When starting a no-win-no-fee personal injury compensation claim, it’s crucial to remember that “time is of the essence.” Known as the “limitation period,” you have a three-year window from the date of the incident to file your claim. If this period lapses, the court typically won’t consider your personal injury claim due to specific laws or time restrictions. So, if you think you deserve compensation for an injury, it’s important to act quickly.
**Exceptions for Minors**
This three-year rule generally applies to people over 18. But if you were under 18 when the accident happened, the countdown starts on your 18th birthday, giving you until your 21st birthday to file a claim. If the person, their parents, or guardians want to file the claim before they turn 18, they can do so on their behalf. In these cases, any compensation awarded goes into a special account until the individual turns 18.
**Additional Exceptions – Industrial Diseases and Mental Illness**
There are also exceptions for certain cases, like industrial illnesses such as asbestosis, which might not show symptoms until decades later. The “date of knowledge” is marked from when the individual became aware of the disease or received a medical diagnosis, starting the three-year clock. There’s also a special rule for those classified under the Mental Health Act 1983, allowing them to file a personal injury claim after they are no longer defined under the Act.
**The Advantage of a Prompt Claim**
Filing a personal injury claim as soon as possible usually leads to a faster resolution. Early claims benefit from recent medical evidence and possibly ongoing recovery, which can bolster your compensation case. Medical evidence is critical for proving your case, so acting promptly is advantageous.