Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why must you visit me?

To assess how your condition has affected your life, and the additional costs caused by your injury. This could include past/present/future care, equipment, transport, housing and miscellaneous costs.

2. Whose side are you on?

The letter we send you confirming your appointment will tell you whether we have been instructed by your solicitor, the defence solicitor - or jointly by both of them.

3. Why will the visit take so long?

Because we must cover everything that the solicitor has asked us to consider, in reporting on the additional costs of your disability. Our Consultant will work through a very detailed checklist.

4. Can a family member or friend stay with me during the assessment?

Yes, of course. In fact if your injury has affected your memory, or speech, you should ideally have someone with you who can help you answer questions.

5. Should I arrange for my young children to be cared for by someone else during the assessment?

In most cases it would be helpful - but it's not essential.

6. If you are reporting on my child, does he/she need to be present for the whole assessment?

If we are assessing a young child, they will need to be present for some of the time - after which they can be cared for by someone else, while you answer questions. Older children, who can communicate with the Consultant, should normally be present throughout the assessment. If you or the Consultant need to speak without your child present, simply arrange to do this by telephone later.

7. Will the Consultant want to see my scars?

Only with your willing consent - and only if they would normally be visible to strangers.

8. Will the Consultant photograph me, or my home?

Only with your willing consent. That said, photographs of disfigurements, or certain aspects of a home can sometimes convey information better than words. A written agreement will describe exactly how the photographs will be stored and used.

9. What if I remember something that I forgot to tell you during the assessment?

Simply contact Anita Foster or Jenny Stephen at our Head Office. You can do this by phone (01722 329156), by emailing allocations@jwebb.co.uk or by post: Jacqueline Webb & Co, 17 Barnack Business Centre, Blakey Road, Salisbury SP1 2LP.

10. Will I be able to see your report?

Yes. Whether we are instructed by your solicitor, on a joint basis, or by the defendants/defenders, your solicitor will be able to show you the report when it becomes available.

11. What if I notice an error in the report?

Inform your solicitor, who will normally write to us, requesting us to carry out any amendments that may be necessary.

Any more questions or comments?

If you have, simply send them to watermane@jwebb.co.uk or by writing to Elizabeth Waterman, Jacqueline Webb & Co, 17 Barnack Business Centre, Blakey Road, Salisbury SP1 2LP.