Statutes of Limitations – Personal Injury
You’re likely familiar with the phrase “statute of limitations,” but we have found many of our clients are often confused or misinformed about the ins and outs of this legal term. We wanted to take a quick moment to unpack it a bit and help clear up any misconceptions you may have.
As a refresher, the term “statute of limitations” refers to the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after the date of an alleged offense or incident. You cannot, for example, file a suit for damages done to you in a car accident that happened decades ago. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- The limitations differ depending on where you live. Every state has their own guidelines regarding time frames and limitations on personal injury lawsuits, and it’s important to make sure you know the rules in your home state.
- Every case is unique. There are extenuating circumstances that can affect the original statute of limitations–for example, if the affected party is a minor or left town for an extended amount of time after the incident.
- The best course of action is to file any claims as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines that could prevent you from recovering damages you are owed.
If you think you may be entitled to any damages due to someone else’s negligence, be sure to give me a call so we can chat about your timeframe and how to best ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Reach out to us today at 508-755-3202.