Suffering a serious or catastrophic injury can turn your life upside down in an instant. For individuals and families in Redhill, the impact can be devastating not only physically and emotionally, but also financially. At Marley Solicitors, we are committed to helping you navigate the complex legal process of claiming compensation and securing the support you need for your recovery and future.
If you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim. In this guide, we will explain what constitutes a serious or catastrophic injury, how the claims process works, and how our Redhill-based legal team can support you throughout your journey.
What is considered a serious or catastrophic injury?
A serious injury is typically defined as an injury that has long-term or life-changing effects. These often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Multiple complex fractures
A catastrophic injury is a subcategory of serious injuries, usually with permanent and profound consequences. These may involve paralysis, severe cognitive impairment, or the need for lifelong care. In legal terms, these injuries often result in the highest levels of compensation due to the extensive impact on the victim’s life.
Common causes of serious and catastrophic injuries
In our experience serving clients in Redhill and the wider Surrey area, serious and catastrophic injuries can result from various incidents, including:
- Road traffic accidents involving cars, lorries, motorbikes, and cyclists
- Accidents at work, especially in construction, manufacturing, or heavy industry
- Falls from height or slips and trips in public spaces
- Medical negligence, including surgical errors or misdiagnosis
- Criminal assaults and violent incidents
In many of these cases, someone else may be legally responsible for the harm caused, and this opens the door to making a personal injury claim.
The impact of serious injury on individuals and families
The aftermath of a serious injury goes far beyond the initial medical emergency. Victims may face:
- Extended hospital stays and multiple surgeries
- Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
- Inability to return to previous employment or any work at all
- Adaptations to their home and vehicle
- The need for care and assistance from family or professional carers
- Significant emotional and psychological strain
Family members often take on caregiving roles, which can affect their own careers, relationships, and mental wellbeing. The financial burden can quickly mount, especially if the injured person was the main earner.
This is why securing adequate compensation is so vital. It helps cover the costs of medical care, loss of income, and future support needs, offering stability and dignity for the injured person and their family.
How to make a serious injury claim in Redhill
If you live in Redhill and have suffered a serious injury due to someone else’s fault, you may have a valid claim for compensation. Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Initial consultation
Your journey begins with a free, no-obligation consultation with our team. We will listen to your story, assess the circumstances, and advise you on whether you have grounds to make a claim.
Step 2: Investigating your claim
If you decide to proceed, we will gather evidence to support your case. This may include:
- Medical records and expert reports
- Witness statements
- Accident reports or police documentation
- CCTV footage or photographic evidence
Our aim is to prove that the other party was responsible for your injury and that their actions or negligence caused you harm.
Step 3: Calculating the value of your claim
Serious injury claims are complex and must consider both current and future needs. We will work with medical and financial experts to determine the appropriate level of compensation, including:
- General damages (for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity)
- Special damages (for financial losses such as lost earnings, travel, and care costs)
- Future costs (including medical treatment, therapy, and adapted accommodation)
Step 4: Negotiating settlement or proceeding to court
Most claims are settled without going to court. We will enter negotiations with the opposing side (usually an insurance company) to secure a fair settlement. If a suitable agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to court and advocate for your rights.
Step 5: Receiving your compensation
Once your claim is successful, compensation is usually paid in a lump sum or through a structured settlement. In some cases, we may be able to secure interim payments while your case is ongoing to help with immediate needs.
Time limits for making a serious injury claim
In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident (or the date you became aware of the injury) to make a claim. However, there are exceptions:
- Children: Claims can be made on their behalf at any time before they turn 18. After that, they have three years to start a claim.
- Mental capacity: If the injured person lacks capacity, there is no time limit unless they regain it.
It is always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible to preserve evidence and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Redhill?
At Marley Solicitors, we are proud to serve the Redhill community with compassion, integrity, and legal excellence. Here’s why our clients trust us:
Local expertise, national strength
We understand the specific needs of individuals and families in Redhill and Surrey. Our strong local presence means we are accessible, responsive, and familiar with the area’s medical and rehabilitation providers. At the same time, we bring the legal strength and resources needed to handle even the most complex, high-value claims.
No win, no fee
We offer a no win, no fee agreement for serious injury claims. This means there is no upfront cost to you, and you only pay if your claim is successful.
A dedicated, compassionate approach
We understand the emotional and practical challenges our clients face. You will have a dedicated solicitor managing your case from start to finish, ensuring continuity, clarity, and support at every stage.
Access to rehabilitation and support
As part of your claim, we will work to secure early access to treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation. This can make a real difference in your recovery and quality of life. We also assist with welfare benefits, interim payments, and support with housing adaptations where needed.
Contact Marley Solicitors today
If you or a loved one in Redhill has suffered a serious or catastrophic injury, Marley Solicitors is here to help. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options and explain the next steps.
Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Call us today or complete our online enquiry form to get started.