How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
If you’ve been injured, you might be wondering, “How long do I have to file a claim?” All state laws require that you adhere to a claim time limit, but this time limit varies by state.
At The Leach Firm in Orlando, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, our personal injury attorneys want to help you seek the compensation you need to recover. Continue reading to learn how much time you have to file a claim after an accident.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Florida is four years. If your injuries occurred from medical malpractice, you only have two years. A few scenarios, like sexual assault on a minor under 16, have no time limitations.
The clock starts on your accident date or when you learn of your injuries. Sometimes, you may not know the extent of your damage until a couple of weeks later. In that case, once you receive a diagnosis, you have four years.
“How long do I have to file a claim if I’m a minor?” you might ask. Minors’ timelines do not begin until they turn 18. For example, if you got bit by a dog at 15, you have until 22 to file the claim.
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is relatively relaxed. In many states, like Georgia, you only have two years.
What to Do after Your Accident
Follow the steps below to protect your physical safety and legal rights:
- Move out of harm’s way.
- Call 911 or local police dispatch to file a police report.
- Seek medical attention for any severe injuries.
- Take photographs of all damaged property and bodily injuries.
- Speak with potential witnesses.
- Gather contact and insurance information from everyone involved.
- Follow up on all necessary medical treatments.
- Organize your medical bills and other expenses.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer.
Seeking Compensation for a Personal Injury Claim
When you file a claim for personal injuries, you can seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Legal expenses
- Emotional suffering
- Pain
A few circumstances might alter your claim’s success, like:
- Comparative negligence: If the other party says you were at fault, you might take on a percentage of the liability.
- The one-bite rule: When pursuing a dog-bite claim, the owner might not assume total liability if it was the animal’s first bite.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Personal injury claims involve many complicated legal nuances. A professional attorney from The Leach Firm can help you navigate the process. Our team will guide you through filing the claim, collecting evidence, determining fault, speaking with insurance adjusters, and seeking compensation.
Do You Need Help with Your Claim? Call The Leach Firm Today!
If you’re still wondering, “How long do I have to file a claim?” our personal injury attorneys at The Leach Firm can answer all your questions. Our team has over 50 years of experience handling personal injury claims in Orlando, FL, and Atlanta, GA. Call (844) 722-7567 today for a free case evaluation.