The festive season and New Year in Northern Ireland are a time for joy, family, and relaxation. But amidst the twinkling lights and seasonal cheer, accidents can still happen. Whether it’s a slip on an icy pavement in Lisburn, a trip in a busy Lurgan shopping centre, or a road traffic accident on the way to visit family, sustaining an injury during the holidays is stressful and disruptive.
If you find yourself injured due to someone else’s negligence during this time, your immediate priority should be your health. However, as Lisburn and Lurgan Solicitors specialising in personal injury claims, McPartland & Sons knows that securing your future legal position is also vital.
Here is a clear guide on the essential steps you must take if you are injured during the Christmas and New Year period.
Step 1: Prioritise Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Immediately seek the necessary medical treatment.
- Emergency: For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance.
- Urgent Care: For injuries that are not life-threatening but require immediate attention, consider using the Phone First service in your Health Trust area before attending an Emergency Department (A&E). Minor injury units may also be an option for cuts, sprains, and minor burns.
- Documentation: Ensure you receive a full medical examination and that the doctor or healthcare professional makes a detailed record of how and when the injury occurred, along with the nature and severity of your injuries. This medical record is crucial evidence for any future claim.
Step 2: Document the Scene and Incident
Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, the next critical step is to gather information about the accident.
- Report the Incident: If the accident occurred in a public place (e.g., a shop, restaurant, or icy car park), you must formally report it to the manager, owner, or relevant authority (like the local council for a pavement fall). Ask for a copy of the completed accident report form.
- Take Photographs: Use your phone to take pictures of the scene immediately. Capture the cause of the accident (e.g., a pothole, a spill, a faulty step, or damage to vehicles). Crucially, take photos from different angles and include a wide shot to show the context.
- Witness Details: If anyone saw the accident, get their full names, addresses, and phone numbers. Their testimony can be invaluable in proving negligence.
Step 3: Keep a Detailed Record of Losses
Personal injury compensation isn’t just about physical pain; it covers all losses you incur as a result of the injury. The holiday period often involves extra expenses, making record-keeping even more important.
- Diary of Pain and Recovery: Start a detailed diary outlining your pain levels, restricted activities, treatment appointments, and the overall impact of the injury on your daily life.
- Financial Records: Keep all receipts related to the injury. This includes medication, travel expenses to and from medical appointments, parking fees, and any necessary care or assistance you require (e.g., help with childcare or household chores you can no longer manage).
- Loss of Earnings: If your injury means you can’t return to work when the holidays are over, keep a record of any wages lost or bonuses.
Step 4: Contact Your Local Solicitor in Northern Ireland
The time limit for making a personal injury claim in Northern Ireland is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, the sooner you contact a specialist solicitor, the better your chances of a successful claim.
- Early Advice is Key: An early consultation with a firm like McPartland & Sons Solicitors ensures all evidence is secured while it’s fresh, and witnesses can be contacted promptly. Waiting until the New Year rush can lead to delays in starting your claim.
- Expert Local Knowledge: Our team, serving clients across Northern Ireland, including the Lisburn and Lurgan areas, has in-depth experience dealing with all types of public liability, road traffic, and workplace accident claims. We understand the specific laws and processes here in Northern Ireland.
- Focus on Recovery: By entrusting your legal matter to us, you can concentrate fully on your physical recovery, knowing your claim is being handled professionally and diligently. We aim to secure the maximum compensation you deserve to cover your pain, suffering, and financial losses.
Don’t let an injury during the holidays add a long-term burden to your life. Take the right steps immediately and contact McPartland & Sons Solicitors for expert legal guidance and support. We’re here to help you get back on track.
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