Independent research commissioned by National Accident Helpline reveals that there is a financial impact, as well as the emotional cost to a person involved in an accident that wasn't their fault, for as many as 60%.
Over a third (35%) of people who'd suffered a personal injury had to take more than a month off work or other essential commitments. Loss of earnings also had a significant impact, with almost one in three workers (30%) who suffered a personal injury admitting they lost out on earnings, and one in five (22%) of all British adults who suffered such a personal injury saying this loss totalled to £10,000 or more. One in five (20%) had to look for ways to save money, with more than one in ten (11%) admitting they got into debt.
The Real Cost of Personal Injury report also exposes the extent of the emotional suffering and stress following an injury or accident. Half admitted they were anxious about how long they would take to recover, and one in five (20%) were worried they would not be able to pay their household bills.
Feelings of anger are common, with almost half (47%) feeling angry and frustrated with the person or company who caused their accident, and 54% left feeling their injury could have been avoided.
The report shows how personal injury sufferers used the settlement money if they had made a claim, with the results dispelling the myth that it is for personal gain. More than a third (37%) of those who claimed or intend to claim plan to use their compensation to replace lost earnings and three in ten (30%) said it was to cover the cost of rehab and medication, while a fifth (21%) said they would pay off debts.
National Accident Helpline's report examines the motivations behind people claiming for an injury that wasn't their fault. Almost a third (32%) of people who made a claim said they wanted to make sure the same accident couldn't happen to someone else, and a third (37%) of those who experienced a personal injury that was not their fault were keen for the person or company at fault to acknowledge responsibility and apologise.
Simon Trott, Managing Director of National Accident Helpline says:
We know from our daily conversations with injured people just how much a personal injury can affect every aspect of a person's life, from the financial cost from loss of earnings and medical bills, to the emotional stress on an individual and their family. The aftermath of an accident can be a hugely overwhelming time.
We are also aware that the debate around compensation has become increasingly heated in recent years, and we have carried out our research to gain a better measure of the real cost of personal injury to an individual.
Using our research, we will continue to work to ensure that people with legitimate cases are supported to get their lives back on track, and secure the justice they deserve. We want to make sure the voices of personal injury victims aren't lost amongst the criticism of a perceived claims culture.