While the emergence in Britain of a so-called ‘compensation culture’ is routinely decried in the media, the facts do not always appear to fit the description.

In fact, the number of people making accident claims, according to a 2004 report by the Citizens Advice Bureau, has fallen since the removal of legal aid and introduction of Conditional Fee Agreements in 2000.

Citizens Advice found that the number of people making personal injury claims under the new No Win No Fee agreement was just 31 per cent.

Furthermore, it concluded that compensation claims can actually reduce the public burden. Someone who has suffered an accident or been injured may have lost pay or their jobs as a result of being unwell.

They may also have experienced stress, depression or anxiety. Failing to address these problems can increase social exclusion and its resultant costs. A financial award from the person or body responsible can help reduce the public costs of services to them individual affected.

In the UK, around 2.5 million people sustain injuries each year. Often this can result in changes to their lifestyle. Under UK law, the liable party must compensate the injured person.

According to Citizens Advice, “seeking compensation for injuries is not a social problem, or the sign of the emergence of a compensation culture, but simply realising a civil and legal right”.

National Accident Helpline is the industry leader in personal injury claims, and our trained staff can advise quickly on whether a claim could be made in a certain situation. For further information call free on 0800 376 0150 or visit www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk.