How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Personal injury claims are time sensitive. If you wait too long to act, you could lose out on your right to pursue justice and compensation. In Pennsylvania, personal injury lawsuits are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations. It is a strict deadline with limited exceptions. A Franklin County personal injury lawyer can help ensure you don’t wait too long to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania.
Know the Law: Pennsylvania Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Under Pennsylvania law, most personal injury lawsuits are subject to a two-year statute of limitations (42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2)). The clock generally starts running on the date the injury occurs. The legal deadline applies to car accidents, slip and fall claims, product liability cases, and other negligence-based actions. If a lawsuit is not filed within two years, the court will almost always dismiss the case as time-barred as a matter of law. You do not want to miss your chance to get justice and compensation for a personal injury in Franklin County.
Note: The two-year statute of limitations is the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit. A claim does not need to be fully resolved within that two-year time period, so long as it is filed properly.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations (They are Narrow)
Pennsylvania courts recognize limited exceptions, but they apply them strictly and narrowly. Here are the most notable exceptions to the Commonwealth’s personal injury statute of limitations:
- Discovery Rule: The discovery rule may delay the start of the limitations period if the injured victim could not reasonably have known of the injury or its cause despite due diligence.
- Minor Victim: Claims involving minors may also follow different timing rules under Pennsylvania law. In many cases, the statute of limitations for a minor’s personal injury claim will not start running until his or her 18th birthday.
Note: There is also an exception in the other direction for a claim against a government agency or other government entity. You have less time to start the claims process in that type of case. Speak to a Franklin County personal injury lawyer right away.
Do Not Wait Until the Deadline to File a Lawsuit
The sooner you get started with the personal injury claims process, the better. The reality is that evidence can disappear, witnesses sometimes move, and insurers love to exploit any delay to their own advantage. You do not want to fall behind in the personal injury claims process: Consult with a top-rated Franklin County personal injury lawyer right away after a serious accident.
Call Our Franklin County Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Franklin County personal injury lawyer understands that claims are time sensitive. Have questions about the deadline to file? Contact us today to set up a free, no obligation initial appointment. We handle personal injury lawsuits throughout all of Franklin County, including in Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Greencastle, Fayetteville, Guilford, Wayne Heights, State Line, and Mont Alto.