Day-to-day we all face scenarios that, through the potential negligence of others, could lead to personal injury. Walking outside on the way work or to the shops could lead to a trip and injury, which could have been prevented by proper maintenance by the area's local authority. Similarly, accidents at work or shopping could be prevented by your employer or the shop in question.



Some detractors view personal injury cases as frivolous, as a way for claimants to receive substantial sums of money based on exaggerated statements regarding the occurrence of the accident and the extent of any injuries sustained. This view stems from high-profile cases like that of Brian Piccolo, a London commuter who in 2003 slipped on a petal outside a flower shop at Marylebone Station, central London, whose case went to court last year, where he pursued a personal claim of ?1.5 million.

However, most personal injury cases that are won by the claimant do not award them anywhere near this amount of money, often being just enough to cover loss of earnings and care costs with little in the way of egregious profit. Knowing whether or not you have a genuine grievance isn't always straightforward as personal injury could occur in a number of scenarios, from trips to car accidents, and due to the complexity of the law, plaintiffs are advised to seek out legal advice from a specialist solicitor.

Thankfully, most solicitors specialising in personal injury cases provide a free initial consultation. To make the most of this meeting, make sure you bring any documents to support your case, including a written explanation of the chronology of the events that lead to the accident in clear, concise English to avoid any ambiguity surrounding the events. Also bring photographic images of the place of accident as well as of your injuries and, where possible, a list of the names and addresses of any witnesses to support your claim.

The funding of your case will depend on your location and financial situation. If you live in Scotland, legal aid is available for personal injury cases and further advice on this can be found on the Scottish Legal Aid Board's website. In England and Wales, most solicitors will take personal injury cases on a no-win, no-fee basis, that is, the claimant pays nothing unless the case is won, but funding could come from other sources, such as a trade union, or a home or motor insurance policy.

Therefore, should you have sustained any kind of through no fault of your own that has left you with a loss of earnings and medical expenses, seeking out legal advice can help your financial worries and help ensure safety measures are made to prevent others from suffering the same misfortune.