If you want to take legal action to claim compensation for a personal injury this must be done as soon as possible as there are strict time limits on taking legal action. There are different time limits within which you must begin legal action in a personal injury claim.

The most common claim in a personal injury case is negligence and the time limit for this is 3 years. This means that court proceedings must be issued within 3 years of you first being aware that you have suffered an injury.

You might be able to get help with legal costs from a conditional fee agreement or an insurance policy - many house contents policies, car insurance or travel insurance policies have legal expenses cover attached.

A conditional fee agreement means that your solicitor will receive no fees if you lose your case. You may, however, have to pay the legal fees and expenses of the other side. Your solicitor will normally ask you to take out insurance to cover this situation. If you win your case, your solicitor's fees and expenses will normally be paid by the other side.