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Can I Still File A Personal Injury Lawsuit If The Statute Of Limitations Has Expired?

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If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit, you may have heard about something called the statute of limitations. Perhaps you have been told that a lawsuit is not possible because of the statute of limitations. But what exactly is the statute of limitations, and can it really stop you from filing a lawsuit? This is often one of the first things you need to consider before taking legal action, as the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania does in fact mean that your lawsuit could end before it truly begins. However, there may still be a way to file and win your lawsuit even if the statute of limitations is against you.

In order to establish a clear understanding of how the statute of limitations will affect your case, it’s best to get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania. These legal professionals can examine the specifics of your situation and determine whether the statute of limitations truly prevents you from filing legal action. With their help, you can also move forward with your lawsuit and receive a substantial settlement for your damages.

What is the Statute of Limitations? 

The best way to understand the statute of limitations is to think of it as a time limit. The courts in Pennsylvania allow you to file personal injury lawsuits only within a certain amount of time after suffering injuries. If this time limit runs out, you lose the ability to sue. The statute of limitations actually changes depending on who you are suing. For a normal personal injury (including medical malpractice and product liability), the statute of limitations is two years. If you are suing a government agency, a municipality, or the state of Pennsylvania itself, you have just six months to file your lawsuit.

Exceptions to the Rule 

Even if the statute of limitations has expired, you may still be able to file a lawsuit. Generally speaking, this “time limit” only begins when you become aware of your injury. There may be a number of reasons why a plaintiff could be unaware of their injury initially. Brain damage is a clear example, and some individuals may suffer memory loss after a head injury caused by a slip and fall. Some individuals may even repress memories of traumatic events. Others may be so severely injured that they are put in comas for years. There are many factors that may allow you to file lawsuits even after the two-year time limit has expired, and it’s best to discuss these possibilities with your attorney.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today 

For help from a skilled Scranton personal injury attorney, contact the Needle Law Firm. We have helped numerous injury victims in the Philadelphia area pursue justice in an efficient, confident manner. The statute of limitations should certainly be taken into account, but it may not be as problematic as you think. Book your consultation today, and we can help you determine whether you have the legal right to pursue legal action against negligent parties that caused your injuries.

Source:

legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=42&div=0&chpt=55&sctn=24&subsctn=0

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