When is it too late to pursue a personal injury claim?

It is not unusual for us to get a call when a client or his/her friend or family member asks whether it "is too late" to bring a case. First, there are legal requirements known as "statutes of limitations" that vary from state to state and with the type of case. Because of the effects of statutes of limitations as well as certain deadlines that apply in making claims against governmental entities, it is important that an attorney be promptly consulted so as to not prejudice a case. As a general rule, as long as the statute of limitations has not run or is not about to run, there is probably time to took into the possibility of a claim.

However, a more practical consideration after an accident is the general rule that an individual not delay too long. For example, cases have to be investigated, key witnesses need to be talked to and medical follow-up should be prompt. Insurance companies like nothing more than to attack the validity of a claim by arguing that a particular injury was not serious because the client waited an excessive amount of time before seeking medical treatment.

If you think that you or a family member may have a case, but you are unsure, you can e-mail us or call our office. Part of our mission to serve our clients, is to be available to answer questions in screening possible cases.

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