An industrial accident claim does not only include the injuries you’ve suffered. Your life can be affected in many different ways as a result a workplace injury. This can lead to you incurring many other losses and expenses. If these losses have arisen as a direct consequence of the accident at work or your injuries you can include them in your claim.

Some of the most common losses include:

• Travel expenses
• Medical expenses and treatment costs
• Loss of earnings
• Care and assistance
• Future loss of earnings

Besides losses you have already incurred, you can include losses which you anticipate you will incur in future. These future losses, like all losses in your claim, must be supported by evidence and must follow as a direct result of your injuries.

For example, if the harm you sustained will mean you need long-term care in future, any expenses relating to this could be added in your compensation claim.

To find out more about the different kinds of loss for which you can claim compensation, download our free ebook: The Ultimate Personal Injury Compensation Guide.

Legal time limits apply to all personal injury claims. As a general rule, you must settle your claim, or start court proceedings, within 3 years of the date of the accident.

There are situations, however, where different limits will apply. For example, if you have suffered an industrial disease, then it may be difficult to pinpoint a date when your ‘injury’ occurred. With some conditions, such as occupational asthma, symptoms may take time to develop after the harmful exposure. In these situations, a 3-year time limit will run from the date when you knew, or ought to have had known, of the harm you had suffered. In most cases this will be when a doctor diagnoses you with your condition.

Other complicated rules can also change the time limit which applies. If you think you may have a personal injury claim, it is best to consult a solicitor for advice as soon as possible to avoid the risk of running out of time. If you are concerned about time limits or wish to know where you stand, please do not hesitate to contact us.