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How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in New York?

When you have been harmed by the actions of another person or other entity, such as a business’s products, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. The suit can ensure that you get compensation for your injuries, such as reimbursement for doctor and hospital bills, lost wages if the injury caused you to lose time off work, and pain and suffering.

Most Personal Injury Cases Need to Be Filed Within 3 Years

All lawsuits need to be filed within a specific time frame, or a court will refuse to hear it. This is called the statute of limitations.

For most personal injuries, the lawsuit must be filed within 3 years of the date of injury or the date the injury first became apparent. In other words, if you were injured on March 21, 2018, you have until March 21, 2021 to file a lawsuit against the party who caused the injury.

These time limits apply to many areas of personal injury law, including cases involving vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, and product liability.

Some Exceptions

That said, there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations. Because there are exceptions, it is prudent to consult an attorney about your case to make sure that it is filed in time.

Medical malpractice, for example, can cause personal injury. But medical malpractice suits under New York State law need to be filed by 2 years and 6 months from the date of injury or the end of continuous treatment by the person or party the plaintiff intends to bring a suit against.

Personal injury caused by the actions of a government or city agency might require plaintiffs to file a claim within a much shorter time frame. In New York City, for example, a claim against a city agency must be filed within 90 days of the action that caused the injury.

Wrongful death cases must be filed within two years. A wrongful death claim is brought by a plaintiff on behalf of a deceased loved one if the death was due to another party’s negligence.

Do You Still Have Time to File? Ask an Experienced NY Personal Injury Attorney

Because the statute of limitations may vary, it is wise to get the help of an experienced personal injury attorney in NY if you or a loved one has been hurt due to the actions of another party.

Aronova & Associates provide expert legal representation to New York State residents who have a personal injury case. We work aggressively so that justice is served.

Call us today at (516) 640-3900 for a free consultation about your personal injury.

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Aronova & Associates is a firm for all New Yorkers. Our services are available in multiple languages and tailored to the needs of every client.  The first step in providing you with the help you need is a free consultation to discuss your case. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to get to work for you.

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Disclaimer: The submission of our contact form does not form an attorney-client relationship. You may not rely upon this information as legal advice.