I only realized after you put the PI in capitals what Magnum's user name is. Scouse would approve, he loves that bloody show. (ps sorry for talking about you behind your back Magnum).

That's a surprise Editha (the claimant not having to go to court). Did the local authority require them to visit a doctor of their (the LA's) choosing?

I'm interested because of (or despite) my own experience with making a personal injury claim. Motor vehicle accident, several years ago in Australia. Personal injury was covered by the other driver's compulsory third party insurance with the State government insurance office, which admitted 100% fault.

It took 3 years for my claim to be listed for trial in Court. During those years I lost count of the number of medical specialists the insurance company sent me to, to be poked, prodded, questioned. People who haven't been questioned (grilled) for up to 3 hours at a time by an insurance doctor who asks the same thing several times in slightly different ways, trying to 'catch you out', haven't lived I was also followed and filmed on several occasions. That was all taking place in tandem with me seeing my own doctors, surgeons and specialists for treatment.

In the end, myself and my 'legal team' of barrister and solicitor settled my claim at a pre-trial conference. The amount of medical evidence as to my injuries, subsequent surgeries and disabilities was overwhelming. I could quite likely have received a higher amount of compensation by proceeding to a full trial, but by then I'd just about been driven around the twist and couldn't face the thought of it.

What a screwy system - you get badly injured in an accident that was in no way your own fault, and the State government puts you through the wringer and then puts you on trial! My legal costs were well over $100,000 and the government's wouldn't have been any less. Needless to say, I'm now a staunch advocate of 'no fault' motor vehicle accident insurance schemes, which other more enlightened States than WA have had for several years.

It was a long time ago. If I remember correctly, we used to get a medical report, a photo of the offending paving stone or pot-hole, a list of other damages to clothing etc, and any other evidence, such as cleaning bills, photos of injuries, damaged clothing etc.

Our clients generally qualified for legal aid, so they incurred no legal fees if they took the matter to court. So, it was in the local authority's interests to settle out of court and minimise legal costs. I remember one old geezer who was delighted to be able to buy himself a new suit with the damages for a sprained ankle. I think it was the first new suit he'd had since he was demobbed. He came into the office wearing it to thank me, and explained that he'd got to the age when he had a lot of funerals to go to.

What a delightful story about the old geezer Editha, absolutely loved it.

Thanks for the run down on the claim process, it actually made a lot more sense than the rigmarole I described. Plus the old gent got a new suit! (still chuckling over that).

Most posters just call him numpi.

Quite. I chased an ambulance on Friday but I washed my hands afterwards.

Local authorities do have insurance.

Guffaw

Paid for by whom?

Everyone pays - annual premium increases reflect your own personal claim performance, plus the amount/cost of claims to the entire Insurance industry over the previous 12 months, plus the cost of selling cheap insurance to people who move Insurer every 12-months.

You'll be amazed at the claim database available to Insurance companies.

lol I didn't, I used the money for a reccy trip to Toronto then a year or so later left the UK. To work in Canada

I think you missed my point.

Yes, it is the local authority.

No, not at all, I know who pays and suspect you do as well; but you did ask a question ................

I hope I'm not resurrecting this thread out of line, but I want to give a one month update on the elbows business.

The OH has regained considerable mobility in her right arm (thank goodness she's right handed) but the more serious left elbow remains contentious. It's still in a cast and likely to remain so for another few weeks, after that another op is possibly needed.

Just to complicate matters, her father is relapsing on the bone cancer front and has in the last week lost control of his colon function.

I never thought I'd have to change a nappy full of shit once my kids got past that stage.

Ah well, as they say, shit happens.