If someone else’s negligence hurt you, you may be able to make a personal injury claims. Every year, thousands of people in the UK ask for personal injury compensation.
This guide explains your rights, the types of personal injury claims you can make, and how claiming compensation works.
What Are Personal Injury Claims?
Personal injury claims arise when someone suffers harm because another party fails to uphold their duty of care. A duty of care means a legal responsibility to protect others from harm.
For example:
- Employers must provide a safe workplace under employers liability rules.
- Drivers must follow road laws to avoid causing a road traffic accident.
- Businesses must ensure premises are safe for visitors.
If someone breaches that duty and you suffer an injury, you may have a valid claim.
Types of Personal Injury Claims
Many types of personal injury claims exist, including:
1. Accidents at Work
If unsafe systems, poor training, or faulty equipment injure you, you may be able to make a claim.
You can claim under employers’ liability insurance.
2. Road Traffic Accident Claims
Drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians can make accident claims if another road user was at fault.
3. Public Liability Claims
These involve injuries in public places, such as slips in supermarkets or trips in poorly maintained areas.
4. Medical Negligence
When medical professionals fail to provide proper treatment resulting in injury.
5. Minor Injury Claims
Even a minor injury, like whiplash or a sprain, may justify a compensation claim. This applies if it caused pain, lost earnings, or medical costs.
We assess each personal injury case individually based on the evidence and liability.
What Must Be Proven?
To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must show:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- The breach caused your injury
Strong evidence may include:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Accident reports
- Photographs
- Expert assessments
Early legal advice can significantly improve your chances of success.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
Personal injury compensation is divided into two main categories:
General Damages
For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the injury.
Special Damages
For financial losses such as:
- Lost earnings
- Medical costs
- Travel expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Future care needs
The goal of compensation is to help you recover financially.
It aims to put you back in the position you would have been in if the accident had not happened.
Time Limits for Personal Injury Claims
In most cases in England and Wales, you have three years from:
- The date of the accident, or
- The date you became aware of your injury
If court proceedings are not started within this period, your claim may be time-barred. There are exceptions for children and those lacking mental capacity.
Seeking legal advice early helps ensure you do not miss important deadlines.
How the Injury Claim Process Works
Starting an official injury claim usually follows these steps:
- Initial Consultation – A personal injury solicitor reviews your case.
- Evidence Gathering – We obtain medical reports and documentation.
- Letter of Claim – Sent to the responsible party.
- Negotiation – Many accident claims settle without going to court.
- Court Proceedings – Use court proceedings only if someone disputes liability or compensation.
Negotiation resolves most personal injury claims rather than a trial.
No Win No Fee Explained
Many solicitors offer a win no fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement.
This means:
- No upfront legal fees
- No payment if your claim fails
- A success fee deducted from compensation if you win
This allows injured individuals to access justice without financial risk.
When choosing a solicitor, check that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates them to ensure professional standards.
Employers Liability and Workplace Accidents
Under employers liability law, businesses must hold insurance to cover employees who suffered an injury at work.
If someone ignored safety rules, skipped risk checks, or failed to train you, you may be able to claim compensation.
Your employer cannot legally dismiss you for making a genuine personal injury claim.
Why Legal Advice Matters
Although you can technically pursue a claim alone, working with an experienced personal injury solicitor ensures:
- Correct valuation of your claim
- Proper handling of medical evidence
- Negotiation with insurers
- Protection against low settlement offers
A professional injury claim service will guide you through every stage and keep the process clear and stress-free.
How Much Is a Personal Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a claim depends on:
- Severity of the injury
- Long-term impact
- Financial losses
- Psychological effects
Minor injury cases may result in modest settlements, while serious injuries involving permanent disability can lead to substantial compensation awards.
Each personal injury case is unique.
Taking the Next Step
If you have suffered an injury because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to explore your options.
Personal injury claims protect individuals whom others harm through no fault of their own. With strict time limits and complex legal procedures, acting promptly is essential.
Seeking early legal advice from a regulated personal injury solicitor can help you understand your rights. It can help you assess your case and start your compensation claim with confidence.
Why You Should Contact Claim Today
- Expert Personal Injury Solicitors
Claim Today works with experienced personal injury solicitors across England and Wales who understand the nuances of accident claims, employers’ liability, and road traffic accidents. You get professional advice tailored to your situation. - No Win, No Fee Guarantee
You don’t pay unless you win your claim. This makes it easier to take action without financial risk, giving you confidence that your case will be handled fairly. - Quick and Easy Assessment
Claim Today offers a free injury claim assessment. You can find out your eligibility for compensation within minutes, without lengthy forms or delays. - Maximise Your Compensation
Their solicitors are skilled at securing personal injury compensation for both minor injuries and serious cases, ensuring you receive the full settlement you’re entitled to. - Guidance Through Court Proceedings
If your case goes to court, Claim Today provides step-by-step support, handling paperwork, negotiations, and legal procedures so you don’t have to navigate the system alone.
