What You Need to Know About the Statute of Limitations and Personal Injury Cases
There are laws in place that restrict the amount of time you have to file a claim. This time restriction is called the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations clock for a personal injury case begins ticking the day the injury occurs. For this reason, it is often necessary to begin building your case immediately. If you’ve been injured, you should consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to begin the claim filing process.
If you miss the statute of limitations window for filing your case, the door of opportunity is closed forever and your case will never be heard. While the settlement process may take years, you still must file your claim within the set time frame or your case will be rejected and your time, efforts, and suffering will be useless in your pursuits of monetary compensation.
Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Cases in Washington State
In Washington, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 3 years, with a 1 year limit for libel/slander. This information is found in Washington law under Title 4, Ch. 16, Secs. 4.16.080, 4.16.100 (Source).
Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Cases in the United States
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies from 6 months to 6 years, depending on state laws. For a comprehensive list of timeframes for each state, visit: http://law.freeadvice.com/resources/personal_injury_statute_of_limitations.htm/
Personal injury claims must abide by federal and state and local laws, including tort laws and statute of limitations laws. Personal injury law is often considered a legal specialty and finding a qualified lawyer to represent you in your case is recommended for many personal injury claims.
However, there are some instances when a personal injury claim is simple and unlikely to see a court trial. In these cases, the injured person often chooses to represent himself or herself. However, seeking the advice of legal counsel to determine if you should represent yourself is still recommended.
It is also advisable to consult a lawyer about the specific statute of limitations that applies to your claim, especially if more than six months have passed since your injury occurred. If you are hospitalized, and unable to seek out legal counsel on your own, you can request a consultation in your hospital room or in your home. Additionally, a close friend or family member can also seek legal counsel on your behalf while you are recovering from your injuries.
Observing the statute of limitations in a personal injury case is one of the most important steps you can make in filing your claim. Consult your attorney for more detailed informed information about how the statute of limitations applies to your individual case.
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