The Importance of Timing
The Importance of Timing
If you are injured in an accident, it is best to retain a lawyer of your choosing promptly. Although you typically have three (3) years to file a lawsuit (except in cases involving death, a municipality, the state or federal government, or in cases of infancy), it is important to allow your attorney to conduct a prompt investigation before too much time has passed. Memories fade and witnesses disappear, so starting the process quickly is important. In addition, there are other important deadlines, and some can be as soon as 30 days after the accident. Most important, however, is choosing a law firm that is best suited to you as an individual.
Note: Cases against certain levels of government require you file to your your claim in as little as 90 days. In the event of a wrongful death case, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. If the case is not commenced within the two-year period, the claim will be forever barred.
Minors ordinarily have three (3) years from the date of his or her eighteenth birthday to commence litigation. However, for medical malpractice actions, litigation must be commenced within ten (10) years from the date of the act or omission giving rise to the injury.