Can I Claim Compensation?

Can I make a Claim?

Every year thousands of people refrain from making perfectly reasonable compensation claims for a variety of different reasons. For some, the potential costs are a worry; others are daunted by the sheer volume of companies competing for their custom; while still others believe that each company has a shark waiting to eat up every penny of their compensation, and a little bit more.

In many cases these fears are well-founded, but if you do your research properly there is no reason why you should not carry out a claim that, win or lose, won't break the bank.

1. When did the accident happen?

If it was in the last three years you should have no problem, unless the accident was at sea, in which case a two-year limit may apply. If you suffered an accident abroad, the time limit in that country may differ from that of the UK. Also, if the accident happened when you were under 18, you have the right to claim until your 21st birthday.

2. Was someone else wholly or partly at fault?

If you have been put-off claiming because you feel you were partly to blame, think again. Although it was your fault in part, others may have to pay you compensation for their involvement. In these cases your eventual award would represent the percentage of blame attributable to the other party.

3. Different jurisdictions

The United Kingdom operates under different legal systems in different areas. English and Welsh courts will accept your claim if the accident happened in England or Wales, but perhaps not if it happened abroad, or even in Scotland! This can become quite a complicated issue, as different rules apply in different countries, (as we have seen with the time limits) and it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible.