Time Limits Reference
Statutory limitation rules under the Limitation Act 1980 by claim category — reference explainer, not a personal deadline checker.
Select a claim category to view published statutory limitation rules — this tool does not take your accident date or 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.
Source: Limitation Act 1980.
Published statutory reference only — not advice on your claim or your individual limitation position. Consult an SRA-regulated solicitor: Find a solicitor on the Law Society website.
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