Personal Injury Claims in the UAE; When & Why to Hire a Lawyer?

The government of the UAE is constantly seeking to introduce laws and regulations that protect its citizens’ personal health, property, and morality. Part of this is the legal field of personal injury, which works similarly in the UAE as it does in other countries.?

Since the introduction of laws centered on protecting UAE citizens’ rights when injured physically, it has become commonplace for Emirates citizens to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial injury. Personal injury lawsuits in the UAE are governed by Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Code). The key provision under Article 282, which establishes the basis for responsibility in personal injury claims, and Article 292, which outlines how to assess these damages.?

If you have been the victim of an injury caused by a third party, you may ask “why hire a personal injury lawyer?” The simple answer is that personal injury law is complex and typically requires the initiation of lawsuits. Without knowing the law or having legal representation, a personal injury lawsuit could end up costing you money rather than reimbursing you for the injury.?

What do Personal Injury Lawyers Do in the UAE?

Personal injury lawyers provide a crucial service in the UAE by helping clients navigate the legal system to receive compensation for injuries sustained through negligence or wrongful acts. They provide court services through legal consultation and representation as well as out-of-court services like mediation and negotiation. Lawyers that work in personal injury law are committed to getting you the personal injury settlement that you seek, and many work on commission, meaning that if they don’t win in court, you don’t owe them their full fee.?

The services a personal injury lawyer provides typically include:?

• Legal consultation and case evaluation - Personal injury lawyers provide an initial consultation to understand the details of the injury, assess the viability of the case, and advise on the best course of action. They evaluate the circumstances surrounding the injury, gather evidence, and determine the potential for a successful claim.?
• Legal representation and advocacy - Lawyers file claims on behalf of their clients to make sure all documents are correctly prepared and submitted. They represent clients in court by presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making arguments to support your claim.
• Evidence gathering and investigation - A personal injury lawyer will conduct their own investigations to gather effective evidence, including medical reports, statements, and expert opinions. They will work with medical specialists, police, and other specialists to build a strong case.?
• Legal advice and guidance - Personal injury lawyers can give you legal advice about your rights as an injured person, including estimates on your potential compensation. They will guide you through the trickier parts of the legal system.?
• Compensation claims - Legal professionals can calculate the damages you sustained to your person or property. They will include medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, and expenses related to pain and suffering. They pursue compensation through legal claims and settlements to get the maximum possible amount.?
• Guidance on UAE law compliance - Lawyers like the legal professionals at Connect Legal can navigate UAE law quickly and efficiently. They know the legal framework and procedure of the Emirates, so they know which steps to take to secure you your compensation.?

What do Personal Injury Lawyers Cover in the UAE?

A personal injury lawyer will represent you for any injuries that are considered unjust by UAE law. Personal injuries that fall under the purview of personal injury lawyers include:

• Traffic accidents - if you are injured by a negligent driver, you can sue that driver for personal injury and financial damage that occurred during a car accident.?
• Workplace injuries - if you are injured at your workplace due to faulty equipment, hazardous materials, poor working conditions, or negligence, you can file a claim against the employer.?
• Medical malpractice - if you undergo a medical procedure that causes you harm, you can file a claim against the hospital or medical facility with the help of a medical malpractice lawyer. These injuries can be physical, emotional, or mental.?
• Deaths from faulty transportation infrastructure - if someone dies as a result of poor maintenance, negligence, or faulty operation of railways, public transportation, or airlines, you can file a claim against the government agency that is responsible for that transportation infrastructure.?
• Libel, slander, and defamation - if your image or reputation are damaged by the spread of false information, you can file a claim against the publication or individual that is responsible for disseminating that information.?
• Assault that results in trauma - if you are the victim of an assault or sexual assault that leads to emotional trauma, you can file a claim against your assailant.

Before you hire legal representation or file a claim, you should allow the offending party to try and resolve the issue out of court. You will first have to inform that party in writing that their actions have resulted in an injury. The letter you write should be detailed and include information about the accident and your injuries.?

Should the party fail to respond or offer compensation, you can write them another letter demanding compensation within 15 days of receiving the letter. Should they still fail to respond, you can proceed with filing a claim. Make sure you have documentation and strongly consider hiring a personal injury lawyer, because there is a possibility that the offending party may counter sue for defamation.?

How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take to Settle in the UAE?

Personal injury cases in the UAE usually take between eight and 12 months, but can be shorter or longer. The time needed to settle depends on the gravity of the injury or financial loss, the time needed for discovery (gathering evidence), the time needed to formulate medical expert reports or medical committee reports in the case of negligence, and the time required to establish liability.?

The type of case also affects the case length. A civil suit related to a road accident will take less time than a medical malpractice case because the evidence is much more obvious and the police are involved as a necessity. With medical cases, the lawyer will often have to prove “beyond any reasonable doubt” that the doctor involved was negligent. To prove this, the lawyer will need to spend more time interviewing, gathering reports, and collecting evidence.?

When do you Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you are facing a personal injury case, it is a necessity to consult and hire a lawyer. While not legally required, heading into court without a legal expert is ill-advised because you will be trying to argue your case against a party that likely has legal representation. Whether your suit is against a motorist, business, or medical facility, you should know that you will likely be going up against a legal team that knows the law and how to present the evidence to the benefit of their client.?

With Connect Legal, you can find a lawyer that not only specializes in personal injury law, but whatever specific personal injury you sustained. Lawyers specializing in traffic accidents, medical malpractice, or injuries on the premises of an organization will be experienced with the laws associated with those cases. These lawyers almost always work on commission and will not levy their full fee if they do not win, so at least consulting with a legal professional is in your best interest.?

Personal injury law can be complex. There is evidence that often goes overlooked and settlements that seem sufficient that often leave injury victims scrambling to make ends meet. Your defendant will almost certainly be bringing a legal team, so if you’ve been wrongly injured, connect with a legal expert on Connect Legal, and get the compensation you need.