A free service has been launched to support older people making a personal injury claim in Scotland.
Age Scotland has teamed up with leading solicitors to launch the service, which will ensure claimants keep 100% of any compensation they receive.
The charity launched the helpline after seeing reports of older people being charged as much as 30% of damages by their legal teams.
As well as helping individuals make claims, the service will see solicitors donate to the charity for every winning case.
Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive, said: “Before looking into this proposition, I had no idea just how much money people were paying out to their representatives following a no-win, no-fee case, which could be anything from 20-30% of what a court has decided they are entitled to. Even more staggering was that the industry is awash with unregulated and unqualified practitioners, who are not solicitors.
“As a charity, we felt that we couldn’t just stand by once we were aware of a fairer way to do things. We believe older people deserve a better service and to be given clear information about how their case would be handled and how much of their compensation they could expect to receive in the event of a successful claim.
"That's why we are delighted to work again with Solicitors for Older People Scotland, who are tried and tested, and their member law firms, to provide the Accident Claim Helpline.”
The service will cover claims for workplace accidents, falls, slips and trips, serious and fatal injuries and illnesses caused by asbestos or industrial processes.
All claims will be handled by regulated personal injury specialists and successful claimants will keep 100% of any compensation.
Mr Sloan said: "We know from experience that many older people find it daunting to pursue a claim when they have suffered an accident or injury.
"Anyone who isn't sure about where they stand can phone us and we'll talk them through the process without any pressure. So if you're not sure if you have a case, you can call and find out for free.
"All of the solicitors involved are specialists and regulated by the Law Society of Scotland. They will clearly communicate what is involved every step of the way, whether a case is successful or not, and there will be no cost to the individual. Age Scotland will benefit from any successful claims result from the helpline in the form of a donation from the law firm which will be reinvested back into supporting older people in Scotland."
Elizabeth Mitchell, partner and head of personal Injury and reparation at law firm Harper Macleod, added: "We are delighted to have helped set up this charity initiative, which should put older people's minds at ease when they are faced with making a personal injury claim.
“For people who suffer following an accident it is really all about receiving justice for what has happened, and the helpline will assist them in doing just that."
The helpline is free to call on 0800 021 4743.
