Time Limits & Claim Deadlines
Time limits and claim deadlines can be confusing, as different types of personal injury matters have different requirements, notice periods and timeframes. This page explains the general principles that apply to limitation periods, what information may be relevant when assessing deadlines and how Law Tram provides a secure and obligation-free way to connect with licensed Australian lawyers for guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Worried about running out of time to claim?
Strict time limits apply to most personal injury claims in Australia. Missing a deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation entirely. Different types of claims have different timeframes and extensions are only granted in limited situations. The sooner you get legal advice, the more options you’ll have.
Law Tram connects you with personal injury lawyers who can review your situation, explain the time limits that apply, and help you act quickly if your deadline is approaching.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with understanding and responding to claim deadlines, including:
- General personal injury time limits — often 3 years from the date of injury
- WorkCover claims — usually must be lodged within 6 months of the injury
- Motor vehicle accident claims — deadlines vary by state
- Public liability or medical negligence claims — typically 3 years, but some cases involve earlier notice periods
- Timeframes for TPD and income protection claims through superannuation
- National Redress Scheme applications for historical abuse (different timeframes)
- Applying for extensions in limited circumstances (e.g. delayed awareness, incapacity)
- Urgent legal help if you're close to a deadline or unsure if you’ve already missed it
- Assessing whether a limitation period has started, paused, or expired
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers who understand injury-related time limits
- Confidential platform to outline your situation and ask questions
- Guidance on what information or documents may be relevant
- No obligation to engage any lawyer you speak with
- Lawyers help you understand the legal considerations involved
How it works
Confidential and Secure Questionnaire
Start by completing our secure online questionnaire. This step allows you to provide essential details about your injury and claim history.
Confidential Legal Snapshots
Law Tram’s advanced technology generates a confidential legal brief summarising your case while keeping your personal details private.
Review by Licensed Australian Lawyers
Your confidential legal snapshot is shared with our network of vetted lawyers who review your case to determine how they can assist.
Connect with a Lawyer
If a lawyer believes they can help, they will initiate a chat with you through the Law Tram platform. Your contact details remain private unless you choose to share them.
No Obligation
You’re under no pressure to retain any lawyer unless you’re confident in their ability to assist. Law Tram empowers you to make informed decisions.
What others are saying
Take the first step toward resolution
Law Tram offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with lawyers who understand the legal issues involved in personal injury time limits and claim deadlines. Whether your concerns relate to notice requirements, limitation periods or communication with insurers or other parties, our platform helps you access tailored legal guidance before you decide how to proceed.
Take the first step with clarity and peace of mind by starting your free online consultation with Law Tram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your information is encrypted and never shared with lawyers until you've chosen to proceed with your confidential snapshot.
No. The AI paralegal helps streamline the process, but you’re always in control. You can skip or clarify any questions.
There’s no obligation to proceed. If no lawyer offers to assist, or you're not happy with your options, you won't be charged.
No. Law Tram doesn’t charge you to use the platform. Any legal fees are set and communicated directly by the lawyers who respond.
You can indicate urgency in the questionnaire. While lawyers aim to respond quickly, the platform is best suited for matters that aren't emergencies.
Yes. Law Tram can be used to explore a second opinion or to better understand your situation before making further decisions.
Law Tram can assist finding a solicitor in Queensland only for TPD / income protection contractual insurance claims. Queensland legislation prohibits Law Tram assisting you with finding a solicitor in Queensland for personal injury claims for damages and compensation. Please contact the Queensland Law Society to be referred to a solicitor.
No. Law Tram does not pay or receive any commission for personal injury or accident claims in the states and/or territories where legislation prohibits commissions being paid for personal injuries claim matters. In those states and/or territories, commissions apply only to contractual insurance matters, such as Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and Income Protection claims made under an insurance policy or superannuation fund. This is to ensure compliance of Law Tram & Legal Partners with anti-claim farming legislation.
Dates, incident details, medical records and any notices already sent or received can help a lawyer understand which timeframes may apply.
Yes. Different incidents may involve different notice periods or limitation rules. A lawyer can explain the general frameworks without providing specific advice.
A lawyer can help you understand the applicable rules and whether any exceptions or extensions may be relevant to your circumstances.
Important Notice for Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia Users
Law Tram does not collect, refer, or connect people with lawyers for personal injury or accident compensation matters arising in Queensland (QLD), New South Wales (NSW), or South Australia (SA) or for claims for damages arising from motor vehicle accidents in Australian Capital Territory.
Due to strict claim-farming laws in these jurisdictions, Law Tram can only support contractual insurance claims such as Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and Income Protection claims made under an insurance policy or superannuation fund.
If your matter involves an injury caused by another person, medical provider, or workplace, please contact a local law firm directly. Law Tram cannot process or forward such enquiries under any circumstances.