The Time Limit In Personal Injury Claims

A personal injury claim is a claim for compensation where a person has suffered injuries as a result of an accident and another party is at fault.

Under the Limitation Act 1980 the usual time limit that applies to personal injury claims, known as the 'limitation period', is three years from the date on which the injuries occurred or the date of knowledge if later. The claimant (the person bringing the claim) must have issued proceedings before the limitation date which means their claim form must have been submitted and issued by the court by this date. If a claim form is submitted after the expiry of the three year limitation period, generally the defendant can rely on limitation as a complete defence.