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Rob Dempsey
Associate, Personal Injury
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When Ed Sheeran announced his engagement to his long-term girlfriend, Cherry Seaborn, he credited her for nursing him back to health following his cycling accident which prompted the need for her to look after him to help him through his recovery.
This “gratuitous care” is an often overlooked part of personal injury claim and Rob Dempsey of Roythornes Solicitors addresses some FAQs on the matter.
This is when an injured party has to rely upon friends or family members to help them carry out day to day activities following an accident.
The claimant would have to provide medical evidence to show that, as a result of the injuries, it was reasonable to rely upon care and assistance.
The types of care usually includes assistance with personal hygiene, assistance with mobility, taking the claimant to hospital appointments, doing the shopping and housework.
A medical expert would advise how many hours' care is reasonable.This would also be supported by witness evidence from the injured party and the carers.The claimant’s solicitor would then often apply an hourly rate of around £6-£8 per hour. Alternatively, if the carer can show they have missed work as a result of the care then, with evidence, they can look to recover any loss of earnings.
The figures are for “gratuitous care”. It would be expected that friends or family members would provide some care and assistance in any case and so the payment is to reflect any assistance which is “beyond the call of duty”.
The carer would not ordinarily have a claim against the defendant, so the claimant is entitled to recover compensation on the carer’s behalf with a view to recompensing the carer.
If you have been injured and it was not your fault we can help assess the losses and damages including a claim for gratuitous care.
Call one of our friendly team to find out how we can help you on 01775 764150 or start your claim online now. For further information about a personal injury claim, get in touch with our solicitors in Alconbury, Peterborough, Spalding, Nottingham or Birmingham.