Ifrah Ahmed has written for Asian Voice on the issues surrounding the potential time limits for pursuing a personal injury claim. Many people are unaware that most claims must be settled or initiated within three years from the date of the accident. Exceptional cases, such as clinical negligence claims, asbestos exposure and accidents which have caused hearing loss, can be brought after this three year time limit as often the symptoms of the injury occur a long time after the injured party initially suffered medical negligence or was exposed to a toxin. Other exceptions to the rule include a claim brought from a child or someone who lacks litigation capacity. As a Personal Injury solicitor, Ifrah points out the benefits of instructing a solicitor to bring a claim on your behalf as soon as possible. Early initiation of a claim can ensure witnesses can recount recent events, as memory fades and witnesses can be more difficult to trace over time. To wait risks essential evidence as CCTV footage is usually only kept for 1 month, employers or manufacturers involved can move or close down and the law can change frequently, meaning claims brought sooner rather than later have a greater chance of success. Ifrah explains: ‘We advise that you see a solicitor as soon as possible. If you are hesitant about pursuing a claim, then a solicitor will be able to deal with the many issues above and advise you fully.’