Sternum Injury Claims in the UK

Introduction

The sternum, also known as the breastbone, is a flat bone in the center of the chest that connects your ribs. A sternum injury can be a painful and debilitating experience. If your sternum injury was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim to receive compensation for your pain and suffering, lost earnings, and other associated costs.

This guide will provide you with key information about sternum injury claims in the UK, including the time limits for making a claim, the types of compensation available, and the process involved.

Time Limit of Sternum Injury Claims

In the UK, the general time limit for making a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident that caused your injury. This is outlined in the Limitation Act 1980. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as for claims made on behalf of children. It's important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after your injury to ensure you don't miss the deadline for making a claim.

When Can You Make a Sternum Injury Claim?

You can make a sternum injury claim if you have suffered a fracture or other damage to your sternum due to someone else's negligence. Negligence can be defined as a failure to take reasonable care, which results in someone else getting hurt.

Here are some common scenarios where you might be able to make a sternum injury claim:

• Road traffic accidents: If you are involved in a car accident and suffer a sternum injury due to the impact, you may be able to claim compensation from the driver at fault.
• Accidents at work: If you injure your sternum in a slip, trip, or fall at work that wasn't your fault, you may be able to claim compensation from your employer.
• Accidents in public places: If you trip and fall on a defective surface in a public place and fracture your sternum, you might be able to claim compensation from the owner of the premises.
• Medical negligence: If a medical professional's actions or omissions cause you to suffer a sternum injury, you may be able to make a claim for medical negligence.

Types of Compensation in Sternum Injury Claims

There are two main types of compensation that you may be entitled to claim for a sternum injury:

• General damages: This compensates you for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (enjoyment of life) caused by your injury. The amount of compensation awarded for general damages will depend on the severity of your injury and the impact it has had on your life.
• Special damages: This compensates you for any financial losses you have incurred as a result of your injury, such as medical expenses, lost earnings, travel costs, and care costs.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Sternum Injury Claims

Making a sternum injury claim can be a complex process. A personal injury solicitor with experience in handling sternum injury claims can advise you on the validity of your claim, gather evidence to support your case, negotiate with the other party's insurance company on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.

How to Make Sternum Injury Claims?

Here's a general outline of the sternum injury claims process:

• Seek medical attention: It's crucial to seek medical attention immediately after your injury to get a diagnosis and begin treatment.
• Gather evidence: Keep all documentation related to your injury, including medical records, receipts for medical expenses, and any witness statements.
• Contact a personal injury solicitor: A solicitor can advise you on the merits of your claim and guide you through the claims process.
• Submit your claim: Your solicitor will handle submitting your claim to the other party's insurance company.
• Negotiation or litigation: Your solicitor will negotiate with the insurance company to try and reach a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, the claim may proceed to court.

How it Works in the UK?

The personal injury claims process in the UK is governed by the Civil Procedure Rules. These rules set out the steps that need to be followed in a personal injury claim.

Advantages of Making a Sternum Injury Claims

There are several advantages to making a sternum injury claim:

• Financial compensation: A successful claim can help you recover the financial losses you have incurred as a result of your injury.
• Justice: Making a claim can hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
• Closure: The claims process can help you move on from your injury.

Conclusion

A sternum injury can be a life-altering event. If your injury was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation to help you recover. This guide has provided a basic overview of sternum injury claims in the UK. It is important to remember that this information is not a substitute for legal advice.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have suffered a sternum injury, you should seek legal advice from a qualified personal injury solicitor to discuss the specifics of your case and determine whether you have a valid claim.

FAQs

1. How long do I have to make a sternum injury claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident that caused your injury to make a sternum injury claim in the UK. This is according to the Limitation Act 1980. There can be exceptions, so it's important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury to ensure you don't miss the deadline.

2. Can I claim compensation for a sternum injury?

You might be eligible to claim compensation if your sternum injury resulted from someone else's negligence. This means they failed to take reasonable care, which led to your injury. Here are some common scenarios:

• Car accidents: If another driver's negligence caused a collision that fractured your sternum, you could claim from their insurance.
• Accidents at work: If you suffered a sternum injury due to a slip, trip, or fall at work that wasn't your fault, you might claim from your employer.
• Public place accidents: A trip and fall on a faulty surface in a public area could lead to a claim against the owner if it caused your sternum injury.

3. What are the benefits of getting a lawyer for my sternum injury claim?

A personal injury solicitor specializing in sternum injury claims can be invaluable. They can:

• Assess your claim's validity: They can advise you on the strength of your case based on the specific details.
• Gather evidence: They'll help collect medical records, witness statements, and other documentation to support your claim.
• Negotiate with insurers: Your solicitor will handle negotiations with the at-fault party's insurance company to get you fair compensation.
• Represent you in court: If a settlement can't be reached, they can represent you if the case goes to court.