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Am I Eligible To Make A Claim?

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work, received inadequate medical care or are the victim of any negligence, you could be eligible for compensation.

Personal injury claims allow you to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable and receive a financial award that helps you pay for ongoing expenses.

This page will guide you through the different types of claims you can make and help determine whether you’re eligible to receive compensation.

Common types of claims

Any injuries that weren’t your fault – minor or life-changing – could be eligible for compensation. The most common types of compensation claims include:

Personal injuries

General personal injury claims account for a variety of situations where an individual suffers physical or psychological injuries due to another person’s negligence.

These cases can be a simple case of someone’s carelessness or accidents caused by dog bites, criminal violence and general neglect. If you prove that you weren’t negligent, you can make a personal injury claim and receive compensation.

Medical negligence

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails in their duty of care to patients. Whether from a GP, hospital, dentist or any other facility, the consequences of medical negligence can range from minor injuries to fatalities.

All forms of medical negligence should be taken seriously, and claiming compensation holds the healthcare service accountable for your – or a loved one’s – injuries.

Accidents at work

The Health and Safety at Work Act clearly states that employers must provide a safe environment for their workforce. This includes conducting regular assessments, offering PPE (personal protective equipment), and implementing employee training.

If you suffer an accident at work due to any of the above or poorly maintained equipment, you have every right to claim compensation for accident at work.

Road traffic accidents

Pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and users of micromobility devices are at risk of injuries caused by careless drivers, speeding and poorly maintained roads.

The Road Traffic Act (1988) and Highway Code clearly outline that all road users must take their duty of care seriously.

If you were involved in a road traffic accident that resulted in minor or severe injuries, you could hold the other road user or local authority responsible.

Slips, trips and falls

Feeling safe and secure in a public space or private setting shouldn’t be a luxury, but slips, trips and falls can lead to serious injuries.

Local authorities and private landowners should maintain a risk-free environment, so any accident due to a lack of risk assessments or health and safety standards means you could receive financial support.

Do I qualify for compensation?

Your eligibility to make a personal injury claim depends on whether your solicitor can prove that the other party was negligent. Seeking free legal advice by calling 0800 234 6438 or using the online form enables you to discuss your case with an expert and discover whether your claim will be successful.

You’ll also be connected with a no win no fee solicitor, who will fight in your corner to secure a compensation payment.

Jumping into the claims process without knowing your rights means you might not receive any money and will waste time and effort.

The compensation claims eligibility criteria

  • Your Injury: It doesn’t matter how severe your injuries are, but you must ensure they’re documented. Going to your GP or local hospital gives you medical evidence. Workplace injuries should also be recorded in the accident book.
  • Liability: Proving someone else is responsible for your injuries is essential. For example, if you slip on a wet floor, but there’s a clear sign warning you, the building owner isn’t negligent.
  • Time Limits: Personal injury claims typically have a time limit of three years from the time of your injury. Claiming immediately gives your solicitor time to negotiate an appropriate settlement.

Does the impact of my injury make a difference to my claim?

The injuries you suffered determine your compensation amount. For example, minor concussions, fractures and sprains can cause some difficulties, but most people make a full recovery. Injuries that result in permanent disabilities or fatalities will always be worth more due to the long-term effects.

Psychological injuries, including stress and anxiety from the incident, also factor into your claim.

Am I eligible to make a claim against my employer?

Workplaces are responsible for protecting employees from harm and providing them with adequate training. You can claim compensation if you have a workplace accident that results in injuries.

However, you’ll need to prove your employer was negligent. Receiving proper health and safety training but failing to implement it while working means the injury was your responsibility. Seeking free legal advice can help you determine whether your employer was negligent for your injuries.

Can I make a claim after five years?

In most cases, the time limit for claiming compensation is three years from the date of your accident. Some exceptions to the rule include your ability to claim the injury.

Individuals who have been in comas or suffered traumatic brain injuries could claim compensation after the time limit if they can prove they were unable to within the three-year limit. If you sustained injuries as a child, you have up to three years from the date you turn 18 to make a compensation claim.

Other Important Information

*No Win No Fee

  • Although all our cases are handled on a no win no fee basis, other costs could be payable upon solicitors request. These will be fully explained to you before you proceed. Most customers will pay 25% (including VAT) of the compensation they are awarded to their law firm, although this may vary based on individual circumstances. Your solicitor may arrange for insurance to be in place for you to make sure your claim is risk free. Termination fees based on time spent may apply, or in situations such as: lack of cooperation or deliberately misleading our solicitors, or failing to go to any medical or expert examination, or court hearing.
  • *Criminal Injury Claims

  • If you want to make a claim for a criminal injury, you are not required to use the services of a claims management company to pursue the claim. You can submit your claim for free on your own behalf, directly to the Criminal Injury Compensation Authority (England, Wales, and Scotland) or the Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme (Northern Ireland).
About the Author

Nicola Laver LLB

Nicola is a dual qualified journalist and non-practising solicitor. She is a legal journalist, editor and author with more than 20 years' experience writing about the law.

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