The Claims Process — 14 Frequently Asked Questions
Most personal injury claims in Scotland start with a claim letter, go through Scotland's Personal Injury Pre-Action Protocol (which courts normally expect to be followed for claims up to £25,000 where the claimant has a solicitor), and settle without a court hearing. Higher-value or contested claims can be raised in the Sheriff Court, the National Personal Injury Court in Edinburgh, or the Court of Session, depending on value and complexity.
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How do I start a personal injury claim in Scotland?
Most people start by speaking to a solicitor who specialises in personal injury, who will assess whether you have a viable claim, explain the likely process and funding options, and begin gathering evidence.
What is a claim letter, and does Scotland have a Pre-Action Protocol?
Yes. Since 28 November 2016, Scotland has had a Personal Injury Pre-Action Protocol (Act of Sederunt, SSI 2016/215) that courts normally expect parties to follow before proceedings start in personal injury claims valued at up to £25,000 where the claimant is represented by a solicitor. It does not apply to claims arising from clinical negligence or professional negligence, to injuries that take the form of a disease, or to accidents before 28 November 2016. Before court proceedings start, the claimant's solicitor sends a claim letter to the other side (or their insurer), and both sides must exchange information and try to settle on a set timetable.
How long does a personal injury claim take in Scotland?
It varies hugely — straightforward claims that settle without court proceedings might resolve in months, while contested or complex claims (especially medical negligence) can take a few years.
Do I need to go to court in Scotland?
Most personal injury claims settle without a court hearing — the vast majority resolve through negotiation once liability and value are clear. Court proceedings are usually only needed if liability is disputed or the parties can't agree on value.
What is Summary Cause, and does Simple Procedure apply to personal injury claims?
No — Simple Procedure specifically excludes personal injury damages claims. Personal injury claims up to £5,000 use the Summary Cause procedure instead, a simpler Sheriff Court process than the full Ordinary Cause procedure used above that value.
What is the National Personal Injury Court?
It is a specialist sheriff court in Edinburgh, established on 22 September 2015 as the All-Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court (now generally called the National Personal Injury Court), that can hear personal injury cases from across Scotland. It deals with claims of more than £5,000, and with workplace accident claims of more than £1,000. Sheriff courts have exclusive competence for claims up to £100,000, and above that value a case may be brought in either the sheriff court or the Court of Session.
What is a speculative fee agreement?
It's Scotland's traditional version of a no-win, no-fee arrangement — your solicitor's fees are only payable if the claim succeeds. The Civil Litigation (Expenses and Group Proceedings) (Scotland) Act 2018 modernised these arrangements and also introduced Damages-Based Agreements as an alternative option.
What happens at the medical examination for my claim in Scotland?
An independent medical expert (not connected to either side) examines you and reviews your medical records to produce a report on your injuries, prognosis, and how they affect your life — this report is central to valuing your claim.
What if the other side denies liability in Scotland?
Your solicitor will respond to the denial with evidence supporting your case. If it can't be resolved through negotiation, court proceedings in the Sheriff Court, National Personal Injury Court, or Court of Session may be needed.
What is a judicial tender?
It's Scotland's equivalent of a formal settlement offer with cost consequences attached — if you reject one and later achieve less at trial than what was tendered, you can face cost penalties, so these need careful consideration.
Can I settle my claim without a solicitor in Scotland?
You can, but insurers negotiate professionally, and compensation is often significantly higher when claims are properly valued and negotiated by a specialist solicitor.
What happens if my claim goes to court?
A sheriff or judge hears evidence from both sides — including witness and expert evidence — and decides on liability and, if you win, the level of solatium and other damages. Court hearings are relatively rare, as most cases settle beforehand.
Can I claim for rehabilitation costs during my claim in Scotland?
Yes, and insurers are generally encouraged to fund reasonable rehabilitation (like physiotherapy) early on, even before liability is finally resolved, to support your recovery.
What happens once my claim settles in Scotland?
You'll usually sign a settlement agreement, and compensation is paid within an agreed period. For claims involving children or those under legal incapacity, court approval of the settlement is required first.
Official sources
Primary sources and official guidance on this topic, for anyone who wants to read the underlying rules directly.
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