Personal injury law in England and Wales gives anyone who has suffered harm due to another person’s negligence or breach of duty the right to claim compensation. Claims must generally be brought within 3 years of the injury or the date of knowledge — whichever is later.
NJS Law’s personal injury solicitors offer a free, no-obligation assessment on a no win, no fee basis.
At NJS Law, we understand that suffering an injury through no fault of your own can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating.
Our personal injury solicitors have decades of combined experience securing compensation for clients across England and Wales — from straightforward road traffic accidents to complex, life-changing injury claims.
We provide expert legal representation across the full range of personal injury claims, including accidents at work, road traffic accidents, slips and trips, public liability, and serious injury.
With decades of combined experience (totalling over 200 years), we make the claims process straightforward and fight tirelessly to secure the best outcome for you.
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Discover today if you’re eligible to make a claim.**
Complete the form below, email or call our personal injury solicitors for free, no-obligation advice.
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Step-by-step claims process
A personal injury claim is a legal action brought by someone who has been injured due to the negligence, breach of duty, or wrongful act of another person, organisation, or public body. Three conditions must be met.
The responsible party owed you a legal duty to take reasonable care of your safety.
This applies to employers, road users, property occupiers, and public authorities.
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 · Occupiers' Liability Act 1957
The responsible party failed to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonable person.
The question is not intent — it is whether conduct fell below what was objectively reasonable.
Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562
There must be a direct causal link between the breach and the harm you suffered.
A breach alone is not enough — it must have caused measurable injury, loss, or the need for treatment..
Causation — "but for" test
| Situation | Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employee injured at work | ✓ Yes | Employer duty under Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 |
| Road traffic accident victim | ✓ Yes | Car, motorcycle, cycling, pedestrian, and passenger claims |
| Slip, trip, or fall in a public place | ✓ Yes | If occupier or local authority was negligent |
| Child injured in an accident | ✓ Yes | 3-year limit begins at age 18; claim can be made up to age 21 |
| Person lacking mental capacity | ✓ Yes | Limitation period suspended during incapacity |
| Injured abroad | ✓ Yes | Different limits apply — can be as short as 1 year |
| Partially at fault (contributory negligence) | Possibly | Compensation reduced proportionately but claim remains valid |
| Uninsured or untraced driver | ✓ Yes | Claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) |
If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure what your rights are, our free guide gives you clear, straightforward answers.
In most cases you have 3 years from the date of the accident — or from when you became aware your injury was caused by negligence. Acting promptly protects your claim.
| Type of Claim | Limitation Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard personal injury | 3 years | From date of accident or date of knowledge |
| Child injury claim | Until age 21 | 3-year clock begins on 18th birthday |
| Mental incapacity | Suspended | Limitation period suspended during incapacity |
According to the Ministry of Justice Compensation Recovery Unit, hundreds of thousands of personal injury claims are settled in England and Wales each year. Compensation covers two categories: general damages (pain and suffering) and special damages (financial losses).
The figures below are indicative ranges based on the Judicial College Guidelines (16th edition) — the framework used by courts across England and Wales to value personal injury claims.
| Type of Injury | Key Factors | Indicative Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor soft tissue / whiplash | Recovery period, impact on daily activities | £1,000 – £11,000 |
| Moderate back injury | Duration of symptoms, impact on mobility and work | £12,000 – £38,000 |
| Serious back injury | Permanent symptoms, disc damage, nerve involvement | £38,000 – £170,000+ |
| Leg fracture (simple) | Recovery time, surgery required, long-term impact | £7,000 – £20,000 |
| Serious leg / limb injury | Multiple fractures, permanent disability, amputation | £40,000 – £130,000+ |
| Arm / shoulder injury | Severity, dominant arm affected, impact on work | £6,500 – £45,000 |
| Head and brain injury | Cognitive impairment, personality change, long-term care | £15,000 – £380,000+ |
| Psychological injury (incl. PTSD) | Severity, duration, impact on employment and relationships | £3,500 – £100,000+ |
Important: These ranges are a general guide only based on the Judicial College Guidelines and do not constitute legal advice. Special damages — including lost earnings, medical costs, and care — are assessed separately and may significantly increase the total. Contact NJS Law for a free, no-obligation assessment of your specific claim.
Our solicitors handle the full spectrum of personal injury claims across England and Wales.
If you were injured at work due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence, our solicitors can help you claim compensation for lost earnings, medical costs, and recovery support.
Property owners and managers must keep premises safe. If you were injured due to poor maintenance, hazards, or negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
From slips in shops to accidents in parks, public bodies and businesses have a duty of care. We help you pursue compensation when that duty is breached.
Spillages, unsafe shelving, or falling objects can cause serious injuries in supermarkets. Our solicitors hold retailers accountable and secure fair compensation.
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common accidents in public and workplaces. We fight to recover damages for injuries caused by negligence.
If uneven paving or poor maintenance caused your accident, you may have grounds to claim compensation from the local authority or responsible party.
Crowded shops and unsafe displays can cause avoidable injuries. We help clients claim when accidents happen in shopping centres and retail spaces.
If you were injured by an animal due to an owner’s negligence, such as a car accident with a horse, we can help you claim compensation.
If you were injured through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Our solicitors offer free initial advice to confirm your eligibility and guide you on the next steps.
Personal injury claims in England and Wales are governed by a combination of statute and common law. Understanding the legal basis strengthens your claim.
Places a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees so far as is reasonably practicable. Breach underpins the majority of workplace injury claims.
The foundational case establishing the "neighbour principle" and the general duty of care in English law. The basis of all negligence claims.
The 1957 Act imposes a duty of care to lawful visitors. The 1984 Act extends a limited duty to trespassers in certain circumstances.
Understanding the process makes pursuing compensation far less daunting. NJS Law guides you through every step.
We confirm whether you have a valid claim, advise on likely value and timescales, and explain your funding options — at no cost or obligation.
We set up your no win, no fee CFA and arrange After the Event (ATE) insurance to protect you from any costs liability if the claim is unsuccessful.
We obtain medical records, accident reports, witness statements, CCTV footage, and expert reports to build the strongest possible case.
A formal letter is sent to the responsible party. The defendant has up to 3 months to investigate and respond under the Pre-Action Protocol.
The majority of claims settle without court proceedings. We negotiate firmly and, if necessary, issue court proceedings and represent you fully.
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Case assessment & funding agreement | 1–2 weeks |
| Medical evidence obtained | 4–12 weeks |
| Letter of Claim sent | Within 6–12 weeks |
| Defendant’s response | Up to 3 months |
| Negotiation and settlement | 3–6 months after response |
| Court proceedings if disputed | 12–24 months additional |
Road traffic accidents — typically 9–18 months
Employer / public liability — typically 12–24 months
Serious & catastrophic injury — typically 2–5 years
Unsure whether your accident gives you the right to claim?
Our team will review your situation and explain your options clearly.
Call us or complete our form for a free consultation.
An experienced solicitor will confirm your eligibility and guide you on the next steps.
At NJS Law, we understand that no two personal injury cases are the same. That’s why we offer personalised legal support, taking into account every aspect of your injury and its impact.
Here’s how we help build your claim:
We assess how serious your injury is, considering both immediate effects and long-term impacts on your health and daily life.
We consider permanent disability, ongoing medical care, or other long-term effects to understand how your quality of life may be affected.
Our team calculates the income lost from time off work and ensures you’re compensated fairly for financial hardship and reduced earning potential.
If you need help from family or carers, we make sure this unpaid support is fully recognised in your compensation.
We assess adjustments to your home, vehicle, or lifestyle that were needed after your injury and ensure these costs are included.
NJS Law covers all treatment expenses, from therapy and prescriptions to travel for medical care, so you’re not left out of pocket.
We build the strongest possible case so you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal work with care and determination.
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All NJS Law personal injury claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis — formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). There are no hidden charges and no financial risk to you.
Nothing if you lose — if your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing at all
Success fee if you win — Success fee payable only if your claim is successful
ATE insurance — arranged to protect you against the other side’s costs if the claim fails
Case summary: A warehouse worker came in early one morning to cover a colleague’s shift. After completing his standard forklift safety checks and beginning his shift as normal, a forklift accident left him with life-changing injuries that ended his working life and required years of rehabilitation. NJS Law secured a £3.7 million settlement — one of the firm’s largest ever — allowing him to rebuild his life with independence and dignity.
Why the claim succeeded:
Client’s own words: “With the interim payments, I managed to rent and furnish a four-bedroom bungalow. I bought an SUV that’s easier for me to get in and out of. I can walk a little and drive again. It won’t bring back the life I once had, but it eases the pain. Stay strong and talk to people — there is life after your accident.”
Complete the form below or contact us directly. Our solicitors will review your situation and confirm your eligibility in a free consultation.
Our solicitors have guided clients to successful outcomes for decades, with over 200 years of combined experience.
We explain every step in clear, non-technical language, so you always know where you stand.
You pay nothing unless we win your case, with complete transparency of costs. → Learn more about How a No Win No Fee Claim Works
We fight to recover the full value of your claim, covering both immediate and long-term losses.
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from 765 verified reviews and 4.7★ from 796 Google reviews. Featured in the Top 10 UK Personal Injury Lawyers on Trustpilot. → NJS Law Reviews
We hold those at fault accountable while maintaining clear communication and delivering outstanding client service.
Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced specialist who will guide you every step of the way.
With decades of experience, our solicitors have successfully handled thousands of personal injury claims. Our team is recognised for compassionate support and a proven track record of securing fair outcomes for clients.
Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. Our solicitors are available by phone or email at a time that suits you. Call us now or email our team to start your claim today.
Starting a personal injury claim can feel daunting, and you’re likely to have questions about how the process works, what it costs, and how long it takes. To help, we’ve answered the most common questions our clients ask — from evidence to compensation amounts and court proceedings.
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident — or from when you first realised your injury was linked to negligence — to start a personal injury claim.
There are exceptions:
Because deadlines vary, it’s essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible so your claim isn’t time-barred.
Yes. With a No Win, No Fee agreement (Conditional Fee Agreement), you won’t pay any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.
We’ll explain all costs clearly before your case begins, so you have complete peace of mind.
If liability is disputed, we gather strong evidence such as CCTV footage, witness statements, and expert reports to prove your case.
Most disputed claims are still resolved through negotiation without the need for court. If your case does go further, our experienced solicitors will represent you throughout the process and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Yes. If you’ve been diagnosed with a recognised psychological condition such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Psychological injuries can be claimed on their own or alongside physical injuries. We work with medical and psychiatric experts to gather evidence and ensure your suffering — including the cost of therapy, treatment, or long-term support — is fully recognised in your claim.
The amount depends on your injury, recovery time, lost earnings, and any ongoing care needs. Compensation is split into “general damages” (for pain and suffering) and “special damages” (for financial losses). We’ll calculate both to maximise your claim.
Simple claims may settle in a few months, while more complex cases — such as those involving serious injuries or disputed liability — can take longer. We’ll keep you updated throughout and push to resolve your claim as quickly as possible.
No. Most personal injury claims are settled through negotiation without going to court. If your case does need a hearing, our solicitors will represent you and guide you through every step.
Yes. If the injured person is under 18, lacks mental capacity, or has passed away, you may be able to claim on their behalf as a “litigation friend” or representative. Our solicitors can guide you through the process.
Strong evidence makes your case more likely to succeed. Useful evidence includes medical records, accident reports, photographs, CCTV, witness statements, and receipts for financial losses. We’ll help you gather everything needed to support your claim.
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