• 0161 696 6235
  • Request a callback
Stephensons Solicitors LLP Banner Image

Personal injury glossary - L

If you would like assistance in relation to a possible personal injury claim speak to our experts for guidance on your options on 01616 966 229 or complete our online enquiry form.

This personal injury glossary provides explanations in plain English of a number of technical terms you may encounter in the process of pursuing a personal injury claim.

Legal help - Legal aid scheme provided to those who would otherwise be unable to afford such a service.

Legal expenses insurance (LEI) - Legal expenses insurance is a form of insurance policy which covers policyholders against the potential costs of bringing legal action against a party.

Legal ombudsman - An organisation with formal powers to resolve complaints about lawyers.

Letter of claim - Initial letter sent to the defendant informing them of the claim. The defendant in accident claims then has 21 days to respond with details of their insurer and 3 months to investigate liability.

Liability - A legal responsibility or obligation.

Limitation period - The time limit someone has to bring a legal action. For example, in personal injury cases, people generally have 3 years from the date of an accident to bring a claim.

Children under the age of 18 in personal injury cases have 3 years from the date they turn 18 to bring legal action.

Litigation - The process of taking a case to court.

Litigation friend - Where a claimant is under the age of 18 or suffers from mental illness, they require a trusted person to assist in their legal action. A litigation friend makes vital decisions in respect of a claim brought by such a person.

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M 

N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

loading staff

Understanding the personal injury discount rate

Claims for damages in personal injury cases in England and Wales are subject to the personal injury discount rate (PIDR). This key element for the calculation of compensation in personal injury cases is vital for ensuring fairness when assessing the...

Read more

Why does my personal injury solicitor need to see a copy of my medical records?

Have you ever wondered why, when pursuing a claim for  personal injury compensation , your solicitor needs to see a copy of your medical records? In most personal injury claims, including some road traffic accident claims , it is necessary for...

Read more
  • Louise Griffiths
  • ​Danielle Callaway
  • Robert Donlan​
  • ​Pauline Smith
  • ​Shahina Sakeria​
  • Katie Plappert
  • Millie Wilde
  • Toni Lowery
  • Andrew Dunne
  • Subiha Khezar