In the UK, the time limit for making a personal injury claim is typically three years from the date of the injury or from the date that you became aware of the injury. This is known as the limitation period. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if a claim is being made on behalf of a child, in which case the three-year limitation period does not begin until they have had their 18th birthday.

There also may be variations in the limitation period for certain types of claims, such as medical negligence claims, depending on the circumstances. It is essential that you seek legal advice as soon as possible if you think you may have a personal injury claim, as delaying your claim could affect your ability to recover the compensation you deserve.

The compensation given in personal injury claims varies massively depending on several factors including the severity of the injuries sustained, the impact they have had on your quality of life, and the financial losses you have suffered as a result. Compensation is typically awarded in two parts:

• General damages: This covers the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity you have experienced as a result of the injury. The sum of general damages awarded depends on the severity of the injury and the impact it has had on your life.
• Special damages: This covers any financial losses you have suffered as a result of the injury, such as loss of earnings, medical expenses, and the cost of any necessary adaptations to your home or car.

Personal injury claims can amount to high levels of compensation. However, it is crucial to be aware that every case is different, and the compensation awarded will depend largely on the specific circumstances of your case.

Why not have a look at our personal injury compensation calculator to get an idea of what compensation you might be entitled to.

To get an accurate idea of the compensation you may be entitled to, it is best to consult a specialist personal injury solicitor who will be able to assess your case and provide tailored advice.

If your loss arose because of the accident, you are entitled to try and recover it. So, on top of damages for your personal injuries (which we will calculate for you), you can recover other losses such as:

• Medical expenses, e.g. prescriptions, painkillers, physiotherapy, massages etc;
• Recovering your damaged vehicle and having it stored;
• Hiring a replacement vehicle while yours is out of action;
• Travel costs, e.g. taxi / bus fares, parking charges at hospitals;
• Care and assistance; e.g. if you need extra help from family or friends performing everyday tasks or home treatment;
• Loss of wages, including future losses if you cannot go back to work;
• Damaged clothing or other possessions damaged in the accident.

Before we take on your case, we offer a free consultation, during which we will discuss the circumstances of your claim and advise you whether we think your claim stands a good chance of being successful. We will never proceed with a claim we do not think we can win.

At Levi Solicitors, we are experienced in dealing with all kinds of personal injury claims, including those that are severe.

A serious injury is generally defined as an injury that has already caused or will cause a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. This can include injuries that have resulted in long-term or permanent disability, chronic pain, significant scarring or disfigurement, or that have had a large impact on an individual’s ability to continue to work or carry out day-to-day activities, including hobbies they previously enjoyed.

Serious injuries can include but are not limited to:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Multiple fractures
• Serious burns
• Loss of sight or hearing
• Internal organ damage
• Serious psychological harm

It is crucial to note that what constitutes a serious injury will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual case. If you or someone you know have suffered an injury and are unsure whether it is considered serious, it is best to seek legal advice from a specialist personal injury solicitor who will be able to accurately assess your case and provide specified advice, including whether you can start a claim.

In the vast majority of cases, the chances of your claim reaching court are very low. The only way it may go to court is if the person / party against whom you are claiming either:

• refuses to accept they were responsible for causing your injuries,
• denies that you were even injured and/or
• does not agree to the value of your damages.

In most cases, the parties are able to agree a settlement because it can be very expensive to go to court. If it looks like the other party is not going to settle your claim, we will advise well in advance whether it is necessary to start the court process. Even if it is, your claim may still not end up in court.

It will take longer to resolve your claim if your injuries are more serious. Injuries often take a long time to improve, and sometimes are permanent. It is important we get the right medical evidence to make sure you receive the right amount of damages. Claims for whiplash injuries in road traffic accidents may only take three to six months to resolve, whilst complicated medical negligence or serious injury cases could take several years to conclude.

When a child, or an individual who is over 18 and has health issues that make it impossible for them to represent themselves, need to bring a claim against the those responsible for their injuries and losses, a Litigation Friend is usually appointed to assist them to take part in the Court process.

If you have been asked to be a Litigation Friend or starting a medical negligence claim on behalf of a loved one, please email us to find out more and arrange a free initial no obligation consultation.