How to take a claim in the civil court - at a glance

Summary

This table provides a quick and useful way of checking your understanding and what you need to do for small claims or fast track claims about breach of contract, debt, loss or damage which is someone else’s fault (negligence), and personal injury. It is designed to be used alongside the other guides in the series. This information is about the law in England and Wales. | Breach of contract, or Debt| Loss or damage to property which is someone else’s fault (negligence) with no personal injury| Personal injury (including road traffic accidents) ---|---|---|--- Time limits(This is the basic time limit. For exceptions and special cases see our guide to time limits)| 6 years| 6 years| 3 years Is it a small claim?| Yes, if the value is under £10,000.| Yes, if the value is under £10,000.| Yes, if * the injuries were not caused by a road accident, and the value is under £1,500, or * if the injuries were caused by a road accident that occurred after 31st May 2021, you were in a car, and the total value of the claim is under £10,000, and the value of personal injury element is under £5,000. (See Make a claim about injuries caused by a car accident for other limitations). Is it a fast track.

Key information

• the injuries were not caused by a road accident, and the value is under £1,500, or
• if the injuries were caused by a road accident that occurred after 31st May 2021, you were in a car, and the total value of the claim is under £10,000, and the value of personal injury element is under £5,000. (See Make a claim about injuries caused by a car accident for other limitations).
• the injuries were not caused by a road traffic accident, and the total value is between £10,000 and £25,000, and the personal injury element is valued at over £1,500,
• the injuries were caused by a road traffic accident and the total value is between £10,000-£25,000, or
• the total value is under £10,000 but they are not a small claim (for example, because the personal injury element is valued at over £5000 or you were a vulnerable road user).
• usually, money to put you in the financial position you would have been if the contract had been carried out properly,
• occasionally, ordering the other person to remedy the breach of contract,
• Compensation to put you in the position you would have been in if the person had carried out their duty.
• Compensation for the injury itself, that is for your pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
• Compensation for your losses and expenses.
• This table provides a quick and useful way of checking your understanding and what you need to do for small claims or fast track claims about breach of contract, debt, loss or damage which is someone else’s fault (negligence), and personal injury. It is designed to be used alongside the other guides in the series.
• | Breach of contract, or Debt| Loss or damage to property which is someone else’s fault (negligence) with no personal injury| Personal injury (including road traffic accidents) ---|---|---|--- Time limits(This is the basic time limit. For exceptions and special cases see our guide to time limits)| 6 years| 6 years| 3 years Is it a small claim?| Yes, if the value is under £10,000.| Yes, if the value is under £10,000.| Yes, if

Practical guidance

• Source: How to take a claim in the civil court - at a glance

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