Serious Injury Claim: How Paul Received Compensation as a Self-Employed Worker

If you’re self-employed and you’ve been seriously injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may still be able to claim compensation. Your employment status doesn’t prevent you from making a claim – what matters is whether someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Paul’s case is a good example of why it’s worth getting advice before assuming you can’t claim.

Paul was seriously injured in September 2021 when a tree fell on him while he was clearing it. The accident left him with multiple injuries and unable to work as he once had.

This is how his claim helped him move forward.

What happened?

While clearing a fallen tree, it suddenly shifted. Paul tried to get clear, but branches struck his back and head. He suffered:

• A broken neck
• Broken ribs
• A fractured shoulder blade
• A serious head injury

“I had a gash that was apparently exposing my skull on the top of my head. I had a broken shoulder blade, broken ribs… The main thing was, I had a broken neck.”

Paul was airlifted to hospital and faced a long recovery.

What was the impact on his life?

What does a serious injury claim mean if you’re self-employed?

When you’re self-employed, a serious injury doesn’t just affect your health – it affects your income immediately. There’s no sick pay, no employer support, and no certainty about when or whether you can return to work. Paul experienced all of this. From the moment he was injured, the financial pressure was real.

A successful claim can account for more than just your immediate losses. Lost earnings, reduced future earning capacity, and the long-term impact on your ability to work are all factors that can be included in a serious injury claim – whether you’re employed or self-employed.

How did we help?

Paul chose Express Solicitors, where his case was handled by serious injury specialist Craig Phillips.

An early settlement offer was made, but there wasn’t enough medical evidence to understand the long-term impact of his injuries. We advised Paul to wait.

This allowed us to build a stronger case based on:

• His long-term recovery
• His ability to work
• The financial impact of his injuries

What was the outcome?

Paul has had to take early retirement due to his injuries. Our experts managed to secure him a significant settlement to help him be comfortable in his new circumstances. While no settlement can undo what happened, his compensation has helped to:

• Provide financial security
• Replace lost income
• Reduce financial pressure

Every case is different, but the right legal advice can make a real difference.

Key moments from Paul’s story

• 0:00–0:25 — How the accident happened
• 0:25–0:50 — The extent of Paul’s injuries
• 0:50–1:20 — Impact on work and finances
• 1:20–2:05 — Why he chose Express Solicitors
• 2:05–3:00 — Waiting for the right settlement

Speak to our team

Start your serious injury claim today-

We handle most claims on a  no win, no fee basis. If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, speak to our team to understand your options – including what you may be entitled to as a self-employed worker. Get started by getting in touch.