A guide to personal injury law in the U.K.

People in the United Kingdom who have suffered from a personal injury may want to consider taking legal action. Personal injury law in the UK is not difficult to understand. Those who are considering taking the person responsible for the injury to court will need to hire an injury lawyer to take matters further.

What is personal injury?

A personal injury is an illness, injury or disease experienced by a person. These injuries can be physical or psychological. Listed below are some personal injury situations that can be legally resolved. - Work related injuries, disease and illness. This includes asbestos and stress related illnesses.
- Injuries caused by car accidents.
- Injuries sustained from faulty goods and services.
- Psychological issues that are caused by childhood abuse.
- Tripping over paving stones.
- Injuries that result from hospital care.
- Illnesses and injuries sustained by a victim when a crime is taking place.
- Psychological or physical injuries caused by harassment or discrimination in the workplace.

Personal injury law in the UK

What actions need to be taken after an injury During the course of a court case, the court will need to see proof that the injury took place. This means that the injured person should do everything in their power to make sure that their injury is recorded. Those who have been involved in a car accident should get a police report, report the incident to their insurance company, get doctors records and take photographs of the accident and resulting injuries. Those who had an accident with witnesses should take down the details of the witnesses in case the court needs to call upon them. Taking legal action It is important that victims of an injury go to court straight away as there is often a time limit on when the victim can press charges. Generally, this limit is three years after the event. However this can be extended in special circumstances. Hiring a lawyer There are a number of accident solicitors that specialise in personal injury cases. These types of lawyers are usually members of the group Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Criminal injuries Those who have sustained injuries from being the victim of a criminal act can apply for a criminal compensation order. While these may not always be granted it is worthwhile for victims to look into the compensation scheme.