Liability admitted for personal injury.

[crowncourt]

Following a trip accident that required emergency dental work, the insurers have admitted liability.
Dental treatment is with an orthodontist: My front teeth being replaced with dentures; it is life changing with stress and loss of amenity etc. Now the insurers have asked me to get a solicitor to represent me as the claim is complex.

Nothing complex as far as i am concerned and would have expected a reasonable offer to be made with closure
is the inference that a solicitor would get me more compensation,,,but that would be offset by costs...and do i have to accept the insurers request ?

I am confident to handle this myself as it seems straightforward, but would respectfully ask for any advice from anyone with experience in these matters.

Thank you

[des8]

Your solicitor's costs should be met by the insurers, and if you don't think personal injury claims combined with liability are complex I would certainly recommend you at least arrange a single fixed fee consultation with a PI solicitor to discuss your claim.

Have you access to The Judicial College Guidelines?

The amount of general damages awarded for personal injury depends on many factors,
Have you calculated the amount of special damages you can claim?

[crowncourt]

Thank you for you helpful reply: I understand once liability is accepted, it means the Insurers assume legal responsibility for my accident and injuries...then the case goes for settlement. Three front teeth to be extracted, and the follow ups for Dentures, headaches. a lisp, eating and drinking impaired, pain, distress, loss of amenity etc etc , are each difficult to quantify. I gather there is a reference for what one might expect for the loss of teeth. It does seem complex.

I have not stated to the Insurers what I would like as compensation, hence the surprise request for me to get legal representation. Maybe I should be bold and ask for a sum as a full and final settlement and maybe avoid representation.

There again, is it naive to suggest, the insurers are thinking for me to get the best deal. by advising representation as they have admitted liability ?

[des8]

The insurers are looking to be fair!

If you put in an exaggerated claim they will dispute the quantum, and if you cannot reach an agreement because of your enhanced expectations they will go to court.
It is easier, and fairer for both sides, if you appoint a specialist solicitor.

Ask for a full & final and you could be shooting yourself in the foot by underestimating your compensation

[crowncourt]

Sound advice: thank you for taking the time...I agree with you.