One of the most common concerns people have after an accident is how they will afford to pursue a personal injury claim.
Many people worry about the cost of medical reports, expert evidence, court fees and legal representation. Others are concerned about what happens if the claim is unsuccessful.
At Jackson Boyd, where legal expenses insurance is not available, many clients choose to fund their claims through Collaborate.
In this guide, we explain in general terms how Collaborate funding works. The specific terms of any arrangement will be set out in the terms and conditions of the funding agreement and explained to you before you decide whether to proceed.
What Is Collaborate?
Collaborate is a specialist litigation funding provider that helps people pursue personal injury claims without having to fund the costs of the claim themselves.
The purpose of the arrangement is simple: it allows clients to access legal representation and pursue compensation without having to worry about paying significant costs as the claim progresses.
Why Is Funding Needed?
Personal injury claims often involve much more than simply instructing a solicitor.
In order to properly investigate and pursue a claim, it may be necessary to obtain:
- Medical records
- Independent medical reports
- Expert evidence
- Police reports
- Court documents
- Other supporting evidence
These costs can quickly become significant, particularly in more complex cases.
Without funding, many people would find it difficult to afford the costs involved in pursuing a claim.
What Costs Does Collaborate Cover?
Collaborate can fund the costs involved in investigating and pursuing a claim.
This may include:
- Medical reports
- Expert reports
- Court fees
- Other outlays required to support the claim
This allows claims to be progressed without clients having to meet those costs themselves as the case develops.
Do I Have to Pay Anything Upfront?
No.
One of the key benefits of Collaborate funding is that it allows a claim to proceed without requiring an upfront payment from the client.
The claim can be investigated and pursued while the necessary costs are funded during the lifetime of the case.
What Happens If My Claim Is Successful?
If your claim succeeds and compensation is recovered, an agreed success fee becomes payable.
The success fee is discussed and agreed before the claim begins so that you understand exactly how the arrangement works from the outset.
There should be no surprises at the conclusion of the claim.
What Happens If My Claim Is Unsuccessful?
This is understandably one of the most common questions clients ask.
If your claim is unsuccessful:
- You will not pay the agreed success fee.
- Collaborate will pay the solicitors’ fees incurred in pursuing your claim.
- Collaborate will also cover the outlays incurred during the investigation of your claim, such as medical reports and other expert evidence.
The purpose of the arrangement is to allow clients to pursue a claim without worrying about funding legal work or paying significant costs if the claim is ultimately unsuccessful.
We will always explain the funding and costs position fully before your claim begins so that you understand exactly where you stand.
Is Collaborate Funding Available for Every Case?
Not necessarily.
Every claim is assessed on its own merits.
Before recommending any funding arrangement, we will consider whether alternative funding options are available, including legal expenses insurance.
If legal expenses insurance is available, this may be a more appropriate way to fund your claim.
Where funding through Collaborate is considered appropriate, we will explain the arrangement in full before any work begins.
Why Do Clients Choose Collaborate?
Clients often choose Collaborate because it provides certainty.
Rather than worrying about how medical reports, expert evidence and other outlays will be funded, clients can focus on their recovery while their claim is being pursued.
The arrangement also provides clarity regarding how costs will be dealt with if the claim succeeds and protection in the event the claim is unsuccessful.
How Jackson Boyd Can Help
If you have been injured in an accident and are concerned about how a claim would be funded, our experienced personal injury team can explain the options available and help identify the most appropriate funding arrangement for your circumstances.
Before your claim begins, we will explain exactly how your case will be funded, any costs that may arise, and how those costs will be dealt with so that you can proceed with confidence.
Our specialist personal injury lawyers represent clients across Scotland in road traffic accident, employer liability and public liability claims. Learn more about our Personal Injury Services.
