By Mark Ainsdale. Last Updated 8th July 2025. Welcome to our guide, which answers one of the most frequently asked questions we get: ‘Can I claim compensation for somebody else?’ When a loved one or a close friend has been injured due to an accident that was not their fault, your priority will always be to make sure that they get the care and attention they deserve and require. After this, if they cannot do so themselves, you may wish to claim personal injury compensation on behalf of someone else who can not do so.
At Legal Expert, we understand that if a friend or loved one has been injured, you will want to do everything you can to support them. If the injured person cannot claim for themselves, you may be able to pursue compensation on their behalf. Towards the end of this guide, we’ll highlight how one of our experienced personal injury solicitors can help you navigate this claims process.
You can start your compensation journey by getting in touch with our team for free, personalised advice. Please also continue reading our guide to learn more about how to claim on someone else’s behalf. Contact us today by:
- Ringing up on 0800 073 8804.
- Messaging an advisor in live chat.
- Using our online ‘contact us’ form.
Select A Section
- A Guide To How To Claim For Someone Else
- Claim Compensation On Behalf Of A Child
- What Is A Litigation Friend And What Role Do They Play?
- Claiming On Someone Else’s Behalf If They Have A Pre-Existing Condition
- Suing On Behalf Of A Deceased Person Or Their Estate
- What Can I Claim For Someone Else?
- Calculating Compensation On Behalf Of Someone Else
- No Win No Fee Claims On Someone Else’s Behalf
- Why Use Our Services When Making A Claim?
- Contact Legal Expert Today
- Useful Links
A Guide To How To Claim For Someone Else
Most people are aware that they can make a personal injury claim in the event of suffering an injury that was not their fault. However, people may not be aware that they can claim compensation on behalf of someone else if they cannot do so due to age, incapacity, or even death.
You can claim compensation on behalf of someone else if they have sustained injuries that have affected their mental faculties or if they already had a condition affecting their ability to make decisions. Furthermore, you can claim if the loved one suffered a fatal injury. And you could claim on behalf of their estate to cover the costs of a funeral.
Claim Compensation On Behalf Of A Child
Watching your child being hurt in an accident can be an extremely hard thing for a parent to see. If those injuries are caused by someone who was responsible for their safety, then it may be possible for you to claim compensation on their behalf.
For more information about child accident claims, please contact our advisors today. They can assess the case and answer questions like ‘Can I claim compensation for somebody else?’
What Is A Litigation Friend And What Role Do They Play?
A litigation friend is someone who can help represent the interests of an individual who cannot claim on their own. To act as a litigation friend, you will need to be authorised by the courts. Litigation friends are used where the person who needs to claim cannot do so for themselves. Typically, that is because a claimant is under 18 and, therefore, too young to represent themselves, or a person who has a mental disability that impairs their ability to understand or make fully informed decisions.
You can find out more information about what a litigation friend is and the duties they have by talking to one of our advisors.
Claiming On Someone Else’s Behalf If They Have A Pre-Existing Condition
One circumstance in which you may need to claim for someone else could be where there is a pre-existing medical or mental health condition that precludes their ability to make decisions or prevents them from fully understanding what is happening.
Under the 2005 Mental Capacity Act, you can help someone who is too vulnerable to make their own claim, perhaps because of brain damage. Some of the conditions under which you could claim compensation for somebody else include dementia, Alzheimer’s, learning disabilities such as autism, and those who have had a stroke. You can also assist people with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or clinical depression.
Contact us today to find out more about who and when you can claim compensation on behalf of someone else.
Suing On Behalf Of A Deceased Person Or Their Estate
Some of the most difficult circumstances to deal with are when you need to claim on behalf of someone else if they have passed away due to a fatal accident. Suing on behalf of a deceased person can be traumatic, and our team will do everything they can to make the process easier.
What Can I Claim For Someone Else?
So, what elements can you include as you’re wondering, ‘Can I claim compensation for somebody else?’ The quick answer is that a claim may also compensate for the financial losses caused by someone’s injuries.
Examples of these special damages include:
- Adaptations to their home or vehicle to improve accessibility.
- The purchase of assistive equipment, such as a wheelchair or prosthetic limb.
- Private medical treatments that are not available through the NHS.
- Occupational therapy or physiotherapy.
- A loss of earnings (including in the future).
The personal injury solicitor we provide will work diligently to secure the maximum possible level of compensation. They can also assist with the task of proving financial losses by helping gather documentation, like bank statements and payslips.
Calculating Compensation On Behalf Of Someone Else
Whether claiming on someone else’s behalf, suing on behalf of an estate, or making a claim on your own behalf, calculating compensation is dependent on many factors. Before making your claim, the specialist solicitor we can provide will assess your injuries to determine the potential value of general damages. This is the head of a claim that covers someone’s injuries, their severity, and overall impact on day-to-day life.
In the table below, we have included some suggested compensation brackets from the Judicial College Guidelines. This document is used by many solicitors when assessing general damages because it publishes guideline brackets for various types of injuries.
Please note that the brackets do not guarantee compensation, and the top figure isn’t from the JCG.
| Injury | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Multiple Very Severe Injuries and Financial Losses (e.g. Home Accessibility Improvements) | Up to £1 million plus |
| Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia) | £396,140 to £493,000 |
| Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 |
| Very Severe Brain Damage | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Moderately Severe Brain Damage | £267,340 to £344,150 |
| Total Blindness | In the Region of £327,940 |
| Chest Injuries (a) | £122,850 to £183,190 |
| Total Deafness | £110,750 to £133,810 |
| Severe (a) Psychiatric Damage | £66,920 to £141,240 |
| Severe (a) PTSD | £73,050 to £122,850 |
No Win No Fee Claims On Someone Else’s Behalf
We are happy to offer our clients a No Win No Fee agreement to help them claim on behalf of someone else. Our solicitors offer a specific type of arrangement called a Conditional Fee Agreement. CFAs protect claimants from spiralling solicitor fees by ensuring:
- There are no solicitor fees to pay at the start of a claim
- There are zero solicitor fees charged during a claim
- There is absolutely nothing to pay in solicitor fees if a claim is lost.
If your case wins, you will pay a success fee for your solicitor’s work. It’s pre-agreed, so you won’t face any surprises at the end of your claim. This fee is small, as the percentage that is taken out of your compensation for it is capped by law.
All of this makes the process of hiring a solicitor that much easier, especially when wondering, “Can I claim compensation for somebody else?”
Why Use Our Services When Making A Claim?
If you use our services when making a claim on behalf of someone else, you’ll benefit from the cutting-edge expertise of our solicitors. That expertise has been gained through decades of combined experience in helping clients across the country win over £80 million in compensation.
Our solicitors are specialists in personal injury claims, tailoring their services to meet the unique needs of each client. During the initial stages of the claims process, our advisors will thoroughly explain how to claim on behalf of someone else and will be available to answer any questions you have about the process.
Further, our excellent solicitors will support you by:
- Utilising their legal skills and knowledge
- Explaining key terminology associated with the claim
- Explaining how to sign documents on behalf of someone else
- Helping obtain evidence to establish third-party liability
- Explaining how compensation is calculated
- Setting the claimant up with appointments, such as rehabilitation
- Negotiating settlements with third parties to secure the maximum compensation
We understand that this may be a great responsibility you have. However, you will receive support every step of the way.
At Legal Expert, we take pride in providing an exceptional standard of customer service. Therefore, our advisors and solicitors will go above and beyond to help you claim compensation on behalf of someone else.
If you would like more examples of why you will benefit from using our services, our advisors would be happy to discuss them with you. They’re here 24/7 and can also answer any questions you may have, such as ‘Can I sue on behalf of someone else?
Contact Legal Expert Today
If you would like more guidance on claiming through one of our solicitors, our advisors would be happy to discuss this with you. Get in touch today by:
- Ringing up on 0800 073 8804.
- Messaging an advisor in live chat.
- Using our online ‘contact us’ form.
Useful Links
The following guides may be of interest.
- Find out how to sue for compensation.
- Read about spinal injury claims.
- Learn more about what Conditional Fee Agreements cover.
Can I Claim Compensation For Somebody Else FAQs
Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions concerning whether you can claim compensation for somebody else.
Could I Take Legal Action on Behalf Of Someone Else?
Yes, you can claim someone else if they’re unable to do so for a legitimate reason.
What Is A Litigation Friend?
A litigation friend is an eligible adult who helps someone make a compensation claim in situations where they are not permitted to do so themselves.
Who Can I Claim On Behalf Of?
You can claim on behalf of someone who is under 18 or mentally incapacitated, as neither group can pursue compensation independently of others.
How Long Do I Have To Claim On Someone Else’s Behalf?
Generally, you have 3 years to begin a claim on behalf of someone else, dated from when the accident happened. This applies as long as someone cannot make a claim on their own.
What Can You Claim Compensation For?
These include injuries, losses from a robbery or property damage, illness due to work and relevant pain and suffering.
What Are The Stages Of A Compensation Claim?
These are appointing a solicitor, gathering evidence, receiving a medical assessment, negotiating a possible settlement, and reaching an agreement.
Should The First Offer Of Compensation Be Accepted?
We would suggest not doing so, as there is often a larger follow-up offer.
What Happens If A Settlement Offer Is Refused?
That offer is then off the table and cannot be accepted at a later time.
Thank you for reading our guide, which answers the question, ‘Can I claim compensation for somebody else?’
