You can get compensation by taking legal action, but it could cost you money and you may not win your case against the person or organisation to blame.

Writing a letter or making a complaint

If it's not a serious injury, you may be able to solve the issue by writing a letter or making a complaint - use the complaints procedure if there is one.

Explain what went wrong and tell them how much compensation you want or how they can make up for the injury.

Using mediation

You may want to use a mediation service to negotiate a settlement.

There is usually a fee, but it can be cheaper, quicker and easier than going to court.

You may already have insurance to pay for legal costs.

• check your insurance policies (like motor, home contents or holiday insurance policies) to see if they include 'legal expenses insurance'
• check if you have legal cover as a member of a trade union, or an organisation like the RAC or the AA

Policies normally only cover you for some types of legal problem and have other terms and conditions.

'After the event' insurance

If you’re not insured, you could take out insurance after the incident to protect yourself against a large legal bill.

A solicitor can help you choose an 'after-the-event' insurance policy and may take it out on your behalf.

If you win, you may be able to get some of the costs back from the losing side.

Some insurance companies will not insure you if they think you're unlikely to succeed, and some policies are very expensive.

You can’t usually get legal aid for personal injury cases.

A solicitor should advise you on costs before you agree to hire them.

Get advice from Citizens Advice on what's involved in taking legal action and how much it will cost you.

Claims companies

Businesses known as claims companies can help you find a solicitor.

Most claims handlers aren’t solicitors, and so won’t be able to represent you in court.

Check that a claims company is authorised: business search.

‘No win, no fee' deals

If you use a 'no win, no fee' agreement, you will only have to pay the solicitor's fee if you win the case.

You may still have to pay for some other costs, like:

• fees to pay for experts
• court fees
• travelling expenses

If you lose, you will also have to pay for:

• the other side's legal costs
• other expenses and charges, such as fees for witnesses

The solicitor may charge a fee for winning the case.