are complete including making sure all tyres have adequate tread and lights are working. At least 3mm of tread is recommended for winter.
• Listen to weather warnings being issued and if possible, avoid driving in dangerous conditions.
• Ensure you keep a de-icer and ice scraper in your car and do not attempt to drive until your car is fully deiced.
• Always clear windows of ice, snow or mist. 
• Check fuel levels and be prepared for un-expected delays.
• If you need to use fog lights, remember to switch them off when visibility improves so you don’t dazzle other drivers or obscure your brake lights.
• Keep a winter emergency kit including high visibility clothing and warm coat/ blanket, food and drinks in case of breakdown. Don’t forget to add jump leads and a warning triangle in the event of a breakdown.

How Bernadette Mulholland Solicitors can help you if you are involved in a road traffic accident

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident, we can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to, including compensation for injuries caused by the accident. Whiplash, head and spinal injures are common injuries sustained in road traffic accidents. To speak to a member of our team, please call us on 028 7963 2030 or email info@bernadettemulholland.com.

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Yes you can. If you were involved in a road traffic accident and sustained injury caused by an uninsured driver, you can claim for compensation for personal injury and loss. The claim would be submitted to the Motor Insurers Bureau which covers claims for victims of uninsured drivers.

My own insurance company said they would appoint a solicitor to represent me. Can I use my own solicitor?

Yes you are free to choose your own solicitor to represent you. Your motor insurance policy may include the coverage of legal expenses should you be involved in an accident. You are not obliged to use the solicitor they appoint.

Following a RTA, record details of losses

Following a road traffic collision, it is important to keep records of financial losses associated with the accident. This can include medical expenses, income lost due to time off work etc. This can be included in your compensation claims and maximise compensation you receive.

Why should I seek my own independent legal advice following a collision?

If you have been involved in a road accident, you may be contacted by solicitors who have received your details by the opponents insurance company. However, it is important to be aware that the insurers and their solicitors are acting in the best interest of the insurance company and not in the best interests of you the injured party. This often results in offers to settle a claim at an amount which is much lower than the amount to which you are entitled. We highly recommend you seek your own independent legal advice and at Bernadette Mulholland Solicitors, we are available to advise you on this and act on your behalf. Contact us on 028 7963 2030 or email us info@bernadettemulholland.com.

The post <strong>Road Traffic Accident Compensation Frequently Asked Questions</strong> appeared first on Bernadette Mulholland Solicitors.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) reports that tripping and slipping accidents at work are the most common cause of workplace injury. Trip and slip accidents can occur on indoor and outside areas of a workplace which includes areas for access to and from the place of work. This includes external entrance paths or employee car-parks.

Can I claim compensation for slip, trip or fall at work?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1997, your employer has a responsibility and duty of care to ensure your safety in the workplace. An employer owes his employees a duty of care to provide a safe place of work. There are a number of regulations and an approved code of practice that apply to most workplaces. If you have slipped, tripped or fallen in the workplace and your employer is at fault, they have breached their duty of care and you may be entitled to a personal injury compensation claim. We offer a free initial consultation and can advise you further on your case.

Common causes of tripping, slipping or falling accidents in the workplace:

• Wet floors
• Spillages and leaks causing floors to become wet or greasy
• Slipping on food waste
• Fallen leaves which are wet or starting to decay
• Uneven workplace floors
• Trip hazards due to untidy workplaces
• Electrical cables

Could I lose my job if I make a claim following an accident at work?

No. It is illegal for an employer to dismiss a worker or take any action against you because of an accident at work claim. Be aware that most accident at work claims must be made within 3 years of the date of the injury or within 3 years of your knowledge of this injury.

Contact Our Personal Injury Solicitors

We advise on commencing your personal injury claim as soon as possible. Seeking legal advice can ensure you do not lose your right to claim compensation. To avail of our free initial consultation, please call us on 028 7963 2030 or email us info@bernadettemulholland.com.

The post <strong>Slips, Trips and Fall Accidents in the Workplace</strong> appeared first on Bernadette Mulholland Solicitors.

If you have suffered an injury that was not your fault, our article will provide information relevant to you if you are considering a claim for compensation. 

Types of Personal Injury

Personal injury accidents can occur in a wide range of areas including:

• Accidents at work, including work place injuries and work related illness
• Slip, trip and fall claims
• Road Traffic Accidents for drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrian
• Medical malpractice

Whether you have suffered an accident at work or tripped on paving in a public area, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury. Our team will guide you through the claims process, assisting every step of the way until your case is settled with a successful outcome.

Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation

Depending on the type of injury you have suffered, we can also arrange for ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation to assist with your recovery. Some personal injury accidents leave individuals unable to work therefore leading to the additional stress of loss of income. Losses associated with personal injury claims include physical, psychological or financial. Your personal injury claim will provide you with the compensation you deserve from the party that is believed to have caused you the loss.

What Information Do I Need To Proceed With A Claim?

We will request information from you concerning the accident. Examples of what this includes are:

• Time and place of accident
• Details on injury sustained and any treatment received
• Police statements or accident log book if applicable.

We will also ask you to disclose details of losses you are aware of such as loss of wages. It is important to contact us as soon as possible after the accident or injury has occurred so we can commence legal proceedings and ensure your claim is as straight forward as possible.  

How Long Do I Have To Make a Claim?

In Northern Ireland, you have 3 years from the date the accident took place or date you first became aware of injury sustained to commence proceedings.

Contact Bernadette Mulholland Solicitors

At Bernadette Mulholland Solicitors, we offer a Free Consultation so we can discuss your case free of charge and without obligation. Contact a member of our team for further legal advice and guidance on 028 7963 2030 or email us info@bernadettemulholland.com.

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