If you have suffered an injury in Chichester that was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At Marley Solicitors, we help individuals in Chichester and the surrounding areas navigate the legal process of making a personal injury claim with professionalism, empathy and expertise. This guide will help you understand your rights, what to expect, and how to get started.
What qualifies as a personal injury?
A personal injury refers to physical or psychological harm caused by someone else’s negligence or failure to fulfil a duty of care. It can result from a variety of circumstances, such as:
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at work
- Slips, trips or falls in public places
- Clinical negligence
- Injuries caused by defective products
- Industrial disease
- Criminal injuries
Common personal injury claims we handle in Chichester
We support clients in Chichester with a wide range of personal injury claims. Some of the most common include:
Road traffic accidents
Whether you were the driver, a passenger, a cyclist or a pedestrian, if you were injured due to someone else’s careless driving, you may be eligible to make a claim. This includes claims involving uninsured drivers and hit-and-run incidents.
Workplace accidents
Employers have a legal responsibility to keep their employees safe. If you were injured due to faulty equipment, lack of training, unsafe procedures or poor maintenance, you may be able to claim for compensation.
Public liability incidents
Accidents in shops, restaurants, council-owned spaces or any other public area fall under public liability. If your injury resulted from a trip hazard, wet floor or unsafe environment, you may have a strong case.
Medical negligence
If a healthcare provider in Chichester made an error that caused you injury or made your condition worse, it may be possible to bring a claim for clinical negligence. This can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors or improper treatment.
Time limits for personal injury claims
In the UK, you usually have three years from the date of the injury (or the date you became aware of it) to start your claim. This is known as the limitation period. However, there are exceptions:
- Children: Claims involving minors can be brought at any time before their 18th birthday. Once they turn 18, the three-year limit begins.
- Mental capacity: If the injured person lacks mental capacity, there is no time limit until capacity is regained.
If your injury happened in Chichester and you are unsure whether you are still within the time frame, our team can advise you clearly and promptly.
What compensation can I claim?
Compensation for personal injury typically includes two categories:
General damages
These cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury. The amount will depend on the severity of your injury and how it has affected your life. This may include:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Psychological trauma
- Impact on quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of hobbies or social activities
Special damages
These cover financial losses and expenses caused by your injury. You can claim for:
- Loss of earnings
- Medical treatment costs
- Travel expenses
- Costs of care and support
- Damage to personal property
At Marley Solicitors, we work with medical experts and financial professionals to ensure your claim is accurately assessed and maximises your compensation.
How to prove a personal injury claim
For a successful claim, you will need to demonstrate:
- That the other party owed you a duty of care
- That this duty was breached
- That you suffered an injury as a direct result
Evidence is key. You should try to gather:
- Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
- Witness contact details
- Medical records
- Accident reports (from employers or local councils, for example)
- Proof of expenses or losses
We will support you in gathering this evidence and building a strong case tailored to your situation in Chichester.
No win, no fee personal injury claims
Most of our personal injury claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement. This means you do not pay any upfront costs. If your case is successful, a percentage of your compensation will be used to cover legal fees, which we agree upon in advance. If your case is not successful, you will not owe us anything.
This approach allows our clients in Chichester to pursue justice without the financial risk.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your personal injury claim in Chichester?
We understand that suffering a personal injury can be physically and emotionally draining. That is why we aim to make the legal process as simple and stress-free as possible. Here is what sets us apart:
- Local expertise: We understand the local roads, healthcare providers and council procedures relevant to claims in Chichester
- Specialist solicitors: Our team has years of experience handling personal injury claims across England and has secured compensation for thousands of clients
- Personalised service: You are not just a case number. We take time to understand your situation and provide compassionate, tailored support
- Transparent communication: We keep you updated at every stage and explain everything in clear, jargon-free language
What is the claims process like?
Here is what you can expect when you begin your claim with Marley Solicitors:
- Free consultation
Contact us to arrange an initial conversation. We will listen to your account of the injury and assess whether you have a valid claim. - Gathering evidence
We will collect relevant medical records, witness statements, photographs and other necessary documents to support your case. - Medical assessment
You may be asked to attend an independent medical examination so we can accurately assess your injuries and their long-term effects. - Negotiation
We will contact the party responsible (or their insurer) and present your case. Most claims are settled out of court, but if needed, we are ready to represent you in legal proceedings. - Receiving compensation
Once your claim is settled, you will receive your compensation. We will ensure that any deductions (such as legal fees or insurance costs) are transparent and fair.
How long will a personal injury claim take?
Every case is different. Some straightforward claims may settle in a few months, while more complex ones can take longer, especially if the extent of your injuries is still being assessed. On average:
- Simple claims (e.g. minor road accidents): 6–9 months
- Moderate to serious injuries: 9–18 months
- Claims that go to court: up to 2 years or more
We always aim to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible without compromising on the outcome.
Do I need to go to court?
In the majority of cases, no. Most personal injury claims in Chichester are resolved through negotiation with the other party or their insurer. However, if liability is disputed or a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to court. If this happens, we will provide full support and representation.
Contact Marley Solicitors today
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury in Chichester, contact Marley Solicitors today. Our expert team is ready to listen, advise and take action on your behalf. We offer free initial consultations and can begin working on your case without delay.
Call us, email us or visit our Chichester office to take the first step towards justice and compensation.
Ready to make a personal injury claim in Chichester? Contact Marley Solicitors now to speak with one of our experienced legal advisers.
