Understanding California's Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Claims

Personal injury claims can arise in a variety of situations, from car accidents to slip and fall incidents. However, when it comes to seeking compensation for these injuries, time is of the essence. Each state has specific time limits for filing a personal injury claim, better known as the statute of limitations. In California, personal injury statute of limitations can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Understanding these time limits and their implications is crucial for anyone who has suffered a personal injury in California and wishes to pursue legal action.

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, The Barnes Firm is here to help. With over 100 years of combined experience, our team of personal injury attorneys at The Barnes Firm is here to help you get the financial compensation you deserve after an accident. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation today.

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What is a Statute of Limitations?

Before jumping into the specifics of California’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, it’s important to understand what exactly a statute of limitations actually is. Essentially, a statute of limitations is a legal time limit within which someone must file a lawsuit or claim. After this time limit has passed, the injured party may lose their right to pursue legal action.

In personal injury cases, the clock on the statute of limitations starts ticking on the date of the accident or the date of injury discovery. It’s crucial for victims to be aware of these time limits, as failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in a lost chance at receiving compensation. Due to this, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm as soon as possible after your personal injury occurs. When you hire The Barnes Firm, our attorneys will gather evidence, review the circumstances surrounding your accident, and work hard to get you the best result possible. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE initial consultation.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in California?

In California, you have two years from the date of the accident or date of injury discovery to file an accident claim. For example, if you were injured in a car accident on March 1, 2023, you would be able to file a claim until March 1, 2025.

Two years may seem like a long time, but it is essential to hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Never accept an insurance offer before speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is slightly different than for personal injury claims. Victims have three years from the date the malpractice occurred or one year from the date the victim discovers or reasonably should have discovered the injury, whichever comes first, to file a medical malpractice claim. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving foreign objects left inside a patient’s body or cases where the victim is a minor.

Medical malpractice rules are complex and can vary based on the circumstances surrounding the events. If you believe you have a medical malpractice claim, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 to speak with one of our trusted medical malpractice attorneys.

Suing a Government Entity in California

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a claim against a government entity must be filed within six months of the accident that caused the injury. Once filed, the government entity has 45 days to respond to the claim. If they do not respond, the injured victim may file a lawsuit after the 45-day period is complete. Claims involving the government can be complex and must be filed quickly.

If you or a loved one were injured on or by a government entity, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation. We will handle the legal side of your claim so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

The Barnes Firm is Here to Help

Whether you have questions regarding the statute of limitations or are ready to get started on your personal injury claim, The Barnes Firm is here to help. Contact us today at (800) 800-0000. It could be the best call you make.

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