Hopkins backs Law Society’s ‘Don’t get mugged by an insurer’ campaign

Hundreds of local people are failing to get the compensation they deserve after suffering a personal injury, warns Hopkins Solicitors.

Each year, over three million people in the UK are injured in accidents and many have a right to compensation. However, an increasing number of victims are being offered premature compensation deals by the other side’s insurers, and Hopkins is warning people not to take the bait.

Research from the Financial Services Authority, which only became publically available because of a freedom of information challenge, revealed personal injury claimants who turn down an insurer’s initial offer and take legal advice from a solicitor get on average three times more compensation.

In their eagerness to offer victims quick cash, the other side’s insurers contact a victim shortly after an injury or accident and make a cash offer- one that usually falls far short of what they actually deserve. If they accept the offer, it usually means they can’t make any further claims.

Many personal injuries happen at work or are a direct consequence of clinical negligence, where the victim sustains an injury during medical treatment. Victims may suffer loss of earnings as well as physical problems resulting from personal injury.

Patrick Todd, Partner at Hopkins Solicitors, commented:

“Those suffering a personal injury need to ensure that they receive a suitable level of compensation to cover both the cost of treatment and any loss of earnings resulting from the injury.”

“At Hopkins, we’re concerned that a growing number of victims are not actually getting the compensation they need and deserve because they are accepting the initial offer made by the other side’s insurance company and not seeking legal advice.”

“We want to advise people to always speak to a solicitor specialising in personal injury claims before accepting any insurance company offer, and that’s why we’re backing the Law Society’s new ‘Don’t get Mugged by an Insurer’ campaign.”

The ‘Don’t get Mugged by an Insurer’ campaign launched by The Law Society of England and Wales, is urging the public to use a solicitor for personal injury claims.

Members of the public are directed to advice on how to pursue a claim and, via the Law Society’s Find A Solicitor search, how to find details of personal injury solicitors near them.

Desmond Hudson, chief executive of the Law Society said:

“This campaign doesn’t pull any punches, but we need to make a clear message, see your solicitor, don’t accept the insurers’ first offer and don’t deal with claims management companies. Pursuing your claim with a solicitor will mean you will get what you are genuinely entitled to.”