This guide will answer the question: How long after an accident at work can you claim for injuries?
As well as explaining the legislation that sets out a time limit for starting a personal injury claim, we take you through the process of proving that you have an eligible case against your employer.
You will get insight into the forms of compensation that can make up a workplace accident settlement and also see how our personal injury solicitors could support your claim under No Win No Fee terms.
By contacting us today, you will gain access to all the information you need about claiming for an accident at work. What’s more, you can also have your potential claim assessed – and all for free. To get started, choose any of the below options:
- Call 0151 375 9916.
- Contact us through an online form.
- Send a live chat message in the box below.
How Long After An Accident At Work Can You Claim Compensation?
Before setting out on a claim for employer negligence – which we cover in the next section – you must first consider the time limit. Typically, you have three years from the accident date to start your case. The claim does not have to be completed within this time.
The Limitation Act 1980 sets out the limitations for personal injury claims. Failing to start legal action in time could rule out your compensation claim.
What Is The Accident At Work Claim Time Limit For People Under 18?
Certain exceptions could extend the three-year limitation period. One is where the person hurt in an accident is under 18 years old when it occurred. They would have to wait until they are 18 to start a claim, meaning the limit covers the period between their 18th and 21st birthdays. However, a court-appointed litigation friend could step in to claim on their behalf before they turn 18, while the time limit is paused.
Other Exceptions To The Claim Time Limit
The pause in the time limit has no end for someone who does not have the mental capacity to claim. For example, they may have suffered a head injury in a workplace accident that has left them incapacitated.
Again, a litigation friend can act in their stead. Should they recover without a litigation friend helping them during the period of pause, the injured person has three years from their recovery date to begin.
Can I Claim On Behalf Of Someone Who Has Died?
Yes, it’s possible to claim on behalf of someone who has died. This may have been a close family member, such as your partner or your child.
As with all accident at work claims, the case must begin within the time limit explained above.
You can learn more about fatal injury claims here.
How We Can Help You
As this guide shows, there are many important factors to a personal injury claim. Our solicitors help people navigate this sometimes complex process, making sure all parts of a claim are arranged and presented efficiently.
Most importantly, they ensure that claims begin within the accident at work claim time limit.
Our personal injury solicitors could offer to represent you on a No Win No Fee basis. Also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement, this contractual arrangement ensures no fee for their work:
- Upfront;
- During the claim;
- At any time if the claim fails.
Your solicitor collects a success fee should the case end with a settlement in your favour. They would claim a small percentage of the compensation awarded to you that is agreed with you in advance. Due to The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, there is a cap on the percentage a solicitor can take.
Our advisors can answer important questions like, ‘How long after an accident at work can you claim’ and ‘How do I make a claim against my employer?’
They can also consult with you on your experience and assess your case. Should they spot a valid claim, our solicitors can get to work right away on your case.
Learn more today, with no fee and no obligation, by:
- Calling 0151 375 9916.
- Going online to contact us.
- Starting a live chat discussion below.
Learn More About How To Claim For A Work Injury
Our guides aim to give you all you need to understand the claims process. You may also be interested to learn more about:
- Head here if you’d like to learn more about claiming for a fall at work, such as the potential compensation you could be awarded
- This guide also offers advice on claiming for a foot injury at work
- Or head here to learn more about accident at work claims generally
These resources could help with your accident at work claim.
- GOV.UK – Seeking Statutory Sick Pay.
- NHS – Request your medical records.
- GOV.UK – Get CCTV footage of an incident.
Thank you for visiting our guide to the question: How long after an accident at work can you claim?
