Procedures
Courts split by value, with mandatory pre-action steps for injuries
Civil jurisdiction is divided by claim value between the District, Circuit and High Courts. Personal-injury claims must first go through the Injuries Resolution Board before litigation.
Key rules
- The District, Circuit and High Courts take cases according to monetary limits.
- Most personal-injury claims must be assessed by the Injuries Resolution Board first.
- Costs generally follow the event, so the loser usually pays.
Governing law
- Courts of Justice Acts
- Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003
In practice
Bypassing the Injuries Resolution Board and going straight to court risks the case being struck out, so the assessment step is unavoidable.