If you have experienced a personal injury, you might be eligible for compensation, regardless of whether the incident occurred in the UK or abroad, at work or in public. Our legal experts are here to help you get the rehabilitation, compensation and support you need.
Everyone is entitled to go about their everyday life in safety. The fact is, however, every year, tens of thousands of people in the UK are injured or made ill by the carelessness or negligence of others. When an incident occurs which has caused you to be injured or become ill, you may be able to claim compensation and our expert solicitors are on hand to help you through this difficult time.
At Slater and Gordon, every year our team of experts help thousands of people claim for personal injury, ensuring they get the best possible outcome. Head of Serious Injury- South and Principal Lawyer, Tracey Benson is APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) accredited. Regularly recognised in the independent legal guides, Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500, for her formidable negotiating skills, Tracey has successfully helped her clients achieve the settlements they deserve.
Principal Lawyer and Head of Serious Injury – North, Matthew Tomlinson, has specialised in personal injury for the entirety of his career, having specific expertise in accidents at and illness suffered in the workplace. Throughout his career, Matthew has been recognised by the independent legal guides, Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500, and is accredited as a Senior Litigator by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Our lawyers have a wealth of experience in offering support, guidance, and representation throughout every stage of the claims process, and are dedicated to assisting you in getting your life back on track. Our personal injury cases are operated on a no win no fee basis, to ensure there is no financial risk to you when putting in a compensation for personal injury claim.
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What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a when somebody suffers actual bodily harm or psychiatric harm due to someone else’s negligence and seeks compensation through a legal process. Personal injury law dictates that we need to prove that your injury was caused by their negligence.
Our personal injury lawyers are specialists within this area and use their expertise and understanding to help you get on the road to recovery.
The types of personal injuries we work on vary, not only in severity but also where they can occur. Here are some of the areas we can help with.
Road traffic accidents: A road traffic accident can affect anyone from the driver, a passenger, pedestrian.
Accidents at work - If you were injured in the workplace due to someone else’s negligence, then we can help.
Accidents and injuries abroad – If you were injured abroad or involved in an accident, you can still potentially put in a claim in the UK.
Asbestos related illness - If you have been exposed to asbestos, either at home or at work which has led to any related illnesses, such as asbestosis, then you have a personal injury claim.
Injuries in public places – If an accident occurs in a public place that wasn’t your fault and caused a serious injury, then you have a personal injury claim.
Sexual and physical abuse - If you have been a victim or sexual or physical abuse, we will be here to listen and advise you through this stressful time.
Illness claims - If you’ve fallen ill due to someone else’s negligence, you could pursue a claim.
Faulty products – If a faulty product has caused your injury, we can help you.
Industrial disease & industrial injury - If you’ve been diagnosed with an industrial disease or injury due to your place of work, we can help with your claim.
Public inquiries - If you’ve been affected by a major disaster, event or accident, our team has extensive expertise in providing representation at public inquiries.
Our expert team of personal injury solicitors are here to provide you with specialist support. If required, our in-house rehabilitation co-ordinator will ensure you’ll receive the highest standard of rehabilitation to kickstart your recovery.
We work on a no win, no fee basis. To discuss our personal injury services, call 0330 041 5869 or complete our online enquiry form.
Can I claim for personal injury compensation?
If you've sustained an injury or illness that wasn't your fault, then you may have a personal injury claim and our expert team of lawyers are on hand to help. To better understand the claims process, here’s what you can expect if you choose to pursue a claim.
To make a claim, the injury or illness would need to have occurred within three years.
When contacting us, you need to tell us when, where and how you suffered your injury.
We’ll listen to your story, offering support and advice when needed.
We’ll work with you to gather any other necessary information and evidence needed.
We will then work to prove that your injury or illness was caused by someone else’s negligence.
There are other factors that can impact personal injury compensation claims. There are additional time limits which include when a claim is being made on behalf of someone who has died, it needs to be within three years of their date of death.
Where a claim is being made on behalf of a child, the three-year time limit does not begin until the child reaches age 18 in England and Wales, or the age of 16 in Scotland. Different time limits may apply if the incident causing injury occurred whilst abroad. Our experts in accidents abroad will be able to confirm this.
How do I make a personal injury claim?
After determining your injury or illness was at the fault of someone else, you should then seek legal advice from our qualified personal injury solicitors who will be with you throughout the entire process.
Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today to speak to one of our experts, who will be able to discuss your claim with you.
We’ll assess your claim and collect all the relevant evidence, including speaking to medical experts and witnesses.
To support your personal injury claim, we’ll need to obtain medical evidence. We’ll obtain this evidence with your permission, and then assess your medical records and arrange for you to have an examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in providing expert medical evidence required in cases such as this.
We’ll ensure you have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy to maximise the chances of a full recovery and future independence.
In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim. However, there are occasions when a successful settlement can't be reached in the first instance, and the matter has to go to court so a judge can decide on the outcome of the case.
Our expert solicitors will keep you informed and supported as the claim progresses.
How long does a personal injury claim take?
Every case differs, so it’s difficult to give an exact timeframe in which a personal injury claim will take. If liability is accepted, a case could take on average between 6-12 months. However, if liability is disputed, it could take on average anywhere between 12-18 months.
The severity of the injuries is also factored into the timeframe. For example, you may suffer a minor injury which takes you several months to recover or a more serious injury that takes several years, all of which can affect how long your claim could take. However, our expert personal injury solicitors will ensure that your case is dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Keith was one of more than 50 people who survived with life-changing injuries. Hospital worker, Keith Chapman, was walking across Westminster Bridge when terrorist Khalid Masood drove his car into a crowd, murdering six people.
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I would definitely recommend Stuart and Slater and Gordon for their expertise and professionalism in dealing with cases such as mine. Thanks again.
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Nothing was too much trouble for Matt. He always explained things and made sure I understood everything. I was delighted with the settlement he secured on what I know was a very challenging case.
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Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
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Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon.
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At Slater and Gordon, we understand how daunting it can seem to start a personal injury claim, so it is crucial that you have a trusted and expert solicitor by your side. We are one of the UK’s top consumer law firms and have helped thousands of people claim the personal injury compensation they deserve.
Many of our personal injury solicitors hold positions within Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), including senior litigator and brain injury specialist.
We’re accredited by The Law Society's Lexcel program, recognising that we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ensure our clients benefit from our expertise.
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to every case that goes far behind legal support, and we work with every client to secure any future care and rehabilitation they may require.
Why choose Slater and Gordon as your personal injury law firm?
No Win No Fee
We offer 'No Win No Fee' personal injury legal services, meaning there's no financial risk to you.
Talk to the experts
We have teams of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries as a result of accidents at work and in public places.
Speed of delivery
As specialists in accidents at work and public places, we'll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
Your local law firm
We’re a reputable National law firm with expert lawyers in local areas across England, Scotland and Wales.
Speak to one of our personal injury solicitors today
Personal injury claims: Frequently asked questions
What are the time limits for making a personal injury claim?
The general rule is a claim should be brought within three years of the date the incident causing an injury or illness occurred or from the date you were first aware you had suffered an injury or illness due to negligence.
Can I make a personal injury claim after 3 years?
There may be occasions when the court could make a discretionary decision to pursue a claim outside the general time limits, but it's always best to speak to a specialist solicitor who can advise you on whether you can pursue a claim.
How is my personal injury claim valued?
We can’t give an exact amount of compensation you’ll be entitled to as it depends on individual circumstances. Compensation for personal injury is awarded for ‘damages’, which fall under two categories:
General damages refers to the injury itself, and covers any pain, suffering or loss of amenity (quality of life) your injury may have caused.
Special damages refers to any financial losses you may have suffered due to your injury, including wages lost for time out of work, the cost of any treatment or care, any aids, equipment or adaptations (such as to your property), or travel expenses.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer?
While it is not strictly necessary to hire a lawyer to make a personal injury claim, it is strongly recommended that you do so.
A personal injury lawyer will provide specialised and tailored legal advice pertaining to your claim from the outset, setting out the options available to you and how much compensation you could expect to receive as a result of your injuries.
A lawyer will be able to handle the legal complexities of your case, including any issues regarding disputed liability and compensation negotiations on your behalf, meaning you are far more likely to resolve your claim successfully with the best possible outcome.
How many personal injury claims go to court?
Most claims reach a successful settlement before a final hearing at court. There are a small number of cases that unfortunately don't reach a successful conclusion prior to the final hearing and in those cases, it is necessary to attend court.
What happens if my personal injury claim goes to court?
Most personal injury claims are settled before they go to court. However, if we have been unable to reach an agreed settlement with the other side, court proceedings may be issued.
When this happens, the court will issue a timetable of proceedings, and you may be required to attend. Your solicitor will be on hand to represent you throughout the proceedings and will explain what will be expected at each stage as your claim progresses. They’ll continue to advise you, providing tailored guidance to ensure we secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Will I be taxed on a personal injury claim?
You don't have to pay tax on a personal injury compensation. UK law states you don't need to pay tax, whether it's a lump sum or multiple payments over a period.
Can I make a no win no fee personal injury claim?
Most of the personal claims we handle are done with a no win no fee agreement. If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, then you can make a no win no fee claim.
When will I receive my personal injury compensation?
The final sum of compensation will usually be awarded once liability and the total amount due have been agreed by both sides. However, in some cases where the other side has already accepted liability, you may be entitled to interim payments. These are payments that are made prior to a final settlement being reached, and the sum of the payments will be deducted from the total amount of compensation awarded.
Will I need a medical examination for a personal injury claim?
In order to make a claim for personal injury, it's important that we have evidence of your injuries and you will therefore have to attend a medical examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in preparing reports to use as evidence in a legal case. These reports are known as medico legal reports.
Depending on the type and severity of your injuries, you may need to attend more than one medical examination to ensure we have all the medico legal reports we need to support your claim for compensation.
Can I make a personal injury claim if I was partly to blame for the accident?
Even if you are partly to blame for your accident, you can still make a claim for compensation. If you're found to be partially to blame for the accident, this will be reflected in your compensation payment.
For example, if you are found to be 20% to blame for the accident, and your claim settled for an overall figure of £10,000, you would only receive compensation for 80% of that figure and you would therefore receive £8,000.
Can a personal injury claim be rejected?
Yes, a personal injury claim can be rejected. Typically, this happens if there is not enough evidence to prove the other party’s liability, the extent of your injuries, or that your injuries were caused by the accident in question.
When you reach out to our personal injury lawyers, we’ll discuss your case in detail and let you know if we think you have a claim. Your solicitor will keep you informed of your claim’s progress and will work hard to secure an admittance of liability early on.
What’s more, all our personal injury claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis. This means it won’t cost you a penny to start legal proceedings and providing you have been honest and clear in the details of your case, you won’t owe us a thing if your claim is unsuccessful.
Can I make a personal injury claim on behalf of my child?
Yes, it is possible to make a personal injury claim on behalf of your child. When someone makes a claim on behalf of a child, they are known as a 'Litigation Friend'. A Litigation Friend can't be anyone who has was in any way responsible for the accident.
This means, for example, if a child is injured in a road traffic collision, if the mother of the injured child was driving the vehicle, and they were either fully or partially responsible for the accident that caused the injury, they would not be able to be the Litigation Friend and instead would have to be another trusted family member or friend.
Can you change lawyers in a personal injury case?
Yes. You can change your lawyer at any time, even if your claim is already underway, as it is your right to choose who represents you during legal proceedings. If you’re unhappy with the advice or representation that you are currently receiving, you can speak to our personal injury solicitors about switching to Slater and Gordon today.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson