How long do I have to make a compensation claim?
The Limitation Act 1980 defines how long you have to make a claim for personal injury
Here are some of the key elements within the act:
- In actions for damages for personal injury, a claim must be brought within three years.
- This starts to run either from the date on which the injury occurred or;
- From the date on which the person injured first had knowledge of the injury. The date of knowledge is the first date on which the claimant has knowledge:
- The limitation period does not effectively start until the claimant reaches the age of 18. e.g. someone who is 15 at the time of an accident would have until their 21st birthday to make their personal injury claim.
The reality is that the sooner you make your claim - the better.
Please read more of our pages about accident compensation:
- Why make a claim?
- Compensation claims and guidance
- Will you have to go to court?
- Is there a compensation culture?
- How long does a claim actually take?
- How much compensation will I receive?
Our team will respond to all written enquiries within 1 hour 8am-8pm. For immediate claims assistance call 0800 0322210.
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