All Legal Journeys
Civil Litigation
England & Wales
5 stages
12–36 months
Reviewed 2026-05-22
Personal injury claim journey
Claim from accident through pre-action protocol, medical evidence, settlement, or trial.
This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.
Who Uses This Journey
Anyone injured through someone else's negligence — RTA, employer's liability, public liability, clinical negligence.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
1
1
Claim notification (Portal or PAP)
Most low-value claims go through the Claims Portal. Higher-value follow the relevant Pre-Action Protocol.
Deadline: 3 years from injury or knowledge (s.11 Limitation Act 1980)
2
2
Medical evidence
Single joint expert produces a report on injury, treatment, prognosis.
3
3
Schedule of loss
Special damages (out-of-pocket) + general damages (Judicial College guidelines for pain, suffering, loss of amenity).
4
4
Negotiation / Part 36 offers
Most cases settle pre-issue. Part 36 offers carry costs consequences.
5
5
Issue and trial (if not settled)
Trial in County Court (Small Claims £1,000 limit for PI, Fast Track up to £25,000, Multi-Track above).
Possible Outcomes
- Settlement
- Trial judgment
- Costs (usually inter-partes)