Client: Steph C.
Settlement: £5000.00
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Case Type: Public Transport Personal Injury Claim
Overview: Steph’s Public Transport Accident and Personal Injury Claim
Steph was on a double-decker bus which was coming to a stop. At the time of this incident she was proceeding downstairs from the upper deck when the bus suddenly accelerated again. She landed heavily onto her ankle. She had immediate pain in her ankle and was exceptionally embarrassed. She subsequently attended the Royal Victoria Hospital Emergency Department.
Why Steph Chose Lacey Solicitors for Her Personal Injury Claim
At the time of the accident, Steph approached a different law firm who specialised in criminal law. They had a reputation in Northern Ireland as successful criminal lawyers but had little experience of personal injury or insurance law. Unfortunately it took them a number of years to progress the matter. They failed at any stage to arrange for a medical examination for Steph. After almost three years they advised Steph that liability was denied and she should abandon her claim. They closed their file.
Frustrated by the situation and unsure of her next steps, Steph’s friend recommended Lacey Solicitors’ personal injury team for legal advice. After a free, no-obligation consultation with Aisling Creegan, at Lacey Solicitors, Steph received the legal guidance she needed. Bearing in mind the impending limitation date, Aisling carefully reviewed the details of the accident and quickly took instructions to address the initial claims checklist.
Lacey Solicitors immediately issued Letters of Claim on behalf of Steph claiming for personal injury claim against the bus company. They arranged for an expert medical reports from an orthopaedic consultant in Hillsborough.
The Bus Company Denies Liability
The public transport company, immediately denied liability. They claimed that Steph was responsible for descending the stairs safely and that she was responsible for holding onto the rail appropriately. They argued that the injuries sustained by Steph were due to her own carelessness. Public transport has an essential role in
the economy and community of Northern Ireland but where they cause injury, they should be held accountable.
Lacey Solicitors firmly rejected this argument and issued court proceedings on behalf of Steph.
Defence of Public Transport Accident Claim for Steph
On issuing proceedings, Lacey Solicitors were approached by solicitors on behalf of the Bus company, who indicated that they would be maintaining a robust denial of liability in circumstances where they had an independent witness who gave no criticism of the bus driver or his driving abilities.
They indicated that they had no offer to make and would never have an offer to make. Steph was invited to abandon her claim by the Bus company.
Settlement Negotiations and Legal Strategy for Public Transport Accident
After one month, the solicitors on behalf of the bus Company made an initial offer of £500.00 to ‘buy-off’ the case.
Our advice was to reject this offer and we advised Steph that settlement for her personal injury claim should be ten times this figure, namely £5000.00.
After a further week of negotiations case was successfully settled for £5,000 plus Steph’s legal costs without her having to attend court.
Why Choose Lacey Solicitors for Your Public Transport Accident Claim?
Lacey Solicitors, with offices in Belfast and Dublin, are specialists in personal injury law and motor liability cases and have a proven track record of securing substantial compensation for clients involved in road traffic accidents, including public transport accidents. Our dedicated team of solicitors offers expert advice, support, and representation throughout the entire claims process.
Whether you’ve been involved in a public transport accident or sustained injuries in a road traffic accident, our experienced personal injury solicitors are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Lacey Solicitors in Belfast Today
If you’ve been injured in a public transport accident, trust Lacey Solicitors to provide you with expert legal guidance. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our personal injury solicitors to discuss your case and outline your legal options.
Contact us today through our online contact form or call our Belfast office. Our dedicated personal injury team is here to support you and help you navigate the claims process with confidence.
