If you have suffered a personal injury in Chorley, understanding the time limits for making a claim is crucial. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to compensation entirely. At Marley Solicitors, we specialise in personal injury claims in Chorley, and we want to help you avoid common pitfalls by submitting your claim on time and maximising your chance of success.
What is the time limit for personal injury claims in the UK?
In the UK, most personal injury claims must be made within three years of the injury date. This is governed by the Limitation Act 1980 and applies to injuries caused by accidents, negligence, medical malpractice, or workplace incidents. The three-year period generally starts from the date of the accident or injury or the date you became aware that the injury was caused by someone else’s fault.
Understanding this deadline is vital to protect your rights when making a personal injury claim in Chorley or anywhere in England and Wales.
Why are time limits important for personal injury claims?
Time limits exist to ensure claims are made promptly, while evidence is fresh and witnesses are available. If you miss your personal injury claim deadline, the court will usually reject your claim, no matter how severe the injury or negligence involved.
Failing to claim on time means you risk losing out on compensation for medical bills, loss of earnings, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the injury.
Exceptions to the three-year time limit for personal injury claims
While the three-year limit applies in most cases, there are important exceptions you should know:
- Claims involving children: If the injured person was under 18 at the time of injury, the three-year limitation period starts on their 18th birthday. This means children have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim.
- People lacking mental capacity: If the individual who was hurt is unable to control their issues resulting from mental impairment, the statute of limitations is paused until they regain capacity.
- Claims for gradual onset conditions or diseases: For injuries caused by diseases like mesothelioma or gradual conditions, the clock starts when you become aware (or should have been aware) of the injury and its cause, rather than the initial exposure date.
- Claims against government bodies: Some claims involving the Ministry of Defence or other government departments have different limitation periods or require special procedures.
When does the time limit start for personal injury claims?
The three-year limit usually begins on the date of the accident or injury. However, if your injury develops or becomes apparent later (such as a disease or medical negligence), the limitation period starts when you knew or ought to have known the injury was caused by negligence.
For example, if you develop an illness months or years after exposure to a harmful substance, your time limit begins when a doctor confirms the diagnosis and links it to negligence.
What happens if you miss the personal injury claim deadline?
If you try to submit a personal injury claim after the three-year period, the defendant can ask the court to reject your case as out of time. Courts rarely allow claims beyond the limitation period except in very exceptional circumstances.
Therefore, it is vital to act quickly and seek legal advice as soon as possible after an injury to protect your right to compensation.
How Marley Solicitors can help with your personal injury claim in Chorley
At Marley Solicitors, our experienced personal injury solicitors specialise in handling claims for residents of Chorley and the surrounding areas. We know how critical time limits are and will guide you through the claims process step by step to ensure your case is submitted within the legal deadline.
We offer a free initial consultation to review your claim and explain your options clearly. Whether your injury is recent or you are unsure about time limits due to delayed diagnosis, we provide tailored advice to your unique circumstances.
What to do immediately after a personal injury in Chorley
- Report the accident: Notify your employer, local authority, or the police depending on where and how the injury occurred.
- Seek medical treatment: Prompt medical attention is vital. Keep all medical records and documents related to your injury.
- Gather evidence: Collect photos, witness details, incident reports, and any other relevant information.
- Contact a personal injury solicitor: Early legal advice can protect your claim and improve your chances of receiving full compensation.
Don’t miss your personal injury claim window
Understanding the time limits for personal injury claims is essential to safeguard your right to compensation. The three-year deadline is strict, and missing it can result in losing your claim forever. If you have been injured in Chorley, contact Marley Solicitors promptly for expert legal support.
Our dedicated team will help make sure you get the best deal, from assessing your claim to negotiating with insurers or taking your case to court. Don’t delay – get in touch with us today to protect your future.
