JMS Personal Injury Solicitors Manchester
At JMS Solicitors we have an established team of specialist personal injury solicitors who have experience in dealing with all types of personal injury claims. Based in Manchester our experienced staff can guarantee you the best possible service for your claim.
Contact us today on
If you have suffered an injury in an accident that was not your fault and that happened within the last 3 years, you should contact JMS to discuss whether you will have a valid claim. JMS will discuss the law applicable to your specific situation and provide you with information on what evidence would be needed to prove your claim.
Personal Injury Case Studies: Mr K – Road Traffic Accident We acted for a 35 year old passenger in a car that was travelling along a main road when another vehicle drove into the rear of the car. He suffered whiplash and flashbacks to the accident. JMS managed to negotiate a settlement of £4,000 compensation for Mr K, and a referral for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Miss C – Employer’s Liability Miss C was an air stewardess for a well known airline. Whilst on duty she tripped and suffered a severe injury to her ankle. JMS successfully recovered compensation, loss of earnings and interest on bank loans of nearly £25,000.
More Personal Injury Case Studies
To claim for an accident at work you will need to give some evidence that your injuries was caused by negligent working practice in your workplace. These days as work and safety in the workplace becomes more important, employers will generally welcome the chance to improve working practices to avoid larger claims in the future, however it is understandable that you may feel uncomfortable to make a claim against your boss so feel free to contact JMS to discuss any repercussions before you make up your mind as to whether to make a claim.
A wide number of illnesses can be connected to asbestos such as some lung cancers and mesothelioma
Lower back pain, also known as lumbago, can come on suddenly, slowly, or be the direct result of a fall or injury. If you have suffered a back injury in an accident or at work, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you have suffered an accident that has resulted in blindness or eye injuries, the effects can be devastating. And if that accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim injury compensation.
You don’t have to be involved in a serious incident to end up with broken bones. A simple slip or trip could cause you to break a limb if you fall awkwardly. Even if your broken, cracked bone or fracture isn’t serious, you may be able to claim compensation.
Burns whether caused by fire, heat or chemicals are some of the most painful types of personal injury and may cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. Serious burn injuries can affect vital organs. Victims of burns and scarring can also suffer emotional and psychological effects.
Clinical negligence cases range from maximum severity to relatively straightforward injuries and can include: neurological injury, birth injury, misdiagnosis of cancer, fatal injuries, prescribing or dispensing errors, cosmetic surgery and dentistry.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas which can cause permanent injuries and death. There are laws to protect and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, but faulty or defective equipment mean it can still happen at work, home or on holiday. If you think you have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, you may be able to claim compensation.
If you or a loved one suffers a catastrophic injury, such as the loss of a limb or a brain injury, it will be a life changing injury. JMS can help you make a claim for compensation if this has happened to you.
With the increasing popularity of cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty ('nose job') breast augmentation, liposuction, tattoos, permanent make-up and other elected cosmetic procedures there has been an increase in failed procedures. The consequences of these can be temporary or permanent disfigurement and discomfort or pain and psychological trauma.
Compensation awards are made by a Government-funded scheme operated by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority(CICA). To qualify, you must have suffered an injury arising from a “crime of violence”. Awards may be reduced or refused if you have failed to report the crime, failed to co-operate with the police, if you were not the innocent victim or if you have a criminal record.
Suffering from deafness or hearing problems can severely impact your quality of life. If your hearing problems have been caused by excessive noise at work, e.g.industrial deafness or an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
You may be able to claim compensation if a teacher or other education professional acts negligently. You are entitled to tuition and supervision of a reasonable standard. If you can show that such standards were not adequate in your case, causing you to suffer a measurable harm, you may have a valid claim.
Whilst claiming compensation may not be the first thought in the minds of people who have lost a loved one as a result of an accident, they should be aware that they may be able to claim compensation if the deceased person was not at fault. Certain dependants may have a claim for financial losses. A surviving spouse, child or other family member may also have a claim for “bereavement damages”.
Food poisoning is a common illness but sometimes may lead to permanent debilitating injury or even death. If you have suffered from food poisoning, you may be able to claim compensation.
Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is an industrial condition caused by working with vibrating tools. It can cause tingling in the hands, numbness in the fingers and sometimes aching in the wrists and muscles of the forearm. If you have suffered from HAVS, you may be entitled to compensation.
A head injury can cause problems such as memory loss, inability to understand or communicate, poor concentration, slowed responses and personality changes. Brain injuries are caused by a variety of circumstances including sporting accidents, road traffic accidents and criminal assault. If a third party caused the injury, it may be possible to claim compensation.
Industrial diseases and illnesses can be caused by the conditions in a specific working environment, such as fumes and dust, or through working with hazardous substances such as oils and chemicals. Ailments include asbestos-related diseases, breathing and respiratory problems, industrial deafness and skin conditions. Compensation may be paid where it can be proved that employers exposed workers to conditions that contributed to their illness. Unlike most personal injury claims, if you are claiming for an industrial injury in the UK there are several ways to obtain financial relief for the hardships you might experience. Contact us at JMS for more information.
If you have lost a limb in a serious accident, as well as dealing with the emotional impact of losing a limb, you may have special needs that make it difficult for you to work in the future, and you might require financial support.
Our senses of taste and smell are linked and if you lose one you will often lose the other as well. As well as losing enjoyment, the impact can be serious because you will be able to smell a gas leak or food that is going off.
If you have an accident while serving in the military or Armed Forces and can show it was the fault of your employer, the Ministry of Defence, you can make a claim. You do not have to leave the Armed Forces before claiming. Even if the accident was abroad, or if the claim is against the Ministry of Defence, it can be brought in the English Courts.
MRSA,Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a bacterium which is found on the surface of the skin. It is normally only harmful to people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or sick, and usually affects those with an open wound or drip. The most common place to contract MRSA infection is in hospital.
Occupational injuries, illnesses or diseases are those that occur at the location of the person's employment and may not always be obviously associated. Although employers very often carry out risk assessments and set up procedures to protect their workforce injuries, illnesses or diseases can still occur. Some examples may be allergic reaction, chemical or toxic injury from exposure to hazardous chemicals in a hair salon or a manufacturing process; glass injury or chemical burn during refuse collection; lifting injury or needlestick injury whilst caring or nursing and many more.
Being arrested, detained and prosecuted by the police is distressing, especially if the arrested person is innocent. Claims can be made for damages for assault by a police officer, wrongful arrest, unlawful detention and malicious prosecution. Complaints can be made to the police that may result in officers being disciplined.
Anyone can experience stress. But post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe emotional reaction to a traumatic experience, such as a life-threatening event. If you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD, you may be able to claim compensation.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) affects thousands of people every year. It is caused by repeated movements damaging tendons, nerves, muscles and other soft body tissues. If you suffer from RSI caused by your work, you may be able to claim compensation.
Road traffic accident claims (or RTAs) are any accident in which a motor vehicle was involved. Whether you're the driver, a passenger, a cyclist, on a motorbike or simply a pedestrian that has been involved in an accident you should seek legal advice from us if you wish to claim compensation for your injuries.
Dermatitis is a common skin condition and one of the most widespread causes of ill health at work. In some severe cases, dermatitis can make working impossible. However, if you've developed a skin condition or dermatitis at work, you may be able to claim compensation.
A slip, trip or fall can happen anywhere and generally it may be unclear who is responsible for your injuries. If you slip on a pavement or road is it owned and maintained by the council or by a private firm or individual? If you slip on a wet patch at work are your employers liable or is it the plumber who didn't fix the pipe properly? These are all questions that you will not be asked to investigate on your own. JMS will be able to advise you on the best route to finding out and your options depending on who is at fault.
Spinal injury, usually caused by an accident or a fall can severely affect general mobility and can result in complete loss of movement to the legs or arms. Compensation can help rebuild a person’s life and regain independence.
Anyone who takes part in organised sports has a duty to act with reasonable care to other participants, as do those who organise or supervise such activities. If you are injured because of another participant’s simple error of judgement or lack of skill, this may not be negligent. However, you may be entitled to compensation if you were injured deliberately, were inadequately instructed or supervised, the playing facilities were unsafe or the equipment provided was defective.
Whether travelling on board an aircraft or a boat or public transport,you have specific rights as a passenger. If you have been injured whilst embarking, disembarking or during the journey, you may be able to claim compensation from the tour operator, the airline or boat owner, depending on the circumstances.
If you are the victim of a blameless crime and have suffered physical or mental injury then you may be eligible to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA www.cica.gov.uk )
At JMS we are here to make your personal injury claim as simple and easy as possible. Contact us on Freephone 0800 781 7057 in the first instance or alternatively complete our enquiry form.
Electrical chain Comet has been fined £75,000 with nearly £25,000 costs after the death of a roof worker at a Wrexham store.
Comet had previously admitted failing to ensure the safety of Paul Alker, who fell through a skylight in 2007.
The Judge at Mold Crown Court, his honour Rhys Rowlands, said it was an "accident waiting to happen".
A previous hearing was told Mr Alker, and a colleague, had not been supplied with roofing harnesses.
A factory in Ashton-under-Lyne has been fined £26,000 after one of its workers suffered major injuries when he became trapped in rotating machinery.
An electrician employed by East Ayrshire Council died because of failings of his employer, a court heard.
At a hearing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, on 16 June, 2010, East Ayrshire Council pled guilty to a charge under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and were fined £56,000 the following day.
Two Gloucestershire companies have been fined after a roofing contractor fell through a skylight and suffered serious head injuries.
Woodgate Sawmills Limited, and Stanley John Frederick Stephens of The Longhope Welding Company (a partnership) were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after Robert Stephens fell through a fragile skylight while working on the roof of a sawmill building at Mile End, Coleford, Gloucestershire.
The directors of a Bedfordshire bakery have been fined after a series of health and safety breaches exposed staff to serious danger - including electrocution and exposure to flour dust.
Genaro Saiano and Dejan Durkin, the directors of DG Bakery Ltd, based in Harrowden Road, Bedford, appeared at Bedford and Mid-Bedfordshire Magistrates' Court today facing health and safety charges.
A West Sussex-based company, Flowserve (GB) Ltd, was fined £150,000 today (4 June) at Lewes Crown Court following the death of a 21-year-old employee.
The prosecution follows an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an incident on 7 May 2008 at Flowserve (GB) Ltd's site in Burrell Road in Haywards Heath.
American Airlines has today been fined £70,000 after one of its workers had to have his leg amputated following an incident at Heathrow Airport.
On the evening of 11 November 2008 ground support worker Kulwant Bhara, 45, from Slough, was preparing an aircraft at Terminal 3 at London Heathrow Airport. A 70-tonne 'pushback tug', used to move aircraft from the departure gate, had finished manoeuvring a plane into position and was leaving the stand.
The owner of a Penrith wood processing plant has today been fined £20,000 after a worker had his foot completely severed by a log shavings machine just two weeks into his new job.
Allan Wilson Jenkinson, aged 56, of Clifton Moor, Clifton, Penrith, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for putting workers at risk. He was also ordered to pay £6,146 in costs
A local authority and its contractor have been fined after a worker left a family exposed to dangerous asbestos fibres for three days.
City of Lincoln Council and County Waste (Lincs) Ltd were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after allowing asbestos insulation boards to be incorrectly removed.
Premier League football club Aston Villa has been fined after a worker was badly injured by a fall through a roof during the redevelopment of its training ground.
Two contractors from Mechanical Cleansing Services Ltd were working at the Bodymoor Heath complex near Sutton Coldfield when one of them plunged three metres through a fragile rooflight.
The company had been employed to drain fuel tanks on a roof during demolition of an old building on the site.
At JMS Solicitors in Manchester we provide a claim service which is both swift and efficient. Our website has been designed to assist you in understanding the claims process, and contains our most frequently asked questions. However, if you have any further questions, you may email, call or fax us. Our phone number for enquiries is Freephone 0800 781 7057.
Do I really not have to pay anything?
How does the No-Win No-Fee Agreement work?
How long will the claim take?
How long do I have to make a compensation claim?
What can I claim?
How much will I get for my personal injury claim?
Do I really not have to pay anything?
When you contact us at the outset, we will discuss your case with you and advise you of the likely prospects of success. Once we have agreed to take your case on, you will not pay our legal costs, win or lose.
How does the No-Win No-Fee Agreement work?
Like all your other expenses, legal fees form part and parcel of your claim. The general rule is that the losers always pay the winner’s legal costs. If you win your claim, legal costs will be paid by the other side's insurance company.
Because of this rule, you will receive 100% of your compensation. On the other hand, if you lose your claim, we will close our file and you will not have to pay our legal costs.
If the other side's insurers refuse to admit liability for the accident or refuse to make a reasonable offer for your injury, we may wish to issue proceedings against the other side in view of obtaining a court order.
Once proceedings are issued, the other side will incur their own legal costs. If you win your claim at court, the other side will not be able to recover their legal costs. The loser always pays the winner’s legal costs, but if you lose your claim, your insurance company will be required to pay the other side for you. If you do not have legal expense insurance, we can arrange this after the accident. Payment of the premium will only become payable at the conclusion of your claim. If you lose your claim, the policy will pay its own premium and the other side's legal costs.
Therefore, win or lose, you will not have to pay anything! You can rest assured that it really is No Win No Fee.
How long will the claim take?
Each claim is unique and the length of time it takes to resolve your claim depends entirely on the circumstances of your accident. However, at JMS Solicitors we aim to conclude your claim as swiftly as possible. Your solicitor will provide you with their direct telephone number so that you can contact them whenever you require an update on developments. We believe that by being as proactive as possible and progressing your case as quickly as possible, we are giving you the very best service possible.
How long do I have to make a compensation claim?
In general, you have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. However, if the accident happened before your 18th birthday, you have three years from the date you turn 18 to bring a claim or to formally issue legal proceedings. We advise that you bring your claim as soon as possible so that evidence and statements may be gathered while the incident is still fresh in your mind and the minds of witnesses.
What can I claim?
You can claim a refund for all your expenses incurred as a result of the accident. The compensation process is designed to put you financially in the position you were prior to the accident.
You can also claim compensation for your pain, suffering and medical treatment following the accident.
How much will I get for my personal injury claim?
It is almost impossible to put a value on a personal injury claim without medical evidence, but we can provide a summary of common awards, which illustrate the kind of compensation payments made in 2008(Figures supplied by the JSB).
| INJURY | RECOVERY PERIOD/SEVERITY | COMPENSATION AWARDED |
| Whiplash | 1 month | £850.00 |
| Whiplash | 12 month | £2,750.00 |
| Whiplash | 24 month | £5,000.00 |
| Whiplash | Permanent Injury | £8,750.00-£16,000.00 |
| Fractured Collarbone | 12-18 months | £3,500.00 |
| Fractured Wrist | 2 years | £6,500.00 |
| Fractured Sternum | 2 years | £3,000.00 |
| Fractured Ankle | 12 months | £3,500.00 |
| Fractured Ankle | Modest | £8,750.00 |
| Fractured Toe | Moderate | £6,150.00 |
| Loss of One Arm | Below Elbow | £70,000.00 |
| Loss of One Arm | Above Elbow | £83,500.00 |
| Loss of One Arm | At Shoulder | £87,500.00 |
| Loss of Both Arms | £191,500.00 | |
| Amputation of One Leg | Below Knee | £83,500.00 |
| Amputation of One Leg | Above Knee | £90,000.00 |
| Amputation of Both Legs | Below Knee | £172,500.00 |
| Amputation of Both Legs | Above Knee | £180,000.00 |
| PTSD | Minor | £5,250.00 |
| PTSD | Moderate | £14,825.00 |
| PTSD | Moderately Severe | £37,000.00 |
| PTSD | Severe | £64,250.00 |
| Simple Leg Fracture | 2 years | £5,750.00 |
| Damage to Teeth | Back/Front | £700.00-£7,250.00 |
| Damage to Hair | Minor-Serious | £2,500.00-£7,000.00 |
| Dermatitis | Minor-Permanent | £1,100.00-£12,250.00 |
| Work-related Upper Limb Disorder | Up to 24 months | £1,400.00-£6,150.00 |
| Noise Induced Hearing Loss | Slight - Moderate | £4,750.00-£19,000 |
| Vibration White Finger/HAVS | Minor | £5,500.00 |
* PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a clinically recognised psychological reaction to a stressful or shocking situation. If this is confirmed by a psychologist then we can claim compensation for it.
At JMS Solicitors we are proud of the many different personal injury cases we have accepted, often where other solicitors have refused to take the case, where they thought the risk of losing was too great. Below are just some of the many successful cases we are proud to have won!
Mr W
Mr W had been checking pallets at work when a fork lift ran into his right heel causing a fracture This was a serious injury and he required surgery and a plaster cast to his foot.
Our client was unable to return to his normal job and returned to his employer to do an office based job. However, due to being made redundant from this position after a short period of time, Mr W decided to retrain and attended a college course.
After much negotiation , Mr W was happy with over £41,000 compensation for his injury, past and future loss of earnings and also payment of his course fees.
Mrs G – Employer’s Liability
We were instructed by a 47 year old lady who was employed as a delivery driver to deliver fruit and vegetables to different companies. On one particular day, she was making her usual deliveries and was taking a box of fruit to a restaurant. To make the delivery she had to descend a flight of stairs carrying the fruit. Unfortunately, the box gave way at the top step, and the fruit fell onto the stairs causing her to trip and fall down the stairs.
It was found that the box was in a defective condition as there was a large hole in its base which had simply been covered with brown paper.
Our client suffered from injury to her left arm, right leg as well as a serious back injury. As a result of the accident our client had to have treatment at hospital.
Despite a complex legal battle we were very pleased to obtain just over £66,000 in compensation for Mrs G.
Mr K – Road Traffic Accident
We acted for a 35 year old passenger in a car that was travelling along a main road when another vehicle drove into the rear of the car.
He suffered whiplash and flashbacks to the accident.
JMS managed to negotiate a settlement of £4,000 compensation for Mr K, and a referral for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Miss C – Employer’s Liability
Miss C was an air stewardess for a well known airline. Whilst on duty she tripped and suffered a severe injury to her ankle.
JMS successfully recovered compensation, loss of earnings and interest on bank loans of nearly £25,000.
Miss K
Miss K (aged 4) caught her finger in the hinged edge of a door in her family home. The house was a new build by one of the best known builders. As it is 3 storeys, in order to meet building regulations the house is fitted with fire doors with automatic closing devices fitted. The devices were too powerful and made the doors close too quickly – meaning Miss K needed stitches to repair her finger. JMS Solicitors brought a case against the builders and obtained an out of court settlement of which has been paid into court until she is 18.
Mrs L – Tripping Accident in Retail Outlet
Mrs L is a 61 year old who walks with the aid of crutches. She was walking down the aisle of a well known DIY store when she slipped on a sticky liquid and fell heavily to her knees.
The DIY store’s solicitors argued that they could not be held responsible for the spillage as it would have been impossible to keep the store floor clear of any spillages at all times.
Despite a complex legal battle JMS won the case and Mrs L was awarded £4,000 in compensation.
Mr B – Employer’s Liability
Mr B was employed by a Mental Health hospital when he was attacked by one of the mental health patients. He attended hospital but thankfully was not too badly hurt – he returned to work shortly after.
JMS successfully recovered £3,500.00 for his injuries.
Mr G – Public Liability
We were instructed on behalf of our 50 year old client. Mr G was driving out of the car park to his apartment when the exit barrier suddenly crashed down through the front windscreen of his vehicle. He suffered facial and head injuries as a result of the defective barrier.
The local council was found to be responsible and had no option but to settle the claim and to pay full compensation to Mr G.
Mr L – Industrial Deafness
JMS Solicitors was approached by the son of an 86 year old man a few months prior to his claim deadline for industrial deafness due to long term employment at rubber and other noisy production lines during the 1960’s through to the 1980’s.
Mr L was unable to communicate in English and due to the lapse of time could not remember all the details of his working conditions.
At first it seemed like an impossible task to locate his previous employers and their insurers as over time the companies and insurers have been sold or merged, with several name changes.
As JMS never shy away from a challenge, our staff spent many hours researching the British archives, Companies House, and old manufacturing equipment used. We were able to locate the various changed employers and their individual insurers and settle our elderly client’s claim successfully.
JMS has numerous ongoing Industrial deafness matters and to-date has a 100% success rate.
Miss P – Employer’s Liability
Our Miss P was a retail assistant and was carrying some cooked food down some steps when she slipped on the greasy floor.
Miss P suffered from a painful back injury, as well as injuries to her head and elbow. She had to attend hospital and physiotherapy sessions as a result of her injuries and has recently been awarded £6000 for her injury.
The case is ongoing and we are currently working hard to ensure that she receives her full entitlement for care and assistance and loss of earnings.
Master W – Public Liability
During a swimming trip with his sister, our client, an 8 year old boy, was walking along the tiled poolside.
As he walked along the side of the pool towards where his sister was sitting he sliced the underside of his big toe on the cracked and sunken tiles.
JMS Solicitors was pleased to recover the sum of £1,250.00 compensation on his behalf.
Mr R – Road Traffic Accident
A 17 year old male was the passenger in a motor vehicle which was involved a serious accident. The driver drove the vehicle into a wall and our client was thrown through the windscreen. As a result of the accident Mr R had to be cut from the vehicle.
Our client was taken to hospital and admitted to intensive care until he had made sufficient recovery.
We are delighted to have achieved settlement of over £10,000 in compensation for Mr R.
Mrs M – Employer’s Liability
We were instructed by a 43 year old who wanted to bring a claim against her employers.
She had been sitting on a new swivel chair when the top part of the chair came off causing our client to fall off and injure herself on a metal radiator.
JMS Solicitors forged ahead in proving that the employers had failed in their duty of care to Mrs M, and recovered £1300 in compensation for Mrs M’s injuries.
Mr S – Public Liability
Mr S a 36 year old man, suffered from food poisoning after having eaten a kebab bought from a local takeaway. After attending his GP it was apparent that he had suffered salmonella poisoning. It was discovered that there had been an outbreak of the bug in our client’s locality and a story was run in the local press.
Having obtained evidence including a report prepared by the Environmental Health Department of the Council, we were able to prove our client’s claim, which eventually settled at £2600.
Mr C – Road Traffic Accident
18 year old Mr C was travelling on his motorbike when he encountered a vehicle driving towards him on the wrong side of the road. The vehicle was driving straight towards him, forcing him to take evasive action. He skidded on the tarmac and came off his motorbike.
Mr C suffered severe injuries causing him to lose consciousness for some time. After a lengthy litigation battle and preparation of extensive witness evidence, JMS was able to conclude his claim successfully.