In case you get injured due to someone’s negligence, it becomes important to focus on recovery as well as pursue legal action to acquire compensation. It is important, while pursuing legal action, to consider representation from the best personal injury lawyers. This should be done within the time limit provided by the law.
Filing a personal injury claim as soon as possible is crucial due to a legal concept called the statute of limitations. Missing these deadlines will make you lose your right to file a claim. This is the reason why you should seek the help of a top personal injury law firm. They know all about the rules that may affect your claim and will make sure you abide by them.
When you look for a lawyer, it is important to hire one from a reputable organization, as a random, inexperienced lawyer won’t work. Choose a great law firm like Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers, which can get you results. This law firm has consistently secured over $10 million in compensation for their clients.
Statute of Limitations Explained
A statute of limitations is explained as a law that sets a maximum time limit after an event within which legal proceedings should be instituted. In this case, a personal injury claim establishes the deadline for when a lawsuit is filed.
Why is Crucial Time?
·Evidence Preservation
The more time passes, the evidence may become unreliable and damaged, while some may be lost. The legal team should act promptly to gather important evidence like medical records, accident reports, and witness statements while they are still intact and available. Acting swiftly ensures that valuable evidence is preserved.
·Availability of Witness
Witnesses may forget the events of when and how they happened. Therefore, by initiating legal proceedings, early witnesses can connect the versions of events as they happened.
·Legal Barriers and Challenges
The defendant might use this limitation as a means of avoiding making compensation. This can have the case dismissed as having been filed outside of the required time limit. This is despite any sort of validity of the claim presented. This can be used as a loophole by many of the top injury law firms.
·Memory Loss
The earlier the case is filed, the better. This will provide a more accurate version of events. This will even increase the chances of getting fair compensation. This is because the details provided are accurate and detailed.
Statutes of Limitations for Different Personal Injury Cases
First and foremost, it is important to know that the statute of limitations differs depending on the nature of the personal injury claim and the state where the incident happened.
This can be explained with examples below:
Accidents
In many American states, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases like car accidents and slip and fall accidents is between 2 and 3 years.
Medical Malpractice
These types of claims take a shorter period, ranging from one to three years. However, this may differ from one state to another.
Product Liability
These are claims for injury arising from the use of defective products. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the statute of limitations may be between one and ten years.
Consumer Debts
Statutes of limitations also apply to consumer debt, whereby creditors are given a period of time to collect debt. However, this will depend on the type of debt and the state laws applicable. This normally ranges from three to six years, depending on the type of debt and the state.
What are the Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?
It’s important to note that some serious offenses, such as rape, sex offenses involving minors, murder, and robbery with violence, are exempted from the statute of limitations. In such cases, legal action can be taken despite the time since the offense occurred.
Conclusion
The statute of limitations ensures that swift action is taken while filing a legal claim. Being represented by a top personal injury law firm will greatly increase your chances of getting fair compensation.
By filing a claim early, crucial evidence can be preserved. You can also avoid legal barriers that might hinder getting the justice you deserve.
