Defending Personal Injury Claims for Individuals and Businesses
At Trethowans, our expert solicitors act for both individuals and businesses facing personal injury claims, including situations where no valid insurance is in place. We understand how stressful these claims can be, especially when compensation could be significant. Our team responds quickly, helping you to gather vital evidence, meet strict deadlines and put forward a clear, strategic defence.
When personal injury claims can arise
We defend personal injury claims brought in a wide variety of situations, including:
- Road traffic accidents (drivers, riders and fleet operators)
- Employer’s liability claims (businesses facing employee injury claims)
- Public liability claims (accidents on premises, slips, trips and falls)
- Product liability claims (injury caused by allegedly defective products)
- Equine and animal claims (individual owners and equestrian businesses)
- International claims (accidents abroad or involving foreign jurisdictions)
- Asbestos and noise-induced hearing loss cases and other industrial disease claims
Whether you are an individual defending a one-off claim or a business managing ongoing risk exposure, we can help.
Key legal defences we consider
Our team assesses every case on its own merits and can advise on defences such as:
- Limitation: A personal injury claim must usually be brought within three years of the incident, although there are exceptions. We will assess whether the claim is out of time and whether limitation can be used as a defence.
- Duty / Standard of Care: The claimant must show that you owed them a duty of care and that this was breached. We examine the evidence around systems, procedures, training, signage and behaviour to test whether the required standard of care was met.
- Contributory Negligence: In some cases, it may be possible to argue that the claimant was at least partially at fault for the accident or their resulting injuries. Common examples include failing to wear a seat belt or helmet in motoring cases, not following safety instructions, or acting contrary to training.
- Specific Legal Defences: Depending on the nature of the case, we may advise on illegality, automatism, volenti and other recognised defences.
Our goal is to achieve the strongest possible outcome, whether defending the claim entirely or negotiating a proportionate settlement.
Why Choose Trethowans?
• Wealth of Experience
Our dedicated insurance and regulatory solicitors have extensive experience in defending complex personal injury claims for both individuals and businesses. We are one of the few firms nationally with this breadth of specialist defendant experience.
• Client-first Approach
Whether you are an individual facing an unexpected claim or a business handling repeated litigation, we take a proactive, client-first approach to dispute resolution. We’re here to help you manage risk, resolve disputes efficiently and protect your organisation’s interests.
• Highly Recommended
Trethowans has been ranked as a top-tier firm in the Legal 500 guide and our dedicated personal injury defendant team is ranked in the Chambers UK guide.
Where is Trethowans based?
Our team helps clients nationally from offices located across the South of England. We can meet remotely or if you’d prefer discuss your situation in person, you can find us in:
• Bournemouth
• Poole
• Salisbury
• Southampton
• Winchester
For immediate support with defending a personal injury claim, fill in the form on this page and we’ll be in touch. We can help you understand your position and the options available.
