The phrase ‘personal injury’ encompasses a wide range of incidents where someone has been harmed due to the negligence of an individual, company, or organisation. Personal injury does not include any damage done to personal property. Examples of personal injury could include (but are not limited to):

• An injury caused at work by faulty equipment
• Injuries sustained while in an automobile accident
• An injury caused by the negligence of medical staff
• A disease or condition caused or made worse by a poor work environment

It is important to bear in mind that the phrase ‘personal injury’ includes not only physical injuries but psychological ones as well. After an accident, a person can be left with mental stress, anxiety, and even depression due to trauma. This type of mental stress, while not visible, falls equally under the heading ‘personal injury.’

While the number of incidents which could be classed as causing personal injury are very broad and numerous, the key factor is whether or not there has been some type of negligent or careless action on the behalf of another party. If that is the case, a person has a valid claim for compensation from that individual, company, or organisation.

If you have suffered from some type of injury due to negligence, there are important first steps to take, including the following:

First and foremost, you should seek medical attention for your injuries. In the case of mental trauma, this could take the form of counselling. Even if your injuries are seemingly minor and not deserving of medical attention, you should consult a doctor in any case. Your injuries could become progressively worse otherwise. Additionally, your doctor will then have a record of your injury should you decide to pursue your case further.

You should inform the police immediately if you have sustained an injury in an automobile accident so that they can file a report.

If the accident has taken place at work, you should inform your employer immediately of what happened. Employers must keep records of accidents which have taken place on their premises. This is the law. Your employer must report this to the Health and Safety Executive or local authority environmental health officer or else face prosecution.

You should report any accident which has taken place in your car to your insurance company. This does not bind you to making a claim, however, if you fail to make a report, they may refuse to cover you later.

Before you forget all the details of your accident, you should make a note of when the incident(s) happened and all that you remember as soon as possible. You could also take photographs of relevant evidence, such as your car after an accident. If you have a visible injury, then photograph that as well. Additionally, make a note of any witnesses to the incident(s) and try to get the names and addresses of any parties involved.

By reporting your injury and taking these initial steps, you are not committing yourself to any subsequent course of action. However, should you decide to make a claim at a later date, then you will have the evidence and support you need to back up your claim. You will be more likely to receive compensation. Should you not take some of these initial steps, however, and decide to claim later you may not have all the evidence you need. Better to be safe than sorry.