How Long Afterward An Accident Can You File an Injury Claim?
General
Posted on: June 3rd, 2025
Understanding the time limits for personal injury claims in the UK
When you’ve suffered an injury, the first priority is recovery. But if your injury was caused by
someone else’s negligence, whether through a road accident, unsafe working conditions, or
a hazard in a public space, it’s also important to understand your legal rights.
A common question we’re asked at Atha & Co is: How long afterwards can I file a claim?
The answer depends on a few factors, but in most cases, there is a legal time limit. This blog
outlines those timeframes and the exceptions, so you can be better informed about your
options.
The General Time Limit for Personal Injury Claims
In the UK, the standard time limit for personal injury claims is three years from the date of
the accident or from the date you first became aware that your injury was caused by
someone else’s negligence. This is known as the “date of knowledge.”
This applies to a wide range of cases, including:
● Accidents at work
● Road traffic accidents
● Medical negligence
● Public liability claims (such as trips or falls in public spaces)
Failing to start your claim within this three-year period may mean you lose your right to
pursue compensation. It is only possible to proceed out of time with the permission of the
court which will only be given is limited circumstances. That is why it’s important to seek
legal advice as soon as possible.
Accidents at Work and Employer Liability Claims
If you’ve been injured at work due to unsafe practices, lack of training, or faulty equipment,
you may be entitled to compensation under an employer liability claim. These are a type of
personal injury claim specifically focused on workplace accidents.
The same three-year rule applies here. Your claim must be started within three years of the
accident date, or the date you became aware of your injury being linked to your working
conditions.
At Atha & Co, we’ve seen how workplace injuries can have long-term impacts, not just
physically but financially too. You may be entitled to claim for lost earnings, medical
expenses, and the ongoing impact on your daily life.
Public Liability Claims
Public liability claims cover injuries sustained in public spaces, such as slipping on a wet
floor in a supermarket, tripping on an uneven pavement, or being injured in a poorly
maintained public park.
As with most personal injury cases, the time limit is three years. However, these claims often
involve local councils or large companies, so gathering evidence early is crucial. Reporting
the incident and seeking legal advice quickly can help strengthen your case.
Atha & Co can guide you through the process, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, there are a few important exceptions to the standard three-year rule:
Children
If a child is injured, the three-year time limit does not begin until their 18th birthday. This
means they have until the age of 21 to make a claim.
However, a parent or guardian can bring a claim on their behalf before this, known as acting
as a ‘litigation friend’.
Mental Capacity
If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, the time limit may be
extended indefinitely until they regain capacity.
Criminal Injuries
In cases where an injury is the result of a violent crime, claims made through the Criminal
Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) have a shorter limit - usually two years from the date
of the incident.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Even if you believe you have time, it’s always better to act quickly. Over time, evidence can
be lost, witnesses may be harder to contact, and details can become unclear.
At Atha & Co, we offer clear, expert guidance on whether you have a valid claim, and how to
get it started. With over 30 years of experience handling personal injury claims, we’ll
ensure your case is handled with care, professionalism, and efficiency.
Let Atha & Co Help You Move Forward
If you’ve suffered an injury - whether from a road accident, an accident at work, or a fall in a
public place - it’s important to know your rights.
We specialise in:
● Personal injury claims
● Accidents at work
● Employer liability claims
● Public liability claims
And with our No-Win, No-Fee service, you won’t pay a penny unless your claim is
successful.
Choose the one you know
�� Call Atha & Co today o 01642 222575 to speak with our expert team.