What happens if your employer admits liability early
Updated: September 27, 2025 By Chris Salmon
If you have been injured at work, one of the first steps in the claims process is for your employer (through their insurer) to confirm whether they accept or deny liability. Sometimes, employers admit liability early. This can affect how your claim progresses and how quickly you may receive compensation.
At a glance
- Defendants have up to 3 months to admit or deny liability under the Pre-Action Protocol for Personal Injury Claims (Source: Ministry of Justice Civil Procedure Rules)
- An early admission of liability means your employer accepts fault for your accident or injury.
- This usually speeds up the claims process and can lead to an earlier compensation settlement.
- Even with early admission, you should not accept an offer until medical evidence and financial losses are fully assessed.
What does an early admission mean?
If your employer admits liability early, it means they accept legal responsibility for your accident or injury. Their insurer will then focus on how much compensation you should receive, rather than whether you are entitled to it. This is a positive step, as it removes a common area of dispute and helps reduce delays.
Does this mean I will be compensated sooner?
Yes, in many cases. Once liability is admitted, your solicitor can concentrate on gathering medical evidence, calculating your financial losses, and negotiating the compensation amount. This often speeds up the process compared to cases where liability is denied or disputed.
Why you should still be cautious
Even if liability is admitted, you should be careful about accepting any settlement offer too quickly. Insurance companies may offer early settlements to minimise costs. Without a full medical report and evidence of your financial losses, you risk settling for less than you are entitled to.
Interim payments
Once liability has been admitted, your solicitor may be able to apply for interim payments. These are partial payments made before the final settlement. Interim payments can help cover urgent expenses such as medical treatment, care costs, or loss of income while your claim is ongoing.
Real-world example
A scaffolder suffered a broken leg after a fall at work due to faulty equipment. The employer admitted liability within a few weeks. The worker’s solicitor applied for an interim payment, which covered lost wages during recovery. A full settlement was later reached after a medical report confirmed long-term mobility issues.
Do I still need a solicitor?
Yes. Even if liability is admitted, you will need professional advice to ensure you receive the right amount of compensation. Your solicitor will review medical evidence, assess your losses, and negotiate with the insurer to reach a fair settlement. Without this support, you may be at risk of accepting too little.
Key takeaway
An early admission of liability can speed up your claim and reduce uncertainty. However, it is essential not to rush into a settlement until the full extent of your injuries and financial losses is understood.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon
Have you been injured at work?
If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.
Find out more about making a work accident claim:
- Do you qualify?
- How much compensation could you get?
- How does No Win, No Fee work?
Read more: Work accident claim guide
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External references
- Ministry of Justice: Pre-Action Protocol for Personal Injury Claims - sets out the process when liability is admitted early.
- Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 - requires employers to carry insurance that pays compensation once liability is accepted.
- The Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013 - rules on solicitor deductions from compensation after settlement.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - government overview of the claims process, including settlement stages.
