Can You Sue People in the UK?

Searching for answers for your legal questions? You have come to the right place! Today we are asking if it is possible to launch a claim for compensation against UK residents. Or, in terms you might be more familiar with: can you sue people in the UK? Let’s find out…

Here in the UK we are used to hearing about people suing each other – but not on our side of the pond. When you think of people being sued, you automatically conjure up images of corporate America. Of lawyers who go for the throat and of insurance companies wringing their hands.

However, you can ‘sue’ people here in the UK and it is nowhere near as savage a process as it is made out to be. We don’t tend to use the same terminology, either. To us, we don’t sue each other. We bring a claim against them.

Here is what you need to know, should you become involved in an accident that was not your fault.

What it Means to Sue Someone in the UK

Suing someone in the UK is the process of taking legal action against a person or organisation based on their maltreatment of you. You can sue for many reasons. You might sue someone for intellectual property infringement, for medical negligence or for a personal injury. You can bring a claim against a business for mis-selling a product or for failing to warn you about the dangers of the products they are selling.

Whatever the reason, suing someone can be a lengthy process depending upon the complexity of the situation.

What Does “Sue” Mean in a Legal Sense?

The dictionary definition of suing someone is the act of “seeking justice or right from (a person) by legal process.”

If you want to bring a claim against someone living in the UK, the first thing you will need is legal advice. Seek out an expert solicitor who specialises in your area of the law. Initial consultations are usually free and this gives you the opportunity to find one you gel with, without paying over the odds.

Bringing a Claim Against a UK or NI Resident

When you bring a claim against someone, it is usually the insurance companies who fit the bill.

Imagine this: you are hit by a drunk driver. Although not seriously injured, you do have bad whiplash and you are traumatised to the point of being referred for therapy. You cannot get the therapy you need on the NHS and must go private.

If the accident was not your fault, then there is no reason why you should pay out for your recovery. You decide to bring a claim against the at-fault driver to cover the cost of your medical expenses. Your claim is successful as decided by a judge or court. You then receive a payout from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

You have successfully brought your own claim.

Suing People Goes Beyond Car Accidents

Although car accidents and workplace accidents are responsible for most injuries in the UK, there are other reasons why you might bring a claim against someone. If you think you have a good case, then you should seek out the help of a specialist. Until you speak with one you will never know how much your compensation claim could be worth.