In the event you’ve experienced an accident or personal injury due to the fault of someone else, you shouldn’t be liable for factors like medical expenses, time off from work, or property damage. But, it’s also important to know that you’ll need to take action within a certain amount of time due to the statutes of limitations.
Statutes of limitations are essentially time limits on when claims can be filed. Many kinds of claims have statutes of limitations, and personal injury is no different. They serve as a sort of “expiration date” for claims.
Why The Statutes Exist
So why exactly are statutes of limitations put in place, particularly when it comes to personal injury? The answer is simply to ensure that the filing party is timely and information stays accurate. As time passes, information is likely to be lost and details are likely to be forgotten or misremembered. Having a specific time limit in place helps to mitigate those circumstances.
Case By Case
The specific case affects the length of time the statute of limitations exists. For example, one of the most common claims regarding personal injury in an automobile accident. In a car accident, you must file a claim within four years of the incident. General personal injury claims also have a statute of limitations of four years.
In the event of other cases, such as wrongful death, workers’ compensation, and medical malpractice, claims must be filed within two years of the incident. Product liability can vary between two and four years. If you have a different kind of personal injury claim and are unsure about the statute, it’s best to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney.
What It Means In Florida
Like many states, Florida imposes these statutes of limitations on personal injury and wrongful death claims.
If you’ve experienced an accident, wrongful death, or any other personal injury, contact our experienced attorneys at Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A. We’ll counsel you on the complex nature of statutes of limitations for your claim and work passionately to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.