If you have been injured and are pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim, the process can range from quick and straightforward to highly complex and sprawling. In the UK, courts will allocate claims to one of four different tracks:
- Small claims track
- Fast track claims
- Multi-track claims
- Intermediate track claims
The court will assess your case based on its complexity, costs, and the time needed to resolve it before assigning it to one of these tracks. But what do these tracks actually mean? In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between fast track and multi-track claims and how your case might be allocated. We’ll also take a look at the less common small claims track and the newer intermediate track, introduced in 2023.
What are fast track and multi-track claims?
Along with the intermediate track, these two tracks focus on larger claims, and there are all sorts of factors that might pull your case into either the fast track or multi-track:
Fast track claims
Fast track claims are designed for straightforward cases where the value falls between £10,000 and £25,000. The two main characteristics of fast track claims are:
- Cases are resolved more quickly
- Trials are shorter, lasting no more than a day
Examples of fast track claims might be moderate workplace injuries, road traffic accidents or simple medical negligence cases.
Multi-track claims
Multi-track claims are designed for more complex cases where the value exceeds £100,000. The main characteristics of multi-track claims are:
- Cases generally take longer to resolve
- Lengthy trials, often requiring multiple hearings, detailed legal arguments and extensive case management
Examples include for serious injuries, complex medical negligence cases or industrial disease claims.
What are the small claims and intermediate tracks?
As stated, if your case falls anywhere that cannot be classified as fast track or multi track, you might be classified as one of the below tracks:
- Intermediate track — Introduced in October 2023, the new intermediate track is designed for cases that are more complex than fast track cases but less complex than multi-track cases. The settlement value ranges from £25,000 and £100,000.
- Small claims track — Unlike either fast track or multi track claims, the small claims track focuses on civil disputes that do not exceed £10,000 in potential settlement. This track aims to get cases wrapped up quicker and easier than more complex tracks, even allowing some parties to represent themselves.
How are claims allocated to tracks?
The court will decide on which track to allocate to you by looking at the value of your case, its complexity, and the length of time it will take to settle. For example, a medical negligence case, with contested evidence that will take months or even years to settle will be allocated to multi-track rather than fast track.
Once a claim is filed, the allocation process follows these steps:
- Filing a claim — You will submit your compensation claim to court.
- Defendant’s response — The defendant will either accept liability or contest the claim.
- Notice of proposed allocation — The court will issue a notice to you that indicates which track the case is likely to follow.
- Directions questionnaire — Both parties will complete a directions questionnaire, which provides details that influence track allocation.
Why does track allocation matter?
Once you receive the notice of proposed allocation from the court, you’ll have a clearer idea of your case’s expected timeframe, legal costs, and evidence requirements.
If you’ve been allocated the fast track, you’ll know that time and costs will be lower and that you should hopefully not need to gather too much information to settle. On the other hand, a multi-track allocation indicates a more complex case requiring comprehensive documentation, expert reports and witness testimonies for evidence. Your case will take longer to resolve and may involve higher legal costs.
If you’re concerned about the affordability of legal fees, bringing your case to Injury Lawyers 4u will put your mind at ease. With our no-win, no-fee agreement, we’ll ensure you don’t pay a penny if your claim is unsuccessful.
Recoverable costs in Fast and Multi-track claims
As of October 2023, legal costs for personal injury claims have changed:
- Fast track — Fixed Recoverable Costs (FRC) are capped depending on the complexity and resolution of your case.
- Intermediate track — FRC applies here with higher thresholds than fast track cases but less than multi-track offering a balance between simplicity and fair cost recovery.
- Multi-track — For high-value or complex claims (typically over £100,000), FRC are managed through detailed cost budgets, particularly for claims under £1 million.
An expert solicitor can help you understand and manage costs to ensure you receive the maximum level of possible compensation.
Do I need legal representation?
All personal injury compensation claims are better with the guiding hand of a legal professional. Having an expert solicitor will help you to navigate complex legal procedures and make sure you are following court rules. What’s more, they’ll also present your case in the strongest way possible — maximising your compensation.
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help
If you’re pursuing a compensation case, Injury Lawyers 4u can provide expert legal support and guidance throughout the entire process. Our team will help you gather the evidence you need, assess your treatment needs, and ensure you receive the most compensation possible for your injury (no matter which track your case is assigned to). Get in touch today and we can begin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Fast Track and Multi-track claims?
Fast track claims are valued between £10,000 and £25,000 and are usually resolved within a day. Multi-track claims involve more complex cases that exceed £100,000, requiring extensive evidence and multiple hearings. For cases that fall in between the two, the intermediate track was introduced in 2023.
Do I need a solicitor for a Fast or Multi-track claim?
Legal representation is essential for ensuring compliance with court rules, managing costs effectively and ensuring you receive the maximum level of possible compensation.
What are Fixed Recoverable Costs (FRC)?
Introduced in October 2023, Fixed Recoverable Costs cap legal costs for most claims between £10,000 and £100,000, providing greater transparency and certainty in the claims process.