Personal Injury Lawyer Discusses Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations
As a personal injury attorney, I am often asked about the time limit to file a lawsuit after suffering an injury. In legal terms, the law defining the time limit or deadline one must meet to file a legal action or lawsuit is referred to as the “statute of limitations.” Every state has its own statutes of limitations for filing legal actions of all types, including those involving a personal injury.
Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury
Whether you are injured in Philadelphia or any other location in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania statute of limitations provides two (2) years to file “an action to recover damages for injuries to the person or for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another.” (42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524)
After the Statute of Limitations Has Expired
If you file a personal injury lawsuit after the 2-year statute of limitations expired, the defendant will have the right to raise the statute of limitations as a defense. You will have no right to pursue the action unless it falls under a few of the narrow exceptions.
Exceptions to Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
In Pennsylvania, there are a few exceptions to the personal injury statute of limitations.
- Discovery Rule: When an injury occurs but was not immediately discoverable, the statute of limitations will be paused or “tolled” until a later date and, as result, the date in which a lawsuit must be filed is extended. The lack of awareness of the injury must be reasonable in order to impact the deadline to file a lawsuit.
- Injured Minors: Minors are held to a different legal standard and allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit until 2 years from the date they turn 18 years of age.
Seek Counsel from an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Focus on your recovery and your well-being, but make sure you seek legal advice to avoid missing the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries, including compensation for time lost from work, medical treatment, emotional pain and suffering, and any related property damage. Waiting too long to obtain trusted legal advice could result in forfeiting your claim no matter how strong your case is. The statutes of limitation are very strict guidelines that need to be followed, and are well-known by personal injury attorneys licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.
Contact Alfred Abel Law Offices for Dependable and Experienced Legal Assistance
The attorneys at Alfred Abel Law Offices are dedicated to providing their clients in Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas with practical and effective legal advice. With more than 30 years as a practicing personal injury attorney, Alfred Abel, Esq. has the necessary expertise and skills to meet the diverse needs of clients with all types of personal injury cases – whether car accidents, slip and fall accidents, or other types of physical injuries caused by another party. Contact us at 215-517-8300 for more information or to schedule a consultation.
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