Legal Practice Areas

Personal Injury Law

This field of law deals with cases where an individual claims to have been injured or harmed by another person or entity. Personal injury lawyers handle compensation claims for injuries, diseases, or illnesses caused by using certain products, such as drugs and food, or as a result of accidents or medical treatments.

It's important to note that employment in this field often involves expertise in Wills, Probate, and Trust Laws. These laws aim to protect clients who have suffered wrongful acts resulting in physical or psychological injuries in various settings, such as the workplace or through medical negligence.

Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury (PI) claims seek compensation for harm caused to the claimant due to the wrongful actions or negligence of another person. These civil cases cover a wide range of areas, including:

Road Traffic Accidents (RTA)

Claims arising from road accidents involving cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and injuries from accidents involving insured, uninsured, or unidentified drivers, including whiplash injuries.

Workplace Accidents or Work-Related Illnesses

Claims due to accidents on construction sites, docks, and farms; falls and injuries from handling incidents; accidents caused by defective equipment, lack of protective gear, or poor training and safety practices.

Public Place Accidents

Claims for injuries from slipping or tripping in places like pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, retail shops, and educational institutions.

Other Personal Injury Claims

These include claims involving faulty products or services, incidents in beauty salons, animal bites, vacation mishaps, transportation accidents, military service incidents, hand-arm vibration syndrome, sports injuries, and more.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal injury lawyers represent 'claimants' (those who are suing) or 'defendants' (those being sued). They may work for the claimant, an insurance company, or organizations representing workers' interests.

Required Skills

Litigation lawyers must be passionate and understanding, as their clients may have experienced life-altering or fatal accidents due to negligence. They need to maintain professionalism in court, manage extensive paperwork, and be punctual. Senior lawyers should handle complex medical and technological issues. Strong interpersonal skills, particularly in communication and negotiation, are crucial for dealing with clients, insurance companies, health professionals, and other lawyers.

Becoming a Personal Injury Lawyer

Education

A law degree (BA or equivalent) from a reputable university is typically required.

Solicitor Path

Take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC) if eligible. Complete Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) over five years after passing the SQE. Pass the LPC and secure a two-year training contract with a law firm. Apply for membership with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Barrister Path

Hold an undergraduate law degree or complete a law conversion course. Pass the Bar Practice Course (BPC). Secure a pupillage (training contract). Consider pursuing an LLM in Medical Law and Ethics, Mental Health Law, or Insurance Law for additional specialization.

Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

Many people prefer to hire a personal injury lawyer rather than a general practice lawyer for their expertise in handling accident-related cases. Recommended personal injury law firms include:

Contingency Fee Basis

Personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only receive payment if the client is awarded compensation through legal means.

Salary

Trainees who pass the bar exam and begin practicing can expect to earn around £32,000 initially. On average, a personal injury solicitor earns about £37,500, while experienced solicitors can earn between £45,000 and £65,000, depending on their location and experience.