Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally four years from the date of the accident or incident that caused the injury. However, there are certain exceptions and variations that may affect the time limit for filing a claim.
The four-year statute of limitations applies to most personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and other types of personal injury claims. This means that you have four years from the date of the accident or incident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries.
It is crucial to understand that if you fail to file your claim within the specified time limit, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Once the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will be unable to recover any damages.
However, there are exceptions to the general four-year statute of limitations. For instance, if the personal injury claim involves medical malpractice, the statute of limitations may be extended to two years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered, but it cannot exceed four years from the date of the incident.
Additionally, if the personal injury claim is against a government entity or employee, you may need to follow a different set of rules. In such cases, you may be required to file a notice of claim within a shorter time frame, typically within three years from the date of the incident.
It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand the specific time limits that apply to your case. They can evaluate the circumstances of your injury, determine the applicable statute of limitations, and ensure that your claim is filed within the required timeframe.