It can be a life-changing experience to suffer an injury. However, when you suffer an injury, it’s essential to understand the statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Depending on the severity of the injury, it can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. When someone else is responsible for causing your injury, it can entitle you to receive compensation through a personal injury claim.
In this article, we’ll explore how long you have to file a personal injury claim and why it’s important to act quickly.
Statute of limitations of personal injury claims
Statutes of limitations, in a nutshell, are the maximum time frame a person has to file a personal injury claim. Even though it varies from state to state, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in most states is two to three years from the date of injury.
In Mississippi, for example, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Mississippi is three years from the date of injury or the date of discovery. However, in the state of Alabama, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury.
Why is it important to file a personal injury claim quickly?
It’s crucial to file a personal injury claim as soon as possible after an accident or injury. The longer you wait to file a claim, the more difficult it can be to prove your case.
By filing your claim as soon as possible, you may be able to avoid any shortcomings like the loss or destruction of evidence or witnesses forgetting important details. Waiting too long could result in the responsible party being able to deny their liability of the accident.
Additionally, you could miss the statute of limitations and lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
Missing the statute of limitations for personal injury claims
If you miss the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, it will bar you from seeking compensation for your injuries. This means that you will be responsible for all the costs associated with your injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses related to your injury.
Additionally, missing the statute of limitations can negatively impact your credit score and prevent you from obtaining future loans or credit.
What should you do if you suffer from an injury in an accident?
If you suffer an injury in an accident, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect your rights. If you want to know what you should do if you suffer an injury in an accident, you can follow these steps:
Get Medical Attention: Prioritize your health before anything else. Seek medical attention immediately after an accident or injury, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured.
Document the accident: If possible, take photos of the accident scene and gather contact information from any witnesses.
Contact an attorney: A personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also guide you through the claims process and help you maximize your compensation.
File your claim: Once you’ve gathered all the necessary evidence, your attorney can file your claim on your behalf.
Connect with Pepper & Odom
If you suffer an injury in an accident, don’t wait to file your claim. By taking action quickly and filing your claim promptly, you can protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Our attorneys at Pepper & Odom can give you the guidance and support you need to get the compensation you deserve.
You can contact us online or call (601) 202-1111 to reach our office in Ridgeland, Mississippi. To reach our office in Birmingham, Alabama call (205) 250-1107.
