Jayne returned from her school trip today, and amongst her mail that was waiting here for her was a cheque relating to an injury claim of hers. The thing is that we are both happy it has arrived: not because of the money, but because it means she no longer has to deal with the solicitors.

This cheque is the result of an injury Jayne had about three years ago. She was working in an office doing security at night. There was an open window and when she went to close it she tripped over the mass of wires behind the desk. Really there should not be a mass of wires, but also the windows are not supposed to be open anyway. She had to visit the hospital to have her hip looked at, and had to give up kick boxing. She still gets twinges there now. She figured there was nothing to lose by calling one of those no-win-no-fee people who advertise everywhere, but it turned out to be a nightmare.

Right at the beginning they make it very clear that you will not be out of pocket as long as you co-operate with them – but then they go on for years asking for more information, asking you to go to Harley Street for a medical, then more information, then another medical. You have to jump through all the hoops in case you are suddenly liable for all the costs incurred so far. At the end, the company settled for £1900 and about £800 went on the costs of the insurance which covered the costs. In a way we see the money as compensation for all the hassle and stress caused by the lawyers rather than compensation for an injury!