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UK Injury Solicitors

Time Limits Reference

Statutory limitation rules under the Limitation Act 1980 by claim category — reference explainer, not a personal deadline checker.

Reference explainer only

Select a claim category to view the applicable statutory limitation rule and exceptions as published reference. This tool does not take your accident date and does not tell you whether you are in or out of time.

Standard personal injury claim

The primary limitation period for most personal injury claims is three years. Time runs from the date of the injury or, if later, the date of knowledge of the injury and its significant cause.

Statutory reference: Limitation Act 1980, s.11 (primary period); s.14 (date of knowledge)

Exceptions and notes

  • The three-year period may start later than the accident date if the claimant did not know (and could not reasonably have known) that the injury was significant and attributable to the act or omission complained of (s.14).
  • Different rules may apply to claims against public bodies or under specific statutory schemes — always check the applicable regime.

This is published statutory reference only — not advice on your claim or your individual limitation position.

Source: Limitation Act 1980.

For advice about your individual circumstances, consult an SRA-regulated solicitor. Find a solicitor on the Law Society website.

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