When you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, whether it’s a slip and fall or some kind of auto accident, you may be thinking of filing a personal injury claim to pursue compensation to cover all your losses. But you must first make certain that you file your claim within the statute of limitations. If you do not, it could result in an inability to recover any compensation for your losses.
Understanding The Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania
For most personal injury cases, the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is two years from the date you sustained the injury. This means that you can only file a claim for damages within two years of your injury date. To illustrate, let’s say that you were hurt in a car accident due to another individual’s negligent actions and want to seek compensation for your injuries, lost wages, etc. You have up to two years to get your claim in order, including preparing the complaint, filing the paperwork, etc.
What Happens If I Miss the Deadline for Filing a Claim?
Failing to file your personal injury claim within the two-year statute of limitations could have grave consequences because the court won’t hear your case. In turn, you will lose your legal right to seek damages for your losses, regardless of the severity of your injuries and how it has negatively affected your life. In certain very limited circumstances, however, the court has the power to toll or pause and consequently extend the statute of limitations in personal injury cases.
When the deadline is “tolled” or paused, this means that the deadline is effectively on hold and won’t run until the specified toll period has ended. This allows injured victims more time to build their case and file their claims. Once the reason for pausing the statute of limitations ends, the deadline starts running again. So if you feel that you might have a valid claim, don’t hesitate to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Seek Legal Assistance from an Experienced Bloomsburg Personal Injury Lawyer Now
If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, get in touch with us here at Luschas, Naparsteck & Crane. Our experienced Bloomsburg personal injury attorneys can determine the timeliness and viability of your claim and assist you in pursuing it before the statute of limitations run out. Make an appointment for your free claim review by contacting us online or calling us at 570-799-9129.
Personal Injury Statute of Limitations FAQs
What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, there’s a two-year limit on filing claims and recovering damages for most personal injury losses. You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to determine the statute of limitations applicable to your potential claim.
What If I Missed the Statute of Limitations?
You may not be able to recover damages or compensation for your injuries. It is important to discuss this critical deadline with an attorney as soon as possible.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If your case involves serious injuries, costly treatments, and lost wages, it’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer to determine your legal options.
