At Lacey Solicitors, we’ve helped countless individuals across Belfast and Northern Ireland get the compensation they deserve after suffering injuries that were not their fault. But too often, myths, misconceptions and misinformation prevent people from even speaking to a personal injury lawyer.
In this post, we break down the 10 most common personal injury myths, explain the truth behind them, and show how our team of experienced solicitors can support you every step of the way.
1. “I Feel Embarrassed About Claiming Compensation”
Media headlines and phrases such as “compensation culture” have made many people feel ashamed about making a legitimate claim. But if you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, you have a legal right to be compensated.
Lord Dyson, the third most senior judge in England and Wales, has dismissed the existence of a compensation culture in the UK as a false perception and a “media-created myth.”
Professor Lofsted, who was also asked to review the issue by the UK Government stated in his report “The „compensation culture‟ (or the perception of it) in the UK has been the subject of several reviews over the last few years,, but no evidence has been presented for its existence”.
Some individuals may seek damages to which they are not entitled, but this is not unique to personal injury law and is true of any area of legal practice. Fraudulent claims are very much the exception to the rule and far outweighed in number by genuine personal injury claims made by honest people.
At Lacey Solicitors, we regularly see clients who minimise their injuries out of fear of judgment. We’re here to remind you that seeking justice is not something to feel guilty about—it’s your right.
2. “Personal Injury Claims Are Only for Serious Accidents”
It’s a myth that you can only claim for life-altering or catastrophic injuries. The truth is, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of injuries—including whiplash, soft-tissue damage, or a slip and fall—as long as someone else was responsible.
Even minor injuries can lead to lost income, medical expenses, and long-term discomfort, and you shouldn’t bear that burden if the accident was not your fault.
3. “My Medical History Prevents Me from Claiming”
Think you can’t claim because you’ve had back problems before or made a similar claim in the past?
If your accident exacerbated an existing condition or caused new symptoms, you may still be eligible for compensation. Every case is evaluated on its individual merits, and our solicitors know how to present your medical history in a way that supports your claim.
The key is always to be up-front and honest about any relevant history. If you fail to disclose a relevant medical history, it can prohibit you from receiving compensation.
4. “Insurers Won’t Believe Me—Especially After a Low-Speed Collision”
Many insurers now try to avoid paying claims by arguing Low Velocity Impact (LVI) —suggesting that the accident was too minor to cause injury. Legally speaking, a defence which asserts that the collision was a low-velocity impact is a challenge to the causation of injury.
At Lacey Solicitors, we believe in collaboration between insurers and injured victims and so we regularly see these types of arguments. We work closely with independent leading experts to support our clients’ cases. We’ve helped many clients succeed even when insurers initially denied their claims.
5. “You Can’t Claim for Psychological Injuries”
Not all injuries are physical. Many people suffer emotional or psychological trauma—such as anxiety, PTSD, or stress—after an accident.
You are absolutely entitled to claim for psychological harm, and our Personal injury lawyers have successfully handled numerous cases where these types of injuries were the main focus. We work with medical professionals to provide the evidence needed to support your case.
6. “Personal Injury Claims Take Years to Settle”
While some complex cases can take longer, many personal injury claims in Northern Ireland are resolved in a matter of months, especially when liability is clear and medical evidence is straightforward.
Lacey Solicitors is committed to handling your claim efficiently and keeping you updated throughout the process to minimise stress and delays.
7. “I Don’t Need a Solicitor for a Small Claim”
Even if your injury seems minor, you should always speak to a solicitor before accepting any settlement. Insurance companies may offer a quick payout, but it may not reflect the true cost of your recovery.
We help you calculate the full impact of your injury—including time off work, ongoing treatment, and emotional trauma—to ensure you receive fair compensation.
8. “The Process Is Too Complicated for Me to Handle”
The legal system can feel overwhelming, especially after an accident. But that’s where we come in.
From the moment you contact Lacey Solicitors, we handle everything—from gathering evidence and dealing with insurers to negotiating your settlement—so you can focus on recovering.
9. “It’s Too Expensive to Make a Personal Injury Claim”
Many people are put off by the fear of legal costs, but at Lacey Solicitors, our solicitors are committed to being transparent about all costs and legal fees. We believe there are better, more ethical alternatives to no win, no fee agreements, (which are illegal in Northern Ireland) which will give you the legal support you need no matter what your financial circumstances.
This starts with a free initial consultation. We will listen to your situation, offer legal advice on whether your claim is viable and present you with possible options for proceeding — free of charge. If you decide to start a claim, we will use a range of options to maximise the compensation you receive and minimise your legal fees.
10. “I Can’t Claim If I Was Partially at Fault”
Even if you were partly responsible for the accident—such as not wearing a seatbelt or crossing the road outside a pedestrian crossing—you may still be entitled to compensation under contributory negligence laws in Northern Ireland.
Your compensation may be reduced depending on your level of responsibility, but it does not prevent you from making a claim. We’ll work with you to make sure your role is fairly represented and your rights are protected.
Bonus Tip: Photos Can Make or Break Your Personal Injury Lawyers Case
If you’re in an accident, use your smartphone or dashcam to photograph:
-
The vehicles involved
-
Road conditions and street signs
-
Your injuries (if visible)
-
The overall scene
This kind of visual evidence can significantly strengthen your case and help establish liability early in the process.
Need Advice? Speak to Belfast’s Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers
With decades of experience helping clients throughout Northern Ireland, Personal Injury Lawyers, Lacey Solicitors, are here to help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us today on 028 90896540
📧 Or email us at info@laceysolicitors.com
📍 Visit our office in Belfast or Dublin for a free, no-obligation consultation
Don’t let fear or misinformation stop you. Our Personal Injury Lawyers are here to support you—start your claim with confidence.
