Personal injury claims in Ghana provide a way for people who have been injured through someone else’s negligence to seek compensation for their losses. Whether the injury happened in a road accident, at work, or in a public place, the law in Ghana allows you to recover damages for the pain, suffering, and financial costs you have suffered.

What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury claim in Ghana arises when someone’s careless or wrongful actions cause harm to another person. Common causes include:

• Road traffic accidents

• Workplace injuries

• Medical negligence

• Slip and fall accidents

• Defective or unsafe products

In each of these cases, the injured person (the claimant) can take legal action against the person or company responsible (the defendant).

The Law on Personal Injury in Ghana

Personal injury claims in Ghana are governed mainly by the Tort Law under the Civil Offences Act, 1960 (Act 30) and supported by case law. The key principle is negligence — meaning that the defendant failed to take reasonable care, leading to your injury.

To succeed in a personal injury claim, your lawyer must prove:

1. The defendant owed you a duty of care.

2. The defendant breached that duty.

3. The breach caused your injury or damage.

4. You suffered actual loss or harm as a result.

Steps to Take After an Accident

If you have suffered an injury in Ghana, take these important steps immediately to protect your right to compensation:

1. Seek medical attention: Always visit a hospital and obtain a medical report.

2. Gather evidence: Take photos, videos, and witness statements if possible.

3. Report the incident: Inform the police or your employer, depending on the situation.

4. Consult a lawyer: A personal injury lawyer in Ghana will guide you through the process of filing your claim.

5. Keep all receipts and records: You may need them to prove your expenses and losses.

How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Ghana

The process for filing a personal injury claim in Ghana involves:

• Filing a writ of summons in court stating your case and the damages you seek.

• Attaching medical reports, police statements, and receipts to support your claim.

• Negotiating or proceeding to trial — sometimes, the other party may agree to settle the case before trial.

Having a lawyer with experience in personal injury law in Ghana ensures that your claim is properly presented and that you recover fair compensation.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims who succeed in personal injury claims in Ghana may be entitled to:

• General damages: For pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

• Special damages: For medical bills, lost income, and other financial costs.

• Future damages: For ongoing treatment or loss of earning capacity in serious cases.

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the financial loss suffered, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

Under Ghanaian law, personal injury claims generally must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. Delaying too long can make it difficult or impossible to claim compensation, so it’s important to act promptly.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Personal injury claims in Ghana can be complex, especially when insurance companies or employers try to avoid liability. A lawyer will:

• Evaluate your case and gather the right evidence.

• Handle negotiations with insurers.

• Represent you in court if necessary.

• Ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Final Thoughts

Personal injury claims in Ghana are designed to help victims recover what they have lost due to another person’s negligence. Whether it is a car accident, workplace injury, or medical mistake, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Seeking professional legal advice early can make the difference between getting full compensation and walking away with nothing.

At Amoako Adjei Law Consult, we help clients across Ghana file personal injury claims, negotiate settlements, and recover fair compensation for their injuries and losses.