Suffering a serious injury can have long-term consequences for your health, work, finances, and independence. From traumatic brain injuries to spinal damage, the effects are often devastating – not just physically but emotionally and financially as well.
If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or failure to uphold a legal duty of care, you may be entitled to make a serious injury claim. This type of claim is designed to help you recover compensation and access the support you need to rebuild your life.
In a town like Blackburn, with its busy roads, construction zones, and industrial hubs, accidents can and do happen. Whether your injury occurred in the workplace, on the road, in a public space, or due to medical negligence, Marley Solicitors can help. We offer no win, no fee serious injury representation to clients across Blackburn and surrounding areas.
What qualifies as a serious injury?
A serious injury – sometimes referred to as a catastrophic injury – is any injury that has a lasting, profound impact on your daily life, health, or ability to work.
Examples include:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Amputation of limbs or digits
- Severe burns or scalds
- Crush injuries
- Multiple complex fractures
- Permanent loss of vision or hearing
- Serious psychiatric injuries, such as PTSD
These injuries typically require long-term or lifelong medical treatment, rehabilitation, therapy, or personal care. They can also result in significant changes to your ability to earn income or engage in everyday activities.
Can I claim compensation for a serious injury in Blackburn?
Yes, you can. If your injury was caused by another party’s negligence – whether a person, employer, business, or authority – you are likely eligible to claim.
Common locations for serious injuries in Blackburn include:
- Major routes such as the M65, A666 or A677
- Workplaces in the town’s many warehouses, factories, and construction sites
- Blackburn town centre, including The Mall and surrounding pedestrian areas
- Public parks and roads near Blackburn College and Witton Park
- Medical institutions like Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, GP surgeries or dental clinics
Even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to make a claim, though compensation may be adjusted to reflect shared responsibility.
How do serious injury claims work?
The process typically involves the following steps:
- Initial consultation
We begin with a free consultation to assess whether you have a valid claim. This includes discussing how the injury happened, who was at fault, and what evidence is available. - Gathering evidence
We’ll collect medical reports, witness statements, photographic evidence, accident reports, and financial documentation to support your claim. - Medical assessment
You’ll be examined by an independent medical expert who will provide a prognosis and outline the long-term impact of your injury. - Calculating your compensation
We’ll quantify your claim based on general damages (pain and suffering) and special damages (financial losses, future care costs, adaptations, etc.). - Negotiation or litigation
Most cases are settled through negotiation. However, we prepare every case thoroughly in case court action becomes necessary. - Settlement
If successful, you’ll receive a compensation award. In serious injury cases, interim payments may be available while the case is ongoing.
What can I claim for?
You may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of losses and expenses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earnings (including future loss of income)
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Private rehabilitation or therapy costs
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- Cost of care and support, whether professional or provided by family
- Home and vehicle adaptations
- Mobility aids and equipment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Each case is unique. At Marley Solicitors, we work closely with medical and financial experts to ensure your claim is as accurate and comprehensive as possible.
What evidence is needed?
Successful claims are backed by strong evidence. We will help you gather:
- Medical records from providers such as the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
- Accident reports (e.g., from your employer or a public liability log)
- Witness statements from people who saw the incident or its aftermath
- Photographs or CCTV
- Receipts or invoices for any costs you’ve incurred
- Wage slips showing income before and after the accident
In serious injury cases, we may also use life care planners, occupational therapists, or architects to support claims for long-term needs or home adaptations.
Blackburn-specific risks and contexts
Blackburn’s economy includes manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail – all sectors where serious accidents can occur. In particular:
- Workplace accidents in industrial zones like Shadsworth Business Park or Whitebirk
- Car crashes on the M65, especially near junctions 5 and 6
- Pedestrian injuries in Blackburn town centre, especially during weekend foot traffic
- Medical negligence cases from Royal Blackburn Hospital or local GP clinics
We have local insight into accident hotspots, common defendants (including insurers), and the way serious injury claims are handled regionally.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
We’re not a call centre, and we don’t pass your case down the chain. When you contact Marley Solicitors, you speak directly to a legal expert who handles your case from start to finish.
Here’s what sets us apart in Blackburn:
- Local expertise, including knowledge of Blackburn’s road layout, employers, and medical providers
- Specialist experience with high-value and complex injury claims
- Trusted professionals with a strong reputation for client care
- A “no win, no fee” approach, so you won’t pay legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful
- A track record of securing six and seven figure settlements for catastrophic injury cases
Types of claims we handle in Blackburn
- Road traffic accidents, including car, motorcycle, and cyclist injuries
- Serious work injuries, especially involving machinery or falls from height
- Public liability incidents, such as unsafe pavements, poor signage, or building disrepair
- Slips, trips, and falls in shops, car parks, or public buildings
- Medical negligence, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or incorrect prescriptions
- Assault-related trauma, through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
FAQs
How long do I have to make a serious injury claim in Blackburn?
You usually have three years from the date of the accident or date of diagnosis to bring a claim. If you’re claiming on behalf of a child, the three-year limit starts on their 18th birthday.
Can I claim on someone else’s behalf?
Yes. If a loved one has suffered a serious injury and lacks capacity, you can apply to be their “litigation friend” and handle the claim on their behalf.
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still be eligible for compensation; however, the amount may be diminished based on your level of responsibility.
Will I have to attend court?
Not always. Most claims are settled out of court. If a court appearance is necessary, we’ll represent you and prepare thoroughly.
Ready to make your serious injury claim in Blackburn?
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in Blackburn – or if someone close to you has – Marley Solicitors is here to help you move forward. We understand how traumatic and overwhelming the aftermath can be, especially when your recovery feels uncertain and the future is unclear.
Our Blackburn-based team is ready to support you every step of the way. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you can start your claim with no financial risk.
Call Marley Solicitors today, or visit our Blackburn office to arrange a face-to-face consultation with one of our serious injury experts. Let us help you get the compensation and support you deserve.
