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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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 &amp; Co today o 01642 222575 to speak with our expert team.

Written by: Atha & Co

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