According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 39.5 million Americans seek medical care for personal injuries annually. In addition, unintentional injuries are the most common cause of death in the US, affecting about 58.5 thousand people every year.
The law sets a legal deadline when it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your chance to pursue a claim entirely, regardless of how strong your case may be.
Each state has its own rule regarding this timeline. And according to the personal injury law in Georgia, you cannot seek compensation if you miss the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
But what are the time limits for filing a lawsuit? And are there exceptions to these rules? Let’s find out!
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
One of the most critical components of personal injury law is the statute of limitations. This establishes the deadline for submitting a lawsuit. You have to be up-to-date about this specific timeframe because it is very much possible to lose your entitlement to receive compensation if you miss it.
The countdown starts on the day you get injured. You may find it interesting that deadlines are imposed to ensure quick resolutions and that evidence is available and clear.
If you are one of those people who are having a hard time dealing with the aftermath of an injury claim, do not think that you are alone in this, as many people are. Learning the statute of limitations shows your proactivity; you’re protecting your rights, and it’s now easier for you to concentrate on your recovery.
Personal injury lawyer Christina Rivenbark also states that an experienced personal injury lawyer can assist you in handling your case proceedings effectively and ensure you obtain the fullest recovery possible.
Do not forget that it is best to seek legal advice at the very beginning since that will clarify your particular case and also, you won’t miss any important deadlines.
Variations by State
In the case of personal injury claims, one must be aware that the period of limitation can differ drastically depending on the state one is in. In some states, they’re allowed less than a year to claim damages. Others may permit as long as six years from the date of injury to file a claim.
If you know the rules in your state, you can plan ahead about pursuing legal action. Missing a deadline for the various reasons, like not knowing them, would be a pity.
The injury’s characteristics and the surrounding circumstances might be very significant in determining the period. Knowing the situation gives you strength and brings you closer to those who are having the same problems.
You are not alone; knowledge is your greatest support.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Victims can initiate a personal injury lawsuit if they suffered injuries due to someone else’s actions.
This could be from an automobile accident, medical negligence, falling and tripping incidents, and other sudden injuries from others’ actions or inaction.
Each category throws light on different parts of negligence. For instance, in car accidents, a careless driver has the potential to devastate several lives in a moment. Medical malpractice also involves the practitioner not providing the required standard of care, which eventually leads to horrible results.
Then there are cases of occupational injuries where it is the unwarranted working condition that causes the harm. Regardless of the nature of the case, the common factor is that your suffering is due to another’s failure.
Knowing these categories helps you feel more connected and informed while dealing with your injury.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
Statutes of limitations impose strict time limits for filing personal injury claims; there are notable exceptions that can expand these time frames. For example, if you are underage at the time of the accident, the limit generally runs from your 18th birthday.
If the injury was not discovered immediately, as in cases of medical malpractice, then you might get more time to file. In some cases, the defendant may flee the state, which would put the clock on hold until he comes back.
If after the accident, you suffered mental damages, this will render you unable to file within the statute of limitations.
Know that even if you think you’re short on time, you still have a chance to get the justice you deserve.
Steps to Take If You Miss the Deadline
There are cases where victims fail to meet the deadline for filing a claim. This issue can still be resolved.
First, gather all documents related to your case and consult a personal injury lawyer. You’ll never know. There might be exceptions or avenues of the law that you never considered. In addition, continue to monitor any legal developments that may have an impact on your case.
Remember, the whole process is going to be lengthy, but there will always be a support group or a legal forum you could go to and thus gain the feeling of being a member of a community as you look into your options.
What matters the most is your health, and contacting someone can change the situation.
