Personal injury cases are complex not just because of the legal aspect but also because of the emotional toll it can take on the people involved in the accident.
As personal injury lawyers in Tampa, our team of skilled attorneys helps people get the compensation they need and deserve following car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, and more.
But, just like with other areas of law, you should be aware of personal injury statutes of limitations in Florida. In this blog, we explore those legal time limits related to personal injury.
Your understanding of these timeframes is crucial in your case.
What is a statute of limitation?
Investopedia defines it as “the maximum amount of time in which parties involved in a dispute must initiate legal proceedings following an alleged offense. The duration of a statute of limitations varies depending on the nature of the offense and the location of the jurisdiction.”
In short, a statute of limitation is a deadline for legal action.
What is the statute of limitations in Florida?
Currently, most personal injury cases in Florida have a two-year statute of limitations.
Let’s explore the areas of law:
Car Accidents
Two years from the date of the car accident.
If you or someone you love is involved in a car accident, here are the steps you should follow to protect your rights.
Motorcycle Accidents
Two years from the date of the motorcycle accident.
According to the National Safety Council, 3% of all registered vehicles are motorcycles. However, motorcycles accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities in 2022.
To reduce these risks even more, our blog post, Motorcycle Safety Do’s and Don’ts, provides an in-depth look at the steps you can take to protect yourself while on the road.
Trucking Accidents
Two years from the date of the trucking accident.
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) reports that the global trucker shortage increased in 2023, with over three million unfilled positions in 36 countries.
The decrease in truckers has played a role in the increased number of trucking accidents, and in our blog post, we explore three common causes.
Slip and Fall Cases
Two years from the date of the slip and fall incident.
The World Health Organization reports that falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide.
If you’re involved in a slip and fall incident, here’s what to do after an injury.
Dog Bite Injuries
Two years from the date of the dog bite.
Just because dogs are lovable doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous. Check out our blog for six dog safety tips to protect yourself from dog bites.
Wrongful Death
Two years from the date of the wrongful death.
Workers’ Compensation
In most cases it is two years from the date of the injury or one year from last date of treatment.
If you want to learn more about the basics of workers’ compensation and how to file a workers’ compensation claim in Florida, read our blog.
Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Negligence
Two years from the date you knew of the negligence.
Nursing home abuse takes many forms. There are some obvious and not-so-obvious signs. Our blog post explores the five types of nursing home abuse so you can familiarize yourself and protect your loved ones if they’re in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Medical Malpractice
Two years after the discovery of injuries.
Read our blog to learn about the standard components of medical malpractice and the laws in Florida.
Wills and Trusts
Two years from the date of death.
As an estate planning attorney in Tampa, FL., you can learn more about our services here.
Next Steps: Free Case Evaluation
Awareness of the statute of limitations is critical to your personal injury case.
Understanding these timeframes will help you act quickly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation if you have a case.
