If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim in California, it’s important that you realize you don’t have forever to do so. We’ve unfortunately seen it time and time again: A person is seriously injured, or a loved one is killed, due to someone else’s negligence. The person affected, whether the one injured or the one who lost a loved one, wants to wait until all the information is in before they file a personal injury lawsuit. This can be a serious mistake.
In some cases you may only have six months to file a personal injury claim
The amount of time you have to file your personal injury claim varies based on a number of factors. For example, if the negligence in question was that of a public entity, like your local government not fixing potholes in the roads, or an employee of a public entity, then you likely have to file claims within six months of the date the incident occurred.
There are a few exceptions, especially those that involve a minor who’s been injured. However, six months is the rule for almost everyone if their injury involved a public entity. This is why we recommend you each out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas as soon as possible for your free case evaluation.
Other cases have a two-year time limit
If your wrongful death or injury claim involves anyone other than a public entity then you likely have two years to file your case. Once again, if the situation involves an injured minor then the case may be extended. That said, there are exceptions.
Medical malpractice is another exception. In most cases, you’d have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on the age of the person affected, and the date that the injury was discovered, this time frame can be extended. If objects are accidentally left in a patient, then the time can also be extended. On the other hand, if it involves a public entity then it can be shortened.
Wrongful death can have its own rules
There are special rules for issues involving wrongful death that relates to an accident that happened earlier. There are special rules for anything involving sexual molestation or similar claims. There are special rules for other types of events too.
The bottom line: Don’t let time limitations come between you and what you deserve
As you can see, the time limits on personal injury cases in California can be confusing. This is why we recommend that you contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas as soon as possible after the event occurs or after you discover the injury. It may be true that it’s best to wait to file your case but you need an attorney’s opinion to make that decision.
When you call us at 909-982-0707 we’ll start with a free case evaluation. We’ll go over the basics of your case and provide our legal opinion on how to best move forward. Today is the day to get started. Reach out now and get the process started.
