Is There a Time Limit for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Atlanta?
After an accident, it makes sense to focus on healing. You should take as much time as you need to see doctors, follow up with specialists if necessary, and take time off work. That said, you might want to explore your legal options sooner rather than later. There are time limits associated with personal injury lawsuits in Atlanta, and these time limits can cause issues if they expire.
The Statute of Limitations Can Prevent You From Suing
There are legal time limits associated with personal injury lawsuits in Atlanta, and these are called “statutes of limitations.” If you plan to file an injury claim after an accident, you need to be mindful of these statutes of limitations. If the statute of limitations expires, you will no longer have the right to file a lawsuit and recover compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. This legal time limit applies to car crashes, slips and falls, wrongful death claims, and many other types of injury lawsuits. That being said, the time limit may be shorter or longer depending on your specific circumstances. For example, you might only have one year to file your claim if you are suing a government agency. For example, you might have been struck by a police car or a fire truck.
What if More Than Two Years Have Already Passed?
If more than two years have already passed, you may still have an opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit. One of the most important exceptions to the two-year rule involves your “awareness” of your own injuries. If you never became aware of your own injuries until recently, you may still have a chance to file a claim.
For example, you might have just woken up from a three-year coma after a car accident in Georgia. Even though more than two years have passed in this scenario, you would still have the right to file a claim. This is because you only became “aware” of your own injuries when you woke up from your coma.
Why Are There Time Limits for Personal Injury Lawsuits?
Georgia puts time limits on your ability to sue for various reasons. Some believe that these laws help address court backlogs. Others point out that after a certain amount of time has passed, it becomes extremely difficult to gather evidence for a personal injury claim. Key witnesses might no longer be available to testify, and important documents could get lost.
Putting aside the statute of limitations, it always makes sense to move forward with your claim relatively quickly. This ensures access to fresh, reliable, and effective evidence.
Can a Personal Injury Lawyer in Atlanta Help Me?
If you’re concerned about the statute of limitations, consider contacting an Atlanta personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. While you should always prioritize your health, a phone call with a lawyer could be helpful as soon as your injuries stabilize. Consider contacting Morain & Buckelew, LLC for further guidance.
Source:
rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/115-4