How to Start a Personal Injury Claim in the UK

Starting a personal injury claim can feel confusing especially if you’re dealing with pain, stress, time off work or uncertainty about your rights. Many people delay claiming simply because they don’t know where to begin.

This guide explains exactly how to start a personal injury claim in the UK, who can claim, what happens at each stage and what you need to know before you begin.

Step-by-Step: How to start a personal injury claim

Step 1: Check if you’re eligible

Most claims depend on three key factors:

1. Fault
Another party must have been fully or partly responsible (for example, an employer, driver, property owner, or organisation).

2. Injury
This includes:

• Physical injuries (fractures, soft tissue injuries, burns, amputations)
• Psychological injuries (anxiety, PTSD, depression)
• Worsening of existing conditions

3. Time Limits
In most cases, you have 3 years from:

• The date of the accident, or
• The date you became aware your injury was linked to negligence

There are exceptions (children, industrial disease, mental capacity), so it’s always worth checking.

Step 2: Start the claim (No obligation)

Starting a claim usually involves:

• Completing a short claim form, or
• Speaking briefly with a claims specialist

At this stage:

• There is no commitment
• No paperwork is required upfront
• You are simply checking eligibility

If you are eligible, the claim can be formally opened on your behalf.

Step 3: Evidence is gathered

You don’t need to have evidence ready before starting – this is gathered after the claim begins.

Evidence may include:

• Medical records
• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Photographs or CCTV
• Employer or insurer documentation

Your legal team will handle most of this for you.

Step 4: Medical Assessment

An independent medical assessment is arranged to:

• Confirm your injuries
• Assess recovery time
• Identify long-term or psychological effects

This report is crucial for valuing your compensation and ensures all injuries are included, not just the obvious ones.

Step 5: Valuing the claim

Your compensation may include:

• General Damages
• Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Physical and psychological injuries
• Special Damages
• Lost earnings
• Medical costs
• Travel expenses
• Care or assistance
• Future financial losses

Multiple injuries (including mental health effects) are combined into one overall claim value.

Step 6: Settlement or Court (Rare)

The vast majority of claims settle without going to court

• Liability is negotiated with insurers
• Court proceedings are a last resort and uncommon
• You remain in control and are advised at every stage

What information helps when starting a claim?

You can start a claim without everything, but the following is helpful if available:

• Date and location of the accident
• Details of who was responsible
• Medical treatment received
• Witness names or contact details
• Photos or reports (if available)

Missing information can usually be obtained later.

How long does a Personal Injury Claim take?

Timeframes vary depending on injury severity and complexity:

• Minor injuries: 3–6 months
• Moderate injuries: 6–12 months
• Serious or long-term injuries: 12–24+ months

Claims take longer when recovery is ongoing, as waiting ensures the full value of your injuries is included.

How much compensation could you receive?

Compensation depends on:

• The type and severity of injury
• Length of recovery
• Impact on work and daily life
• Psychological effects
• Financial losses

There is no fixed amount for any injury, every claim is assessed individually. View the Injury Compensation Calculator for some indicative guides.

Costs: No Win No Fee explained

Most personal injury claims are handled under a No Win No Fee agreement, meaning:

• No upfront costs
• No legal fees if the claim does not succeed
• A capped success fee only applies if compensation is awarded
• This allows you to pursue a claim without financial risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes. Claims can still succeed under split liability, with compensation adjusted accordingly.

Can I claim for stress, anxiety, or PTSD?
Yes. Psychological injuries can be claimed alone or alongside physical injuries.

Do I need medical records before starting?
No. These are obtained after the claim begins.

Will I have to go to court?
Very unlikely. Most claims settle without a hearing.

Can I claim if my employer denies responsibility?
Yes. Employers are legally required to have insurance to cover valid claims.

Speak to a specialist serious injury solicitor

If you would like to discuss your circumstances, you can request a free, no-obligation case assessment. Our specialist solicitors handle complex serious injury and fatal injury claims and can advise you on your legal options.

Click here to Request a Free Callback. You remain free to decide whether to proceed after receiving advice.