Personal Injury

Our Personal Injury Glossary

 

This is where a sudden burst of sound can temporarily or even permanently damage the eardrum and cause excruciating pain

 

Exposure to cancer-causing asbestos (in the workplace)

 

Some people have encountered problems with gas applicances on holiday - which can lead to illness and even death

 

This occurs, often in the workplace, when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist

 

See No Win No Fee

 

This is a contractual agreement for a case being pursued on a “no win no fee” basis

 

Partial responsibility of a claimant for the injury in respect of which they claim damages

 

This refers to the type of action for claims between £5,000 and £15,000

HSC 

 

Health and Safety Commission - now part of the HSE

HSE 

 

Health and Safety Executive - body responsible for maintaining health in the workplace

 

Formerly known as Vibration White Finger, this is where symptoms in fingers, hands and arms are caused by vibrating tools

 

Law governing road traffic legislation.

LOLER 

 

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 - this regulates heavy lifting at work

 

Sometimes included in motor and household policies to provide legal expenses in the case of a dispute

 

This is a form of severe pneumonia which can be contracted from exposure to poorly maintained air conditioning facilities

 

Letter containing all required information to the defendant to assess the value and extent of a claim made against them

 

Period of time available to a claimant to bring an action against a defendant

 

A case when a medical professional has been negligent in their duties, often resulting in injury

 

This refers to the type of action for claims over £15,000

 

This is when a solicitor agrees to undertake a case in which they will only be paid if they win. This is particularly common in PI claims.

 

An infectious illness causing sickness and diarrhoea, which can be passed around quickly when in close proximity with others eg. on a cruise ship

PUWER 

 

Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations - these serve to protect people from injury as a result of using various equipment in the workplace

 

Rules governing the procedure of Personal Injury claims

 

A court award based upon what the injuries are 'worth' at the time of claiming

RIDDOR 

 

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations - this makes it mandatory to report accidents at work

RSI 

 

Repetitive Strain Injury - often caused as a result of bad ergonomics, poor posture, stress, and repetitive motion

 

Fixed and quantifiable losses associated with a claim for personal injury damages

 

See Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

 

This is generally where the neck muscles, joints and ligaments suffer damage due to a car accident
 
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