If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Plant City, Florida, it is important to understand the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit related to a personal injury. Once this time limit has passed, you may be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries.
To help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve, this personal injury attorney in Plant City, Florida is going to discuss the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida.
The Basics of the Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the amount of time an individual has to file a legal claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida is four years. This means that, if you’ve been injured because of another person’s negligence or recklessness, you have four years from the date of the incident to bring your claim to court.
It is important to note that this does not include the time it takes for a lawyer to prepare the case — only the actual filing must be done within the four-year period.
If you fail to file your claim within the allotted time frame, you will be barred from recovering any damages or compensation from the defendant. Furthermore, if you miss the deadline, you may also be unable to pursue legal action in any other state or country.
In other words, it is crucial to pay attention to the applicable statutes of limitations and make sure you partner with a reputable personal injury attorney in Plant City, Florida in a timely manner.
When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally four years from the date of the injury or accident. This means you have four years from the date of the injury to file a claim in court.
The clock can start ticking earlier depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, the clock may begin to run when you discovered or should have reasonably discovered the injury. If you were injured due to a product defect, the clock might start when you first purchased or used the product.
As any personal injury attorney in Plant City, Florida will tell you, the clock begins running from the date of your injury or accident and not from the date you found out about the injury or accident. The date of discovery only applies if the injury is discovered after the fact.
In addition to the statute of limitations, there are other deadlines for filing a personal injury claim in Florida. For example, if you file a claim against a government agency, you must notify them within three years from the date of the accident or injury. You should also file a Notice of Claim with the agency within two years of the injury or accident to protect your rights.
How to Make Sure You Don’t Miss the Deadline?
You can take a few steps to ensure you don’t let time run out on your personal injury claim in Florida.
The first step is understanding when the clock starts ticking on the statute of limitations.
The second step is to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney in Plant City, Florida who can help you understand your legal rights and advise you on how to proceed with filing a claim. The attorney will be able to answer any questions you have and make sure that all paperwork and other documents related to your case are filed properly and on time.
The third step is to act quickly. Don’t wait too long to file a claim — even if the statute of limitations has not expired yet, your chances of success may decrease over time due to several factors. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident or injury so they can start the process of filing a claim while the evidence is still fresh.
Looking for the Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorney in Plant City, Florida?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida is an important factor to consider when filing a claim. It is important to understand that the clock starts ticking as soon as the injury occurs, and that failing to file your claim within the prescribed time frame may result in forfeiting your right to pursue compensation.
Are you looking for a reputable personal injury attorney in Plant City, Florida that can guide you through the legal process? If so, Tonya Stewart and her legal team at Tonya Stewart Law PA are here to help. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free case evaluation.