Personal injury claims are an unfortunately common part of the UK’s civil justice system; such claims are legal actions pursued by individuals who have suffered injuries or harm, due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others.
There are various different shapes and forms a personal injury claim can take, from workplace accidents to road traffic collisions and beyond – but exactly how common are they, and what forms do they most commonly take? Here, we will explore the common types of personal injury claims, shed light on the frequency of cases going to court, and discuss the potential duration of personal injury claims.
How Many Personal Injury Claims Go to Court?
There is no exact count available for the number of personal injury claims pursued in the UK. This is, in large part, due to the simple fact that not all claims go to court. Personal injury claims are frequently settled outside of court, through negotiation and alternative dispute resolution methods – which can differ from field to field. Settling claims out of court enables defendants and legal teams to avoid the sheer cost – both in terms of money and time – of further litigation. Of the claims that go to civil court, it is still difficult to discern an objective annual figure.
However, there are some figures that go some way to demonstrating the number of successful claims to reach the courts. There is a government department called the Compensation Recovery Unit, the purpose of which is to recover the cost-to-taxpayer of an injury from the defendant of a claim. This might be the cost of NHS treatment, or of disability benefits. In 2021-22, the CRU had over 500,000 claims registered with them.
What Are the Most Common Personal Injury Claims?
Personal injury claims encompass a wide range of accidents and incidents – some of which are more commonly experienced than others. The more common types of personal injury claims include:
Road Traffic Accidents: Claims arising from car, motorcycle, or bicycle accidents, concerning the injury of a road user due to either the negligence of another road user often caused by a distraction or the unsuitability of road infrastructure.
Workplace Accidents: Claims resulting from accidents experienced at work. These might be a result of lapses in workplace health and safety policy, or the negligent behaviour of other staff members.
Public Liability Claims: As with road infrastructure above, poorly-maintained public areas can cause significant injury through slipping, tripping or falling. Such injuries are eligible for public liability claims.
Medical Negligence: This is considered separate from personal injury as a field, but nonetheless bears similarities. Where a medical professional is negligence in their duty of care, resulting in the contraction or worsening of a condition, a victim may make a claim against them.
How Long Can Personal Injury Claims Take?
The duration of a given personal injury claims can vary depending on a number of different factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of any injuries sustained, and the level of cooperation experienced with regard to the defendant. It is true that some claims can be resolved in a matter of months, via letter correspondence and an out-of-court agreement; others, though, may take significantly longer, especially if they result in a court date. For more information on navigating personal injury claims efficiently, visit this website.