How long do I have to make an Injury Compensation claim?

When we become injured in an accident that wasn’t our fault, making an injury compensation claim is likely to be one of the last things on our mind. Mostly, we’ll be focusing all of our attention and energy on recovering from any injuries we have sustained. However, when we do recover, we may then decide that making an injury compensation claim is a possibility.

With most accidents, the injured party has a three-year limit in which they are able to make an injury compensation claim. However, in cases such as GBH where somebody has been charged for the offence, those involved normally have two years to make a claim. Depending on the age of those involved and the type of accident, this limit may vary.

If you were under the age of 18 when you were involved in an accident, you normally have up until your 21^st birthday to make a claim. Your parent of guardian can make a claim on your behalf before then, but if they choose not to, it may be something you wish to pursue.

In cases involving work related illness such as an asbestos poisoning claim, you normally have three years from the date that the asbestos poisoning was diagnosed to make a claim. This is because asbestos poisoning can take up to 40 years to make itself known – it can sit in the human body and go unnoticed for years. 

If you become injured in an accident such as a supermarket accident or a road traffic accident, you have three years from the date the doctor linked your injuries to the accident to make a claim.

For example, if you became involved in a road traffic accident in May 2010, and your doctor didn’t link your injuries to the accident until July 2010, then you have up until July 2013 to make the claim.

Prior to making an injury compensation claim you should seek legal advice from an independent law firm such as The Injury Lawyers. As we can advise you on your claim and if we believe it’s a valid claim then we will fight for compensation on your behalf.

Injury compensation claims can take a long time, so the sooner you act – the quicker you’ll receive compensation.