A personal injury claim is a way of seeking compensation when you've been hurt because of someone else's negligence — a road accident, a slip or fall in a public place, an accident at work, or a defective product. This page explains the basics of how claims work in England and Wales, so you know what to expect before speaking to a solicitor.
What you can claim for
Compensation in a personal injury claim usually covers two broad things: "general damages" for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself, and "special damages" for financial losses that flow from it — lost earnings, medical or physiotherapy costs, travel to appointments, and in more serious cases, care costs or adaptations to your home.
The value of a claim depends heavily on the severity and lasting impact of the injury, which is usually assessed with the help of an independent medical report. No reputable solicitor can tell you an exact figure before that assessment has taken place — be cautious of anyone who quotes a guaranteed amount upfront.
Time limits you need to know
In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident (or from when you became aware the injury was linked to it) to start court proceedings. There are important exceptions — claims involving children, for example, have different rules — so it's worth checking your specific situation early rather than assuming you have plenty of time.
No win, no fee arrangements
Many personal injury solicitors offer "no win, no fee" (technically a Conditional Fee Agreement), meaning you typically don't pay legal fees if the claim is unsuccessful. Before signing anything, it's worth understanding what percentage of your compensation the solicitor takes if you do win, and what "after the event" insurance covers if the claim fails.
Choosing a solicitor
Look for a firm that is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and has genuine experience in the specific type of claim you have — road traffic, workplace, clinical, or public liability claims can each involve quite different processes. It's reasonable to ask about their track record with similar cases before instructing them.