About Our Personal Injury Services
At PHG Legal, we understand that suffering a personal injury can be a life-altering experience. Whether it’s due to a road traffic accident, a workplace incident, or negligence in public or private spaces, you deserve compassionate, expert legal support to help you seek justice and compensation. Our experienced, all-female legal team is committed to offering clear, accessible advice from your very first contact—available 24/7—and guiding you through every step of your claim.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process where an individual seeks compensation for injuries suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence or unlawful behaviour. Compensation can cover physical injury, emotional distress, loss of earnings, and future care needs. We aim to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, offering free initial advice and transparent communication throughout.
Types of Personal Injury Claims
In the UK, personal injury claims are allocated to one of several court “tracks” based on the value and complexity of the case. Understanding how these tracks work is crucial in determining the level of formality, legal cost recovery, and overall approach to your case.
Small Claims Track
For claims worth up to £10,000 (or £5,000 for Road Traffic Accidents under the OIC Portal). These are typically straightforward matters involving minor injuries and are usually heard in a more informal court setting without the need for legal representation.
Fast Track
Covers claims valued between £10,000 and £25,000. These cases often involve moderate injuries and require a more structured process, including medical expert evidence and court directions. Trials usually last no longer than one day.
Intermediate Track (New from 1st October 2023)
Introduced under the Civil Procedure (Amendment No.2) Rules 2023, the Intermediate Track now applies to most civil claims valued between £25,000 and £100,000, including many personal injury cases. It is designed for cases that are too complex for the Fast Track but do not meet the higher complexity of Multi-Track claims.
To qualify for the Intermediate Track:
The trial must be under 3 days.
No more than two experts per party can give oral evidence.
The case must not involve more than two Claimants or Defendants.
It must not fall within specific excluded categories (e.g. mesothelioma, child abuse claims, or complex clinical negligence without admission of liability).
Claims in this track are also categorised into four Complexity Bands (1–4) which determine the fixed legal costs recoverable. Band 1 covers simpler cases, while Band 4 covers the most complex claims within the track. The introduction of this system may lead to disputes between parties over proper band assignment, as it directly impacts recoverable legal costs.
Multi-Track
For claims typically valued over £100,000, or those involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or complex medical and legal issues. Multi-Track claims allow for greater judicial flexibility and full recovery of legal costs assessed on the standard basis.
PHG Legal specialises in managing claims across all tracks, with particular expertise in high-value Multi-Track and complex Intermediate Track cases. Our team provides tailored legal strategies for serious injury, medical negligence, and long-term compensation claims, ensuring every client receives the attention and expertise their case deserves.
How the Personal Injury Claim Process Works
Initial Consultation
Speak with one of our expert solicitors to assess your case — this is free and without obligation.
Gathering Evidence
We help collect essential documents including medical reports, witness statements, and photographs to support your claim.
Claim Notification Forms (SCNF or CNF)
Depending on the nature and value of your claim, we will submit one of two formal notification forms:
Small Claim Notification Form (SCNF): Submitted via the OIC Portal for eligible road traffic accident (RTA) claims.
Claim Notification Form (CNF): Submitted via the MOJ Portal for other personal injury claims, including higher-value RTAs, employer liability (EL), and public liability (PL).
Both forms serve the same purpose — to notify the defendant or their insurer of your injury claim in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol. The difference lies in the portal used and the type of claim being pursued.
Understanding the Portals
OIC Portal (Official Injury Claim):
Used for RTA-related personal injury claims where:Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (PSLA) is valued at £5,000 or less, and
The total value including special damages does not exceed £10,000
Not suitable for claims involving vulnerable road users or children
MOJ Portal:
Used for:RTA claims where the total value falls between £1,000 and £25,000,
Children’s claims, and
Claims involving employer liability or public liability
Portal Submission
Once your eligibility is assessed, we submit your case through the appropriate online system:
SCNF through the OIC Portal, or
CNF through the MOJ Portal
This formally initiates your claim and triggers the defendant’s obligation to respond.
Liability Response
The defendant or their insurer must provide a response within the set timeframe:
OIC Portal: Up to 30 business days to admit or deny liability
MOJ Portal: Typically 15 to 40 calendar days, depending on the claim type
Settlement or Court
If liability is accepted, we’ll negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If liability is denied, or settlement terms cannot be reached, we will prepare and support you through court proceedings with expert representation at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to make a personal injury claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident (or from when you became aware of your injury) to start a claim. However, there are exceptions—especially for children or individuals lacking mental capacity—so it’s important to seek legal advice as early as possible.
Will I have to go to court?
Most personal injury claims are settled without going to court—especially those submitted through the OIC or MOJ portals. However, if your case is complex or liability is strongly contested, court proceedings may be necessary. If that happens, you’ll have a dedicated solicitor supporting you throughout the entire process.
What is the difference between the OIC Portal and the MOJ Portal?
The OIC (Official Injury Claim) Portal is used for road traffic accident (RTA) claims where:
The value of pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (PSLA) is £5,000 or less, and
The total claim, including special damages, does not exceed £10,000
The MOJ (Ministry of Justice) Portal is used for:
RTA claims valued between £1,000 and £25,000
Claims involving children, employer liability (EL), or public liability (PL)
RTA claims that are not suitable for the OIC, such as those involving vulnerable road users or more serious injuries
What is an SCNF and how is it different from a CNF?
Both are Claim Notification Forms used to notify the defendant of your personal injury claim:
SCNF (Small Claim Notification Form): Submitted via the OIC Portal for low-value RTAs
CNF (Claim Notification Form): Submitted via the MOJ Portal for higher-value or non-RTA claims
They serve the same function but apply to different portals based on the nature and value of your case.
How long does the defendant have to respond?
OIC Portal: The defendant has 30 business days to admit or deny liability
MOJ Portal: The response time typically ranges from 15 to 40 calendar days, depending on the claim type
What happens if the defendant admits liability?
If the defendant accepts liability, we’ll negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If you’re satisfied with the offer, the claim can be resolved without going to court.
What if the defendant denies liability?
If liability is denied, we will review the evidence and advise you on the best next steps. This could involve:
Gathering additional documentation
Mediation or further negotiation
Proceeding to court, where we will represent and support you throughout
How do I know which portal applies to my case?
Our legal team will assess your case details — including injury type, claim value, and eligibility criteria — and ensure it is submitted through the correct portal. This ensures full compliance with legal protocols and maximises your chances of success.