If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence—whether in a road accident, at work, or in a public place – Harris Fowler Solicitors is here to help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Before we can formally begin legal proceedings on your behalf, one of the first and most important steps in the process is the Personal Injury Claims Notification Form, or CNF. This guide explains what it is, why it’s necessary, and how we handle it for you.
What Is a Claims Notification Form?
The Claims Notification Form (CNF) is a legal document used to notify the party responsible for your injury—usually through their insurer—that you intend to bring a personal injury claim. It forms part of the Pre-Action Protocol in England and Wales, which is designed to encourage early resolution of claims and reduce the need for court proceedings.
At Harris Fowler, we handle the entire process of completing and submitting this form for you.
When Is the CNF Used?
The CNF is most commonly used for:
- Road traffic accidents
- Workplace injuries (employer’s liability claims)
- Public liability claims (such as slips, trips, or falls in public places)
If your case falls into one of these categories, it’s likely we’ll need to submit a CNF on your behalf to begin your claim.
Why Is It Important?
Submitting a CNF is essential for several reasons:
- It formally starts the claims process and protects your right to seek compensation.
- It ensures your case follows the correct legal procedures, which helps keep things moving smoothly.
- It allows the defendant’s insurer to review the details early, which can lead to a quicker settlement.
- It’s a requirement under law before some types of personal injury cases can proceed.
What We Need From You
To help us complete your CNF accurately, we’ll ask you to provide us with the following:
- Your personal details
- A clear description of the accident (date, time, location, what happened)
- Details of your injuries and any medical treatment you’ve received
- Information about any financial losses (such as lost income or travel costs)
- Your account of why the other party was at fault
Rest assured—we’ll guide you through every step, and we’ll make sure all the legal aspects are taken care of professionally and efficiently.
What Happens After We Submit the CNF?
Once we’ve submitted your CNF—usually via the official Claims Portal—the following steps will take place:
- The responsible party (usually an insurer) has a fixed timeframe to respond—15 working days for road traffic accidents, or up to 40 days for employer or public liability cases.
- They will either admit or deny liability.
- If liability is admitted, we’ll move on to the valuation and negotiation stage.
- If liability is denied, we’ll assess the best course of action—this may include gathering further evidence or proceeding with court action.
Throughout the process, we’ll keep you updated and provide clear, practical advice on what to expect next.
Why Choose Harris Fowler?
At Harris Fowler, we’ve helped thousands of people successfully claim compensation for their injuries. We’re specialists in personal injury law, and we pride ourselves on offering:
- Clear, honest legal advice
- Expert support from start to finish
- No win, no fee representation
- A friendly, compassionate approach to what can be a difficult time
You’ll have a dedicated legal team working on your behalf, and you’ll never be left in the dark about the progress of your claim.
Start Your Claim Today
If you’ve been injured and think you may have a claim, contact Harris Fowler for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’re here to help you move forward.