Experiencing a life-changing injury is one of the most traumatic events a person can face. Whether it results from a road traffic accident, a fall at work or medical negligence, the effects are often permanent and far-reaching. For individuals in Midhurst and the surrounding areas, knowing your legal rights and the steps involved in making a compensation claim can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
At Marley Solicitors, we are committed to helping people in Midhurst secure the compensation they deserve. This guide explores everything you need to know about life-changing injury claims, including how to start one, the types of compensation available and how we support clients every step of the way.
What is considered a life-changing injury?
A life-changing injury is any injury that results in a long-term or permanent impact on an individual’s physical or mental wellbeing. These injuries may affect a person’s ability to work, their relationships and their overall quality of life.
Common examples of life-changing injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Paralysis (partial or full)
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Neurological damage
- Psychiatric trauma following an accident
While each injury is unique, they all share one characteristic — they significantly disrupt the life the injured person knew before the accident.
The emotional and financial toll of serious injury
Aside from the physical impact, life-changing injuries carry an emotional and financial burden. Victims often struggle with feelings of grief, anger and depression, particularly when the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Relationships may come under strain, and individuals may lose their independence or face the prospect of lifelong care.
Financially, the consequences can be just as devastating. Loss of income, medical expenses, home adaptations and the cost of ongoing care can quickly mount. This is why compensation is not just about money — it is about rebuilding a life and ensuring you or your loved one can move forward with dignity and support.
Common causes of life-changing injuries in Midhurst
Although life-changing injuries can happen anywhere, certain scenarios are more commonly associated with them. In Midhurst and the surrounding region, Marley Solicitors frequently supports clients affected by:
- Road traffic accidents: These are among the leading causes of catastrophic injuries, particularly those involving motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Workplace accidents: Construction sites, warehouses and factories pose high risks. Falls from heights, machinery-related accidents, and unsafe working conditions often lead to serious harm.
- Medical negligence: Mistakes during surgery, incorrect diagnoses or poor maternity care can result in irreversible injury.
- Public liability incidents: Accidents in public spaces, such as falls due to poorly maintained pavements or unsafe premises, can lead to severe injuries.
Can you claim compensation for a life-changing injury?
Yes, you can claim compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injury. The process usually involves proving that the person or organisation responsible breached a duty of care, and that this breach directly led to your injury.
To pursue a claim, you must typically do so within three years of the date of the injury or from the date you first became aware that it was caused by someone else’s actions. Exceptions may apply in cases involving children or individuals without the mental capacity to make legal decisions.
What can compensation cover?
Compensation in life-changing injury claims aims to provide financial relief for both past and future losses. The amount awarded depends on the nature of the injury and its long-term impact. A claim may include:
- General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Medical expenses (past and ongoing)
- Costs of rehabilitation and therapy
- Loss of earnings and future income
- Home or vehicle modifications
- Care and support costs
- Travel expenses related to treatment
- Psychological support or counselling
In some cases, claims may also include compensation for the cost of specialist equipment or private education if the injured person is a child.
How Marley Solicitors can help
At Marley Solicitors, we understand the complex nature of life-changing injury claims. Our specialist team has years of experience handling serious injury cases across Midhurst and West Sussex. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and provide clear, compassionate guidance from the outset.
Here’s how we support our clients:
- Personalised legal advice: Every injury and every person is different. We begin with a detailed consultation to learn about your case and provide honest advice on your chances of success and potential compensation.
- No win, no fee: Most of our life-changing injury claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means there is no financial risk to you.
- Access to leading medical experts: We work with independent medical specialists who can assess the full impact of your injury and provide critical evidence.
- Rehabilitation support: Where appropriate, we help coordinate early rehabilitation through our trusted network of therapists and support providers.
- Long-term financial planning: If your claim is successful, we can also connect you with financial advisors to help you manage your compensation for the future.
Case study: Serious injury support in Midhurst
A local client, Mr H, suffered a severe spinal injury after being knocked from his motorcycle on a rural road outside Midhurst. The injury left him partially paralysed and unable to return to his job as a technician. Marley Solicitors worked closely with Mr H and his family, securing interim payments to fund his rehabilitation while the claim progressed.
We successfully obtained compensation to cover:
- Extensive home adaptations, including a ground-floor bedroom and wet room
- A powered wheelchair and specialist transport
- Loss of future earnings
- A structured payment plan to support long-term care
The settlement gave Mr H and his family financial stability and peace of mind, allowing him to focus on recovery and adjusting to his new way of life.
Why choose a local solicitor in Midhurst?
Choosing a solicitor with local knowledge can be incredibly beneficial. We understand the needs of the Midhurst community and have built strong relationships with local medical professionals, support groups, and care agencies. Such collaboration means we can provide a more joined-up approach to your case and ensure you get support that is close to home.
Our Midhurst-based clients also appreciate the personal attention and face-to-face support we offer. Life-changing injury claims can take time, and having a local team makes the process easier and more reassuring.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a life-changing injury claim take?
Every case is different, but complex claims often take 12–36 months. If liability is admitted early, we may be able to secure interim payments to help with immediate needs before the final settlement.
What happens if the person responsible denies fault?
If the other party disputes the claim, we will gather evidence, including witness statements, CCTV footage, medical records and expert opinions, to support your case. If necessary, we can take the claim to court.
Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes. You can claim on behalf of a child or someone who lacks the capacity to make legal decisions. These claims follow slightly different procedures, but we will guide you through every step.
What if my injury happened some time ago?
In most cases, the time limit is three years. However, exceptions apply, particularly in cases involving delayed diagnosis or discovery of negligence. If you’re unsure, speak to us as soon as possible.
Contact Marley Solicitors in Midhurst today
If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing injury in Midhurst, it is important to act quickly. Early legal advice can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim and your recovery.
At Marley Solicitors, we are proud to serve the Midhurst community with expert legal support and genuine care. Our experienced team is ready to help you take the first step toward justice and a more secure future.
