How Florida’s Statute of Limitations Could Affect Your Injury Case

Getting medical treatment and talking to law enforcement takes priority when a person is injured in a traffic accident. But waiting too long to take legal action can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. That’s because every injury case in Florida is subject to a statute of limitations, a legal deadline for filing a claim.

If you miss a deadline for filing a claim, you could lose your right to seek damages entirely. That’s why understanding these timelines is critical, and a seasoned Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can help.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is essentially a countdown clock set by law. It starts on the date of your accident or injury and determines how long you have to bring a lawsuit. The purpose is to ensure cases are handled while evidence is fresh and witnesses’ memories are reliable.

Florida recently updated its personal injury statute of limitations, which makes knowing the deadlines more important than ever.

• Car accident claims. As of 2023, Florida law gives injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This change cut the previous four-year deadline in half. That means if you’re hurt in a crash on I-95 or Glades Road, you’ll need to move quickly to preserve your case.
• Slip and fall claims. Slip and fall accidents fall under the general personal injury statute, which also provides a two-year deadline. If you were injured at a grocery store, shopping center, or restaurant, you’ll need to file within two years of the incident.
• Claims against government entities. If your injury involved a city, county, or state agency. Such as a fall on public property, you must first provide written notice of your claim within a much shorter timeframe before filing suit.

Deadlines can sneak up faster than expected, especially when you’re focused on healing. To safeguard your right to compensation, it’s important to take a few key steps. First, seek medical care right away, this not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that will be vital for your case.

Next, document the incident by collecting photos, witness information, and accident reports as soon as possible. You should also consult an attorney early, as a seasoned injury lawyer can track deadlines, preserve evidence, and ensure that your claim is filed on time. Finally, don’t rely on insurance companies. They may delay or discourage claims, and they are not responsible for protecting your legal rights.

Why Does Acting Quickly Matter?

Missing a statute of limitations deadline means your case could be dismissed, no matter how strong your claim is. By consulting with a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer soon after your accident, you’ll protect your ability to pursue the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What deadline concerns do you have? Speak with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez about when you were injured and what types of financial impacts you are coping with. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.