Home › Legal guides › Personal Injury
Personal Injury
Hurt in an accident that wasn't your fault? You may be able to claim for the injury, lost earnings and the cost of care.
Who you need
A personal injury solicitor. Most work on a 'no win, no fee' (conditional fee) agreement — ask exactly what share of any compensation they would keep.
What to do first
- Get medical attention and make sure the injury is recorded.
- Report the accident: in your employer's accident book, to the shop or venue, or to the police for road accidents.
- Take photos, get witness names, and keep receipts for costs and lost earnings.
- Many road traffic injury claims in England & Wales worth up to £5,000 go through the Official Injury Claim service, which is designed to be used without a lawyer.
Watch the clock
The usual limit to start a claim is three years from the injury, or from when you first knew about it. Different rules apply to children and in some other cases.
Questions worth asking any lawyer
- What will this cost — fixed fee, hourly rate, or a share of any compensation?
- Who will actually do the work, and how often will I hear from you?
- Have you handled cases like mine, and what's a realistic outcome?
- Could I get this done for free through legal aid, insurance or a charity?
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and it can't take account of your circumstances. The law differs in England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and it changes. If something is urgent, speak to a solicitor — in an emergency, call 999.