Health Care after Nov 2005

For health care provided after 15 November 2005, a 3 year time limit applies within which claim should be brought.

If the care is provided to an infant (anyone under 18 years old) this period is 6 years.

There is some uncertainty as to when the 3 years starts from (or 6 years if an infant).  This can be difficult to determine in complex cases and is something you should seek specific advice about.  To be on the safe side, it is best to seek such advice before 3 years from when the relevant care was provided.

There is some (limited) capacity for an extension beyond the 3 year time limit to be sought.  Whether an extension may be available in your specific circumstances is something you will need to get advice upon, we suggest as soon as possible....

Health Care Before November 2005

For health care provided before Nov 2005, different time limits are likely to apply.  

In most (but not all...) situations, a 6 year time limit is set.  In the case of children, this period is usually (but again, not always..) longer.  

There are various unfair aspects to time limits for care prior to Nov 2005, which is a reason the law was changed at that time.

The changes in the Law in 2005 do in some respects (in my view at least..), apply to claims relating to health care provided prior to it coming into force.  Once again, if this may be important to you, seek advice concerning your specific circumstances