Personal Injury
Personal Injury Solicitors
If an accident at work, on the road or in a public place was someone else’s fault, you may be able to claim compensation. This guide explains how personal injury claims work, the time limit and how solicitors are usually paid in England and Wales.
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Overview
What this area covers
A personal injury claim seeks compensation where someone else’s negligence or breach of duty caused you injury. To succeed, you generally need to show the other party was at fault (liability) and that their fault caused your injury and losses (causation).
Compensation covers the injury itself and financial losses such as lost earnings, care and treatment costs.
Common situations
When you may need a personal injury solicitor
- You have been injured and another person or organisation may be responsible.
- Your injuries affect your ability to work or need ongoing care.
- An insurer has contacted you with an early offer.
- A family member has died following an accident.
The solicitor’s role
How a personal injury solicitor can help
A solicitor gathers evidence of what happened, obtains independent medical evidence, calculates your losses, and negotiates with the other side’s insurer. They can arrange rehabilitation and interim payments in serious cases, and issue court proceedings if the claim does not settle.
Lower-value road traffic whiplash claims now often go through the Official Injury Claim service, where recoverable legal costs are limited.
The process
How a claim usually progresses
In England and Wales there is generally a three-year limitation period to start court proceedings, with important exceptions, for example for children. Take advice early.
- 1
Initial assessment
The solicitor considers liability, the injury and funding.
- 2
Notify the other side
A letter of claim is sent and the insurer investigates liability.
- 3
Medical evidence
An independent expert examines you and reports on your injury and prognosis.
- 4
Valuation and settlement
Losses are quantified and negotiations take place. Court proceedings are issued only if needed.
Costs
What does a personal injury solicitor cost?
Most personal injury claims are funded under a conditional fee agreement (‘no win, no fee’). If the claim succeeds, part of your solicitor’s fee may be deducted from your compensation, subject to legal caps. Read the agreement carefully and ask what percentage could be deducted.
Getting ready
What to prepare before contacting a solicitor
- Date, time and place of the accident
- Photographs and witness details
- Medical records and GP details
- Evidence of lost earnings and expenses
- Any accident report or police reference
Choosing a solicitor
Choosing a solicitor
For serious injuries, look for experience of high-value claims and rehabilitation. Ask how much of your compensation could be deducted in fees.
Every firm listed on Verified Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You can compare firms’ profiles, locations and reviews before getting in touch.
Find personal injury solicitors
Search Verified Solicitors for SRA-regulated firms that handle personal injury matters, then compare their profiles.
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- Regulated firms
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A common question
What if I was partly to blame?
You may still be able to claim, but compensation can be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility (contributory negligence).
Related legal services
The information on this page is general information, not legal advice. The law and procedures can change and how they apply will depend on your circumstances.