Personal Injury Claims UK Guide 2025 | How to Claim for Personal Injury
Personal Injury Claims: The Complete UK Guide [2025]
Most People Never Make a Personal Injury Claim. Even When They Could...
Why?
Because they don’t know where they stand.
They’re told it’s not worth the hassle. They worry it will be expensive, stressful, or dragged through the courts. Or they’re simply too busy recovering to look into it properly.
If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, here’s the truth: you might have every right to claim. A trusted local solicitor can help you do it properly, with no pushy calls or hidden costs.
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This clear UK guide answers the questions we hear every week:
- Am I eligible?
- How does the process really work?
- How long will it take and what’s expected of me?
- What happens if I do nothing?
If you want real answers, explained clearly, you’re in the right place. You’re not expected to know all this on your own. That’s why this guide exists.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Who can claim and what makes a claim valid
- The simple steps from first chat to settlement
- The main types of claims and what they mean for you
- Common myths that stop people claiming when they could
- How to get clear advice that’s local and no-obligation
You don’t need to decide today. But you do deserve to understand your options, so you don’t miss out on the help and support you’re entitled to.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
Before we look at how the process works in practice, it’s worth understanding the basics.
A personal injury claim means asking for compensation when you’ve been injured because someone else failed in their duty of care, whether that’s a driver, an employer, a company or an individual.
If you’d like a clear look at what counts as a claim, with real examples to help you decide if it might apply to you, we’ve already put together an easy-to-read breakdown:
Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?
A lot of people assume an accident was just bad luck. They tell themselves, “It’s not worth making a fuss” or “It probably wouldn’t count anyway.”
In reality, you might have every right to make a claim, and it could help you cover costs you’d otherwise have to carry alone.
Here are some basics to help you work out if you might have a valid claim:
- You were injured because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence.
- The accident happened within the last three years. Some exceptions apply, for example if you were under 18 at the time, or if your injury or illness only became clear later.
- Your injury has caused you financial loss or extra costs, such as lost income, medical bills, travel costs or ongoing care.
Can I Make A Personal Injury Claim If I Was Partly At Fault?
You don’t have to be completely blameless. In many cases, you can still make a personal injury claim even if you were partly responsible. Your compensation might just be adjusted to reflect that.
If you’re not sure, you don’t have to guess. Speaking to a trusted local solicitor means you can find out exactly where you stand, with no pressure to take it further.
How the Personal Injury Claim Process Works (Step by Step)
Understanding what really happens can take away a lot of the fear and guesswork.
Here is how it works for most personal injury cases, so you know what to expect and feel more in control.
Step 1: How to Choose a Personal Injury Solicitor You Can Trust
Start with proper advice. Always choose a trusted local expert, not a claims company that treats you like a number.
A genuine specialist will listen carefully, check if you have a valid claim and explain your options clearly, including when it might not be worth pursuing.
Some firms promise huge payouts just to win your case but leave you with little real support or hidden deductions. A good solicitor will always be upfront about costs, timeframes and whether No Win No Fee applies.
Step 2: What Evidence Helps a Personal Injury Claim Succeed
Accident reports, photos, medical records and witness statements can all help strengthen your case.
Even small details you might think do not matter, such as photos of the scene, receipts for travel to hospital appointments or messages you sent to family, can help show the full impact later on.
If you are not sure where to start, you do not have to figure it out alone. We have put together a clear, practical guide that explains what counts as strong evidence and what you might still be able to find, broken down claim by claim so you feel more prepared.
Step 3: How to Submit a Personal Injury Claim
Your solicitor will contact the other party or their insurer and set out your case.
Most personal injury claims settle out of court. If yours does need to go further, a good solicitor will explain what to expect and guide you through every stage.
Step 4: What to Expect from a Personal Injury Medical Assessment
You will usually need an independent medical report to show how serious your injuries are.
Some less thorough firms might rush this step. A trusted solicitor will make sure your medical evidence is detailed enough to cover any future complications or ongoing treatment.
Step 5: How Personal Injury Claim Negotiations and Settlements Work
Your solicitor will negotiate for the fairest amount. This should cover your pain, suffering, lost earnings, treatment costs and any extra care you may need in the future.
Settling too quickly can mean missing out on support for longer-term impacts. A good solicitor will always make sure you understand what is realistic before you accept an offer.
Step 6: When Will I Get My Personal Injury Compensation?
Once everything is agreed, you will receive your payment. This gives you some security to move forward with your life.
Your solicitor should always explain how and when you will receive your funds, what fees will be deducted and what to expect if there are any delays.
What Types of Personal Injury Claims Can You Make?
No two accidents are the same, but some situations come up time and again.
Below are some of the main personal injury claims we help with at Ellis Hass & Co.
Fatal Accident Claims: How We Support Families
Losing someone you love because of someone else’s mistake is devastating. A fatal accident claim can help you get answers, hold those responsible to account and secure the financial support you need during such a painful time.
Many families worry about making a claim at an emotional moment, but you do not have to face this alone. We handle these cases with care and sensitivity, giving you space to grieve while we deal with the legal side and protect your family’s future.
Road Accident Claims: Drivers, Cyclists and Pedestrians
A road accident can turn your world upside down in an instant. Whether you were driving, cycling, walking or travelling as a passenger, you may now be facing medical bills, lost income and the stress of dealing with insurers who do not always have your best interests at heart.
It is common to feel pressured to accept a quick settlement that does not cover the true cost of your recovery. We help you understand what you can claim for, how to gather strong evidence and what steps to take to protect your position from day one.
Learn more about Road Accident Claims
Work Accident Claims: Injuries at Work
Accidents at work can be difficult to talk about and you may feel loyal to your employer or worry about how colleagues or managers will react if you make a claim. But awareness helps prevent them. Take a look at the 4 Key Workplace Safety Tips to understand how both employers and employees can help reduce risk.
We understand the tensions that come with workplace injuries and handle your claim discreetly and professionally. A fair settlement can help you recover lost income and cover any long-term needs while helping make your workplace safer for everyone.
Amputation Claims: Specialist Help for Serious Injuries
Losing a limb affects more than just your physical health. It can change your work, daily activities, relationships and sense of independence. An amputation claim should consider all these impacts, as well as the future support, therapy, equipment or adaptations you may need.
Our role is to make sure your claim reflects the reality of your recovery and gives you the means to rebuild your life as fully as possible.
Product Liability Claims: Harm from Defective Products
Everyday products should be safe to use. When they are not, and you suffer an injury because of a faulty item, you have the right to hold the manufacturer or seller responsible.
Taking on a large company can feel daunting. We help you gather the right evidence, show how the product was defective and negotiate for fair compensation that covers your treatment, any lost earnings and future support if needed.
Slip, Trip and Fall Claims: Accidents in Public Places
It is easy to blame yourself after a slip or fall, but many of these accidents happen because a business or local authority failed to keep an area safe. Common hazards include wet floors, poor lighting, uneven paving or cluttered walkways.
These injuries can have a lasting impact on your mobility, your confidence and your ability to work. We help you show what went wrong, gather proof and recover costs for treatment, lost wages and any extra care you may need.
Holiday Accident Claims: Injuries Abroad or on Package Holidays
An accident on holiday can bring extra stress when you should be relaxing. For step-by-step guidance, explore the 4 Crucial Steps to Take After an Injury Abroad. If you were hurt abroad or on a UK package holiday, you may still have the right to claim compensation under UK law.
We guide you through how the rules apply, what evidence you need and how to recover costs like medical treatment, lost time at work or extra expenses once you return home.
Clinical Negligence Claims: Medical Mistakes and Avoidable Harm
When medical treatment causes avoidable harm, it can leave you feeling betrayed and uncertain about where to turn. Clinical negligence claims cover mistakes such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis or poor aftercare that causes you further injury or illness.
These claims can be complex, but you should not feel alone in taking the next step. We handle each case with care and understanding, helping you get answers, fair compensation and the right support for any extra treatment you now need.
Cosmetic Surgery Claims: When Procedures Go Wrong
People choose cosmetic surgery to feel more confident, so when something goes wrong, the emotional impact can be just as damaging as the physical side. Negligence during cosmetic treatments can lead to scarring, infections or complications that need further care.
A cosmetic surgery claim can help you cover the cost of correcting what went wrong and give you support to move forward. We understand how personal these cases are and handle them with discretion and care.
Talk It Through With Our Personal Injury Team
If you are unsure which type of claim applies to you or you just want clear, local advice about what to do next, we are always here to help.
You do not have to figure this out alone.
Speak with our Personal Injury Team
for straightforward, friendly guidance whenever you are ready.
Common Questions About Personal Injury Claims
If you are thinking about making a claim, you probably have a few big questions. Here are some of the most common things people ask when they search for clear, honest answers.
Move Forward with Confidence on Your Personal Injury Claim
When you are thinking about a personal injury claim, you need more than just a big firm with a name you never speak to. You need real people you can trust to listen, explain what matters and help you make good decisions.
We are trusted by families and individuals across the East Midlands because we keep it personal. You will have your own dedicated solicitor, clear advice in plain English and honest answers about what your claim could look like, with no hidden surprises.
By reading this guide, you now know who can make a claim, what the main types of claims are, how the process works step by step and what to expect along the way. Most of all, you know you do not have to work it out alone.
If you think you may have a claim, or you just want to talk it through, do not wait and worry. It costs nothing to find out where you stand. Book your free introduction call today and speak with our Personal Injury Team. We are here to put your mind at rest and help you move forward with confidence. 
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