How Long do I have to Make a Claim?

Statute of Limitations
Subject to certain very strict exceptions, you have two years from the date of your accident to commence legal proceedings for compensation. If the two year period has expired, even by one day, then your claim is Statute Barred from proceeding.

An important exception to this rule is that persons under the age of 18 years at the time of the accident (minors) have until their 21st birthday to commence proceedings. In theory therefore, a four year old for example has 17 years to commence proceedings, although a lengthy delay may create severe difficulties and may give rise to the defendant having grounds to apply for a dismissal of the claim on the grounds that his right to put up a defence has been prejudiced by the delay.

It should be noted that it can take time to have legal proceedings issued so you should not leave it until the last few weeks before expiry of the statute before instructing your solicitor in the matter.