If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation – and you should not have to pay anything upfront to find out. NJS Law’s personal injury claims solicitors work on a no win, no fee basis, which means if your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.
We act for injured people across England and Wales, covering everything from road traffic accidents and workplace injuries to serious and life-changing harm.
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Complete the form below, email or call our personal injury solicitors for free, no-obligation advice.
Complete the form below or contact us directly. Our solicitors will review your situation and confirm your eligibility in a free consultation.
You may be eligible to claim if all three of the following apply:
You can still claim even if the accident was partly your fault. Compensation may be reduced proportionately — this is called contributory negligence. Time limits apply — check yours here.
A personal injury claim is a legal process that allows you to seek financial compensation when you have been physically or psychologically injured as a result of someone else’s negligence.
In England and Wales, if another person, business or organisation failed in their duty of care towards you — and that failure caused your injury — you have the right to claim. This principle was established in Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] and has formed the foundation of personal injury law ever since.
For a claim to succeed, three things need to be established:
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 — the "but for" test
Want to understand the full claims process first?
Our step-by-step Personal Injury Claims Guide covers time limits, compensation, evidence and what to expect at each stage.
| 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) |
Not sure whether your situation qualifies? Our solicitors can give you a free, no-obligation assessment.
Check my eligibility ›In England and Wales, you have three years from the date of your injury — or the date you first became aware of it — to make a personal injury claim. This time limit is set out in the Limitation Act 1980. Missing this deadline will almost always mean you lose your right to claim. There are however important exceptions:
| 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 |
| Fatal accident claims | 3 years | From date of death or date of knowledge of the dependant |
For a full breakdown by claim type: Personal Injury Claim Time Limits — A Full Breakdown ›
There is no single fixed amount – compensation is calculated based on the type and severity of your injury, the impact it has had on your life and the financial losses you have suffered as a result.
The starting point for valuing injuries is the Judicial College Guidelines, which set out the compensation brackets judges use when assessing general damages in England and Wales. The table below gives indicative ranges for common injury types:
The figures below are indicative ranges based on the Judicial College Guidelines (18th 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 |
| Head and brain injury | Cognitive impairment, personality change, long-term care | £15,000 – £380,000+ |
| Serious leg / limb injury | Multiple fractures, permanent disability, amputation | £40,000 – £130,000+ |
Important: These are indicative ranges only. Special damages — including lost earnings, medical costs and care — are assessed separately and may significantly increase the total.
What happened
Forklift accident — catastrophic workplace injury
A warehouse operative suffered life-changing injuries when struck by a forklift truck operated by a colleague. Facing permanent disability and unable to return to work, he needed specialist support to rebuild his life. Our solicitors built a comprehensive claim covering his injuries, future care needs, lost career earnings and necessary home adaptations.
Settlement secured
£3.7m
No win, no fee
"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."
— NJS Law client · Forklift accident · Serious workplace injuryPortable toilet collapse at public event
Our client was seriously injured when a portable toilet facility at a public event collapsed. The event organiser had failed to ensure the equipment was properly installed and maintained. We successfully argued liability under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957.
Recovered
£26,000
No win, no fee
Have you suffered an injury that wasn't your fault? Find out in 2 minutes — free and no obligation.
Start my free 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.
From your first call to final settlement, here is what we do — and why it matters to your claim.
Here’s how we help build your claim:
We look beyond the immediate injury. From the outset we consider how your injury has affected your daily life, your ability to work, your relationships, and your long-term health — because compensation should reflect the full picture, not just the diagnosis..
We obtain your medical records, accident reports, witness statements, CCTV footage, and any other documentation that supports your claim. You don’t need to gather this yourself — we handle it, and we know what’s needed to make a case stand up.
An independent medical expert will assess your injuries and provide a report that forms the basis of your compensation valuation. We work with specialists across all injury types and ensure their findings fully reflect your symptoms, recovery, and prognosis.
Lost earnings, medical costs, travel, care provided by family members, home adaptations, future treatment — all of these can form part of your claim. We make sure nothing is overlooked, because undervaluing a claim at this stage cannot easily be corrected later.
If you are facing financial pressure while your claim is ongoing — through lost income, treatment costs, or care needs — we will apply for an interim payment where liability has been admitted or is likely to be. You should not have to wait until settlement to access support.
The majority of claims settle without a hearing. We negotiate with the defendant’s insurer on your behalf and advise you clearly on whether any offer is fair. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we issue proceedings and represent you fully — you will never be pressured to accept less than your claim is worth.
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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Years combined experience
We only act for injured people
We never represent insurers, employers or defendants. Every case we take on, we believe the injured person deserves fair compensation.
Completely transparent about costs
No win, no fee means no financial risk. We explain exactly how our fee is structured before anything is signed — no surprises.
Plain English at every step
We explain every step in clear, non-technical language so you always know where you stand and what happens next.
Law Society accredited
We hold PI Panel accreditation — an independent quality mark confirming our personal injury expertise and professional standards.
"Every personal injury claim is different. What matters to us is understanding the full impact on your life — not just the injury itself — and fighting to make sure your compensation reflects that."
Leanne Henton
Head of Personal Injury & Medical Negligence, NJS Law
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.
Call us free on 0800 6525 656, email injury@njslaw.co.uk or complete the form above. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.
Making a personal injury claim with NJS Law follows five clear stages, from your first free call through to settlement. Here is exactly what happens at each 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
9–18 months
Typically where liability is clear
12-24months
Depends on complexity and dispute
2-5 years
Where long-term prognosis must be established
No win, no fee means exactly what it says: if your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. There are no upfront legal fees and no hourly rates. This arrangement is known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA):
Personal Injury Claims: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know before you claim — the process, time limits, compensation ranges, and what to expect at each stage. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
Personal Injury Claim Time Limits: A Full Breakdown
Most claims have a three-year deadline. Find out when your clock started, whether an exception applies, and what to do if time is running short.
Average Personal Injury Compensation Payouts in the UK
Compensation varies widely depending on the injury and its impact. See what typical awards look like across different claim types — and what affects yours.
Interim Payments: Getting Money Before Settlement
Waiting for settlement can take months or years. If liability has been admitted, you may be able to access part of your compensation early.
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.
A personal injury claim is a legal process that allows you to seek financial compensation when you have been physically or psychologically injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. In England and Wales, if another person, business, or organisation failed in their duty of care towards you — and that failure caused your injury — you have the right to claim compensation. This principle has been the foundation of personal injury law since Donoghue v Stevenson [1932].
In most cases you have three years from the date of your accident — or from when you first realised your injury was linked to negligence — to make a claim under the Limitation Act 1980.
Missing this deadline will almost always mean losing your right to claim permanently.
Exceptions apply:
There is no single fixed amount — compensation depends on the type and severity of your injury and the financial losses you have suffered. General damages for pain and suffering range from around £1,000 for minor soft tissue injuries to over £380,000 for serious brain injuries, based on the Judicial College Guidelines 18th edition. Special damages for lost earnings, medical costs, and care needs are assessed separately and can significantly increase the total. NJS Law offers a free assessment to give you a clearer picture of what your claim may be worth. Read: What is the Average Personal Injury Compensation Payout in the UK?
No win no fee — formally a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) under the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 — means you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation, capped by law at 25% of your damages under LASPO 2012. NJS Law explains the exact success fee percentage clearly before you sign anything.
Almost certainly not. Around 97% of personal injury claims in England and Wales settle out of court through negotiation with the defendant’s insurer. Court proceedings are a last resort — usually only when liability is fully denied or a reasonable settlement cannot be agreed. If your case does go to court, NJS Law will prepare you fully and represent you throughout every step. Read more: Will I Have to Go to Court When Making a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. If you have 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. NJS Law works with medical and psychiatric experts to ensure your psychological suffering — including the cost of therapy, treatment, and long-term support — is fully recognised and valued in your claim.
Yes. If the injured person is under 18, a claim can be made on their behalf by a parent, guardian, or other appointed litigation friend. The child’s three-year limitation period does not begin until their 18th birthday, so a claim can be made at any time before they turn 21. NJS Law’s solicitors guide litigation friends through every step of the process. Read our guide: Personal Injury Claims for Children: A Guide for Parents
If the other party denies responsibility, NJS Law gathers strong evidence — CCTV footage, witness statements, accident reports, expert analysis, and medical records — to build the strongest possible case. Most disputed claims are still resolved through negotiation without going to court. If your case does proceed further, our experienced solicitors will represent you throughout and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
It depends on the type and complexity of your claim. Straightforward road traffic accident claims typically take 9–18 months. Employer and public liability claims usually take 12–24 months. Serious injury cases can take longer — sometimes 2–4 years. The sooner you instruct a solicitor, the sooner the process can begin. NJS Law will give you a realistic timeframe at the free initial consultation. Read our full guide: How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take in England and Wales?
There is no single average — it depends entirely on the nature and severity of the injury and the losses suffered. Minor soft tissue injuries may settle for £1,000–£5,000. Moderate injuries causing months of pain and time off work may reach £10,000–£30,000. Serious, life-changing injuries can result in settlements worth hundreds of thousands of pounds or more. NJS Law has secured outcomes ranging from thousands of pounds for minor injuries to £3.7 million for a catastrophic workplace injury. pounds or more. Read: What is the Average Personal Injury Compensation Payout in the UK?
Yes. If the accident was partly your fault you can still make a claim. Your compensation will be reduced proportionally — known as contributory negligence. For example, if you were found 25% responsible, your award would be reduced by 25%. The other party’s share of responsibility remains fully claimable. NJS Law will advise you honestly on how liability is likely to be assessed in your specific situation. Read more: Can I Claim If the Accident Was Partly My Fault?
General damages compensate you for the injury itself — pain, suffering, and the impact on your quality of life. They are assessed using the Judicial College Guidelines and reflect how severe your injury is and how long recovery takes. Special damages compensate you for the financial losses caused by the injury — lost earnings, medical treatment costs, travel expenses, care needs, and any other out-of-pocket costs directly resulting from the accident. Your total compensation combines both. Read our full guide: Personal Injury Compensation: General Damages vs Special Damages Explained
Yes. You have the right to change solicitor at any point during your claim. If you are unhappy with the service you are receiving or feel your claim is not progressing, you can instruct a new solicitor to take over. Your new solicitor will obtain your file from your previous firm. There may be costs implications depending on the stage of your claim and the terms of your existing CFA — NJS Law will explain these clearly before you make any decision. Read more: Can I change my personal injury solicitor?
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