Your Complete Guide to Making a Personal Injury Claim
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a road traffic collision, a slip in a supermarket, or an injury at work, the aftermath can be painful—both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, in the UK, if you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what a personal injury claim is, how the process works, who qualifies, how compensation is calculated, and how Legal Assist can support you every step of the way.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process that allows an individual who has been physically or psychologically harmed due to someone else’s negligence to seek compensation. This can include a wide range of scenarios such as:
Road traffic accidents
Accidents at work
Slips, trips, and falls
Medical negligence
Assault or criminal injuries
The purpose of a personal injury claim is to compensate the injured person for the harm they have suffered. This compensation can cover medical bills, loss of income, emotional distress, and other related costs.
Who Can Make a Personal Injury Claim?
If you’ve suffered an injury that was not your fault, you likely qualify to make a personal injury claim. Here are the key criteria:
The injury must have occurred within the last three years.
The accident must have been caused by someone else’s negligence.
You must have evidence of your injuries, such as medical reports or witness statements.
Children under 18 can still claim through a litigation friend, and those with diminished capacity may have longer to claim.
It’s also important to act quickly. In most cases, there is a strict three-year time limit from the date of the accident—or from when you first realised your injuries were linked to the event.
The Claims Process: Step by Step
Understanding the process can ease some of the stress. Here’s what typically happens when you make a personal injury claim in the UK.
1. Contact a Legal Expert
First, consult with a qualified solicitor. At Legal Assist, our experienced team will assess your case during a free initial consultation. We’ll let you know whether you have a valid claim and what your next steps should be.
2. Gathering Evidence
You’ll need solid evidence to support your case. This includes:
Medical reports
Photos of the injury or accident scene
Witness statements
Police or accident reports
The more detailed your evidence, the stronger your claim will be.
3. Medical Examination
You will be asked to undergo a medical examination. This is to evaluate the full extent of your injuries. The doctor’s report will play a vital role in determining how much compensation you may receive.
4. Negotiation with the Opposing Party
Your solicitor will contact the responsible party—often their insurance company—and attempt to settle the matter without going to court. Most personal injury claims are resolved during this stage.
5. Settlement or Court
If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to court. However, less than 5% of claims go that far. If it does, your solicitor will represent you and guide you through the court process.
How Compensation Is Calculated
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, but compensation is usually split into two parts:
General Damages
This covers pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (PSLA). It takes into account how severe your injury is, how long it will take you to recover, and how it affects your daily life.
Special Damages
These are specific financial losses you have incurred, such as:
Loss of earnings
Medical expenses
Travel costs to and from appointments
Future care or rehabilitation costs
A detailed breakdown of your expenses will ensure you’re fully compensated for your losses.
Why Choose Legal Assist?
When it comes to personal injury claims, having the right legal support can make all the difference. At Legal Assist, we understand how stressful accidents can be. That’s why we aim to make the claims process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible.
Here’s what sets us apart:
No win, no fee service: You don’t pay unless we win your case.
Expert solicitors: Our experienced team has a track record of successful personal injury claims.
Personalised attention: Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to your specific situation.
Nationwide support: No matter where you are in the UK, we’re here to help.
Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on your recovery.
Common Types of Personal Injury Claims
Let’s look at some of the most frequent personal injury scenarios we handle at Legal Assist.
Road Traffic Accidents
These are one of the most common types of claims. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, if you’re injured due to another road user’s carelessness, you could be entitled to compensation.
Workplace Accidents
Employers have a duty of care to ensure their workplace is safe. If they fail to meet health and safety standards and you’re injured as a result, you may be able to claim.
Slips and Falls
If you slip on a wet floor in a shop, trip over loose cables, or fall due to poor lighting, the property owner may be held responsible.
Medical Negligence
Medical professionals owe patients a duty of care. If that care falls below the accepted standard, and you’re harmed as a result, it could constitute medical negligence.
Criminal Injuries
You can also claim compensation if you were injured as a result of a violent crime. These claims are usually made through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Tips to Strengthen Your Personal Injury Claim
To improve your chances of a successful outcome, consider the following tips:
Report the incident immediately. Whether to your employer, the police, or a property manager, timely reporting helps establish credibility.
Keep a diary. Record your symptoms, medical visits, and how your injury is affecting your life.
Avoid social media. Insurers and solicitors may review your online activity. Avoid posting anything that may contradict your claim.
Follow medical advice. Not attending appointments or ignoring your doctor’s instructions could harm your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a personal injury claim take?
This depends on the complexity of your case. Simple claims may be resolved in a few months. More complicated cases involving serious injuries can take a year or more.
Will I need to go to court?
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court. However, if the responsible party disputes the claim, court proceedings may be necessary.
Can I claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes, this is called contributory negligence. You can still claim compensation, but the amount may be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Delay Your Claim
Suffering an injury can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you believe someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you have the right to seek compensation.
The earlier you act, the better your chances of success. Contact Legal Assist today for a no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and guide you through every step of the claims process.
Legal Assist – Your Trusted Partner in Personal Injury Claims
Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
