Person injury

helen22

Hi I had a car accident in 2012 where I was hit from behind. I had an MRI showing disc problem from this and 2 yrs on I'm developing more problems. I've got a Solicitor on the case and I met with an injuries board doctor in October 2013. The 9 months timescale is up around June 2014. When would I expect to hear from injuries board with a claim figure?

nuac

Talk to your solicitor and GP particularily if your medical position hasn't stabilised.

Watch the time limits.

helen22

Surely it would make sense to assess my medical assessment from their own doctor and give a figure there and then rather than wait for another couple of months. I'm progressively getting worse all the time. I've had 1 epidural already

Pro Hoc Vice

helen22 wrote: »

Surely it would make sense to assess my medical assessment from their own doctor and give a figure there and then rather than wait for another couple of months. I'm progressively getting worse all the time. I've had 1 epidural already

As you remain symptomatic, the Injuries Board may decide not to give a figure to you and issue an authorisation. But of late they do try and deal with more of the difficult cases and make an assessment. But each case is different bringing its own issues and timeframe.

But as you have a legal team they can advise you on possible outcomes. But if I was you and still not improving I would be very slow to settle the matter early.

kennM

infosys wrote: »

As you remain symptomatic, the Injuries Board may decide not to give a figure to you and issue an authorisation. But of late they do try and deal with more of the difficult cases and make an assessment. But each case is different bringing its own issues and timeframe.

But as you have a legal team they can advise you on possible outcomes. But if I was you and still not improving I would be very slow to settle the matter early.

Spot on feedback here from infosys....

To answer your original question. The "typical" running time for PIAB to propose a settlement figure is circa 7/7.5 months from the time liability is accepted by the respondent. So the 9 months only starts at that point, the respondent has up to 3 months to accept/reject liability. So just factor this into you expectations around timeframe.

It could go three ways really at present:
(a) PIAB could extend the 9 months further. Its unusual but not unheard of. Can depend on the complexity of injuries or ongoing symptoms/lack of clarity around prognosis.
(b) PIAB could propose a settlement figure & then it'll be between yourself and your solicitor to determine if that is a fair settlement for your injuries and long term prognosis
(c) PIAB may just give authorization to pursue it through the courts.

If I was to take a wild stab in the dark (Not a solicitor, just gone through the process myself) I would speculate that C may be the more likely considering you're deteriorating and long term prognosis may not be nailed down yet.

Hope this helps.... unfortunately patience is the key.... ESPECIALLY if you are symptomatic/deteriorating. The worst thing you could do is settle up early and then dramatically deteriorate post settlement. Once its settled its settled.

helen22

I have an idea of the kind of figure I think it's worth. I'm going to get what's due to me.

Pro Hoc Vice

helen22 wrote: »

I have an idea of the kind of figure I think it's worth. I'm going to get what's due to me.

You will get the PIAB offer or what the other side offer as settlement or the amount decided by a court that final figure will either be what you think it's worth or more or less.