Under normal circumstances, adults have three years from the date of the accident in which to bring a claim for compensation, but the rules relating to children are different. The law states that if a person is under eighteen when the accident occurs then the three year limitation period does not start until the child's eighteenth birthday. Because of the above, Court proceedings can be commenced at any time before the child's twenty first birthday

Whilst the rules are strictly enforced by the Courts, there may be circumstances in which it is possible for a person to bring an action for an injury sustained in childhood after their twenty first birthday. Childrens Accident Helpline will advise you whether this is possible, according to the details of your individual case.

Even though time limits are different for children, it is important to contact us as soon as possible after the accident, so that witnesses can be contacted and evidence preserved.