How Long Do You Have To File A Personal Injury Claim In Bradenton?
When personal injuries in Bradenton happen, victims are often left hurting and in shock afterward. The last thing on their mind is legal deadlines. Unfortunately, not being aware of statutes of limitations can jeopardize your rights to compensation.
Whether you were in a motor vehicle crash, fall, or other accident in Manatee County, the clock starts running from the moment you’re hurt. Our experienced Bradenton personal injury lawyer explains the deadlines for filing a claim and why it’s important to act right away.
Bradenton Personal Injury Deadlines: Time Limits for Filing a Claim
According to the Florida Department of Health, the state ranks third in the country when it comes to the total number of injury deaths. Even when non-life-threatening, they cause serious harm to tens of thousands of residents each year, impacting them and their families long afterward.
When injuries occur due to the negligence of others, you have the right to file a claim. However, there are strict time limits, and missing them almost always means losing your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be.
Known as statutes of limitations (SOLs), these time limits are listed under Florida Statutes Section 95.11 and vary depending on how you were hurt:
- For general personal injury claims, the SOL is two years from the date of the injury.
- Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of the date of death.
- Medical malpractice claims generally carry a two-year deadline, though the clock may start from when the injury was discovered rather than when it occurred.
- In most cases, product liability claims are subject to the general two-year personal injury deadline.
Claims against government entities, such as cities or counties, are more complex. They generally require written notice within three years, but carry additional procedural requirements that can shorten this timeline.
Why Bradenton Personal Injury Claims Can Take Longer Than Clients Expect
Two years seems like a lot of time, but several factors can cause Bradenton personal injury claims to take longer than clients expect:
- Reaching a firm diagnosis can take weeks or months of evaluation.
- Reaching maximum medical improvement, meaning any lingering impairments are likely to be permanent.
- Identifying all liable parties and gathering evidence.
- Insurance company delay tactics designed to run out the clock or get victims to accept a low-ball settlement.
Getting an experienced Bradenton personal injury lawyer on your side right away gives us time to gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and take other actions to help you make the maximum recovery.
Request a Consultation With An Experienced Bradenton Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Florida’s two-year filing deadline moves faster than most people realize. The sooner you get legal help, the more options you have.
At the Lavely Law Firm, we protect the rights of personal injury victims throughout Manatee County and help them get the maximum compensation they deserve. Don’t delay. Contact our experienced Bradenton personal injury lawyer today to request a consultation.
Sources:
floridahealth.gov/individual-family-health/injury-prevention-wellness/violence-and-injury/
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html
