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 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. Our team has 200+ years of combined legal experience, and we are rated 4.8 out of 5 by our clients on Trustpilot.
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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 or wrongdoing.
In England and Wales, the law recognises that 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 was established in the landmark case of 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 true:
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
Compensation in a personal injury claim covers two main categories:
For a detailed breakdown of what you can claim for, read our guide: Personal Injury Compensation: General Damages vs Special Damages Explained
| 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) |
You may be entitled to make a personal injury claim if all three of the following apply:
You can still claim even if the accident was partly your fault. In those cases, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility – this is called contributory negligence. Read more: Can I Claim If the Accident Was Partly My Fault?
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, our solicitors can give you a free, no-obligation assessment.
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, so it is important to take legal advice as early as possible. 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 |
For a full breakdown by claim type: Personal Injury Claim Time Limits – A Full Breakdown by Claim Type
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 |
| 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.
What is the Average Personal Injury Compensation Payout in the UK?
Contact NJS Law for a free, no-obligation assessment of your specific claim.
Real result from our team:
In one recent case, our solicitors secured a £3.7 million settlement for a warehouse worker who suffered catastrophic injuries in a forklift accident. While this reflects an exceptional case, it demonstrates the scale of compensation available for serious harm. Read more of our case results below.
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.
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’ve been injured and aren’t sure what your rights are, our free guide gives you clear, straightforward answers.
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.
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
For a detailed walkthrough of each stage, read our full guide: Personal Injury Claims: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering how long your specific type of claim will take? See: How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take in England and Wales?
Download our Free Personal Injury Claims Guide
Step-by-step claims process
The best way to understand what is possible is to see what we have already achieved for clients in situations like yours. All figures are real outcomes secured by our team.
A warehouse operative suffered life-changing injuries when he was 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. After sustained negotiation, we secured a £3.7 million settlement — one of the largest workplace injury awards our firm has achieved.
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 and secured £26,000 in compensation.
A pedestrian using a designated crossing was struck by a vehicle whose driver failed to stop. Despite the driver’s initial denial of liability, we gathered CCTV evidence and witness accounts that established full fault. Our client received £20,000 for their injuries and losses.
Our client was involved in a rear-end collision that was entirely the other driver’s fault. They suffered whiplash and a broken arm. We handled the claim from assessment to settlement, securing £18,000 within 12 months.
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.
There are many personal injury solicitors to choose from across England and Wales. Here is why our clients choose – and stay with – NJS Law.
We never represent insurers, employers or defendants. Every case we take on, we take on because we believe the injured person deserves fair compensation.
Our no win, no fee model means you face no financial risk. Before anything is signed, we explain exactly how our fee is structured and what the deduction from your compensation will be. There are no surprises.
We explain every step in clear, non-technical language, so you always know where you stand.
Our personal injury team has handled thousands of cases across every claim type – from minor road accident injuries to multi-million pound serious injury settlements.
We hold a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot from 765 verified reviews, and 4.7 stars on Google from 796 reviews. We are proud to be listed among the Top 10 UK Personal Injury Lawyers on Trustpilot.
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 8006550), accredited by the Law Society and hold PI Panel accreditation – independent quality marks that confirm our personal injury expertise.
Still wondering whether to instruct a solicitor? Read: Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Solicitor?
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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Complete the form below or contact us directly. Our solicitors will review your situation and confirm your eligibility in a free consultation.
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 to worry about. You do not need savings, insurance or the ability to fund legal costs to make a claim.
This arrangement is known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA}. Here is how it works in practice:
We explain every detail of the agreement clearly before you sign. There are no hidden clauses and no unexpected deductions. Read more: No Win No Fee Claims – Explained
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.
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 17th 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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Explore our latest guides and expert tips on personal injury claims. Learn what affects compensation, who may be liable, and how to strengthen your case.
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For a complete guide to personal injury claims on a no win, no fee basis — including what the success fee means in practice and how ATE insurance protects you.
For a full overview of eligibility, time limits, compensation ranges, and how to start your claim.
Occupiers liability claims fall under NJS Law’s broader personal injury service — for a complete overview of eligibility, time limits, and the claims process.
Personal injury compensation varies from case to case, but understanding average payout ranges can help you know what to expect.
You may still be able to claim compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident.
This guide explains the difference between general damages for pain and suffering and special damages for financial losses.
If you are facing financial pressure while your personal injury claim is ongoing, an interim payment may provide early support.
For fast, friendly affordable legal advice. Contact a member of our team today.
