Trial
This is unlikely. Whilst it may become necessary to start court proceedings/register your claim at the court on your behalf, it does not always mean that you will have to attend Court at a trial. In our experience, only about 2% of injury claims end up in a trial.
If you need to go to trial, we will advise you fully. Normally, we will arrange for a Barrister to represent you. Your witnesses will need to attend. The Judge will want to hear arguments only about things that are still not agreed.
Whereas most claims settle without a need to go to trial, the exception to this rule is where a child is bringing a claim. There, the litigation friend (the adult bringing the claim on behalf of the child) and the child, will always have to go before a Judge so that the Judge can make sure the final settlement is fair, that the child is getting enough and the right arrangements are made for the investment of the money until the child becomes an adult at the age of 18. This hearing is informal. Everyone is sitting down around a table. The Judge takes on the role of the protector of the child. We will be there to advise, assist and represent you. You should, however, remember to bring with you the child’s birth certificate to the final hearing.
