Statement of claim

A statement of claim is the document that lays out the facts of the accident, the basis for saying the other party was at fault, and what is being claimed.

It usually accompanies or follows the writ of summons and gives the defendant a clear picture of the case against them, so they can prepare a defence. Every material fact you rely on, from how the accident happened to your injuries and losses, needs to appear here, because a court generally will not consider a claim that was never pleaded.

Getting this document right early avoids disputes later about what was actually being claimed and on what grounds.

Documents you need for a claim lists this alongside the other paperwork involved.