The Personal Injury Claims Process

The Personal Injury Claims Process

Suffering from a serious injury following an accident can have wide reaching and life changing effects for you and your loved ones, both physically and mentally.

Making a personal injury claim can help you get both compensation and a sense of control of your life. Going through this process can be confusing, especially if you are doing it for the first time. That is why we at Brian Barr have outlined the personal injury claim process from start to finish and beyond, so you can move forward with confidence.

With over 20 years of experience in serious and high value personal injury claims, we’ve helped clients across England and Wales through every stage to secure the outcome they deserve. In the sections below, we outline each step of the claims journey clearly and simply, so you know what to expect, what support is available, and how we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Making a personal injury claim can help you get both compensation and a sense of control of your life. Going through this process can be confusing, especially if you are doing it for the first time. That is why we at Brian Barr have outlined the personal injury claim process from start to finish and beyond, so you can move forward with confidence.

With over 20 years of experience in serious and high value personal injury claims, we’ve helped clients across England and Wales through every stage to secure the outcome they deserve. In the sections below, we outline each step of the claims journey clearly and simply, so you know what to expect, what support is available, and how we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

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Why Choose Brian Barr Solicitors

Choosing the right solicitor can make all the difference to the outcome of your claim. At Brian Barr Solicitors, we have extensive experience in high-value personal injury cases, allowing us to provide you with this fully comprehensive step-by-step guide to personal injury claims.

Our firm is ranked highly by Legal 500 and recognised by Chambers UK, reflecting our reputation for excellence in serious injury work. We work closely with national charities and organisations such as Accessibility Partners and The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, giving us a deeper understanding of the challenges our clients face following their injuries, and showing our commitment to ensuring post claim support.

Our team genuinely understands what you are going through, and will fight to secure the compensation and care that you deserve.

Choosing the right solicitor can make all the difference to the outcome of your claim. At Brian Barr Solicitors, we have extensive experience in high-value personal injury cases, allowing us to provide you with this fully comprehensive step-by-step guide to personal injury claims.

Our firm is ranked highly by Legal 500 and recognised by Chambers UK, reflecting our reputation for excellence in serious injury work. We work closely with national charities and organisations such as Accessibility Partners and The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, giving us a deeper understanding of the challenges our clients face following their injuries, and showing our commitment to ensuring post claim support.

Our team genuinely understands what you are going through, and will fight to secure the compensation and care that you deserve.

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Find out how we helped Samuel

Brian Barr Solicitors secures £410,000 settlement

Brian Barr Solicitors recently represented Samuel, a Grounds Maintenance Worker whose life took an unexpected turn after a workplace incident. The case presented complexities as the Defendants chose to dispute liability, challenging the connection between the workplace incident and Samuel’s fibromyalgia. Brian Barr Solicitors, undeterred, navigated these challenges with skill and determination
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Steven Akerman

Personal Injury Solicitor & Director, Brian Barr

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Alex Cohen

Personal Injury Solicitor & Director, Brian Barr

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Philip Cohen

Director, Brian Barr

The Personal Injury Claims Process

1. Getting Started: Initial Advice and Case Assessment

Your journey begins with a confidential conversation with one of our expert solicitors. We will listen carefully to what happened, assess whether your case has legal merit, and explain your options clearly, including funding through a No Win No Fee agreement where appropriate. If your case meets the necessary criteria, we will send our client care documents and formally open your claim. If we are unable to assist, we will always explain why and suggest alternative sources of support where possible.

2. Establishing Responsibility

We begin each claim by identifying who is legally responsible for your injury. In some cases this is straightforward, but in others, such as those involving multiple parties, public liability, or uninsured drivers, liability may be disputed or unclear. We investigate the circumstances thoroughly and determine whether the claim should proceed against an individual, company, insurer, or statutory body. Our team has particular expertise in liability matters, including chronic pain claims and serious & catastrophic injuries.

3. Gathering Evidence and Medical Assessment

Next, we collect the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include witness statements, accident reports, CCTV footage, and expert opinions. With your consent, we will also obtain your medical records and arrange an independent medical examination by a specialist. This report outlines your diagnosis, prognosis, and the impact of your injury on your health and life, forming a vital part of both your compensation claim and your care planning.

4. Rehabilitation and Interim Support

Where injuries affect your ability to work or live independently, we help you access early rehabilitation, often before your claim settles. This might include physiotherapy, counselling, pain management, or home adaptations. If the other party accepts liability, we may request interim payments to fund urgent care or ease financial pressure. We work closely with case managers and medical professionals to ensure you receive the support you need throughout.

5. Valuing and Negotiating Your Compensation

Once we have a clear picture of your injuries and how they affect your life, we calculate your compensation. This includes general damages for pain and suffering, and special damages for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical expenses, and care costs. We then negotiate with the defendant’s insurer to secure a fair settlement. While most claims settle out of court, we are prepared to issue proceedings if the other side refuses to engage or undervalues your claim.

6. Court Proceedings (If Necessary)

If negotiations fall through, liability is denied or the compensation offered is too low, then court proceedings may be necessary. We will keep you informed and updated through the whole process, ensuring you feel supported throughout. We will prepare your claim thoroughly, including submitting court documents, finalising witness statements, and confirming that all expert witness evidence is complete. Claims that reach trial will vary in length, depending on the value of the case, but we will stand by you through the whole process.

7. Settlement, Payment, and Ongoing Support

Once a settlement is agreed or awarded by the court, your compensation will usually be paid as a lump sum. In more serious cases, you may receive periodical payments to ensure long-term financial security. We can also advise on setting up Personal Injury Trusts and work with you to protect your entitlement to benefits. Our involvement does not end with settlement, we continue to support clients with financial planning, care coordination, and recovery.

Contact Our Specialist Personal Injury Solicitors

If you are unsure where to begin following the injury of you or a loved one, we are here to help. At Brian Barr Solicitors, we combine legal expertise with genuine care to guide you through every stage of the personal injury claims process, from your first enquiry to settlement and beyond.

Speaking with our expert serious injury solicitors is the first step, and we will provide you with honest, practical advice from the outset. There is no cost for initial consultation, and we can act on a No Win No Fee basis in many cases. If you already have representation but do not feel as though you are receiving the support you need, we can also help you to transfer your claim.

To discuss your situation in confidence, call us, email us, or fill out one of our online enquiry forms. Our personal injury solicitors in Manchester are fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

The personal injury claim process varies in length, depending on the difficulty of the case and the severity of the injuries sustained. In straightforward claims where liability is admitted early and injuries are minor, it can take just a few months. However, more complicated cases with serious injuries can take 1 to 3 years or more.

At Brian Barr Solicitors, we aim to progress your claim as efficiently as possible, without compromising the outcome.

A successful claim is built on clear, detailed evidence. We guide our clients through this step, helping to gather:

  • Medical records
  • Expert Reports
  • Photos of injuries, accident scenes, or damaged property
  • Witness statements
  • Police or accident reports
  • CCTV or other footage
  • Financial documentation of treatment and care (payslips, receipts, invoices etc.)

Each case is unique, and we tailor our approach to ensure the strongest evidential foundation.

Yes, most claims must be brought within three years of the incident where the injury was sustained, or from the ‘date of knowledge’, when you first became aware that your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. There are exceptions to this, which include:

  • For Children – the three year period starts from their 18th birthday
  • For those lacking mental capacity – time limits may not apply until or unless capacity is regained
  • Criminal injury or Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) claims – these may have shorter deadlines

Because time limits can vary and are strictly enforced, it is important to seek advice as early as possible. Our team can assess your circumstances and ensure your claim is made within the legal timeframe.

Our commitment does not stop when your case concludes. We provide ongoing support to help you rebuild your life after a serious injury or trauma. This may include access to rehabilitation and therapy, guidance on managing compensation funds, and referrals to trusted specialists in physical and psychological recovery.

For clients with life-changing injuries, we can help to arrange home or vehicle adaptations, support care planning, and connect you with external organisations and charities, including Brake, Aftermath Support and Road Safety GB. Our team is here to support your recovery long after the legal process ends.

The personal injury claim process varies in length, depending on the difficulty of the case and the severity of the injuries sustained. In straightforward claims where liability is admitted early and injuries are minor, it can take just a few months. However, more complicated cases with serious injuries can take 1 to 3 years or more.

At Brian Barr Solicitors, we aim to progress your claim as efficiently as possible, without compromising the outcome.

A successful claim is built on clear, detailed evidence. We guide our clients through this step, helping to gather:

  • Medical records
  • Expert Reports
  • Photos of injuries, accident scenes, or damaged property
  • Witness statements
  • Police or accident reports
  • CCTV or other footage
  • Financial documentation of treatment and care (payslips, receipts, invoices etc.)

Each case is unique, and we tailor our approach to ensure the strongest evidential foundation.

Yes, most claims must be brought within three years of the incident where the injury was sustained, or from the ‘date of knowledge’, when you first became aware that your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. There are exceptions to this, which include:

  • For Children – the three year period starts from their 18th birthday
  • For those lacking mental capacity – time limits may not apply until or unless capacity is regained
  • Criminal injury or Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) claims – these may have shorter deadlines

Because time limits can vary and are strictly enforced, it is important to seek advice as early as possible. Our team can assess your circumstances and ensure your claim is made within the legal timeframe.

Our commitment does not stop when your case concludes. We provide ongoing support to help you rebuild your life after a serious injury or trauma. This may include access to rehabilitation and therapy, guidance on managing compensation funds, and referrals to trusted specialists in physical and psychological recovery.

For clients with life-changing injuries, we can help to arrange home or vehicle adaptations, support care planning, and connect you with external organisations and charities, including Brake, Aftermath Support and Road Safety GB. Our team is here to support your recovery long after the legal process ends.

What Our Clients Say...
Success Stories from Brian Barr Solicitors

Read more about how we support client throughout the UK to claim compensation for their injuries or chronic pain conditions. Brian Barr Solicitors consistently achieves great results and high compensation amounts.

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