Personal injuries can happen to anyone at any time. These injuries can be painful, costly, and leave the victims with a lot of questions. One common question is how long a victim has to take legal action to hold the responsible party accountable for their injuries. In Alabama, this time limit is determined by the statute of limitations.
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What is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a legal timeline that sets a limit on the amount of time that someone can file a lawsuit. It means that even if a person is not at fault and has a genuine claim, if they fail to file a lawsuit by a certain date, the court will not hear the case anymore.
What is Alabama’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury-causing accident. This means that a person who has suffered an injury from an accident has two years to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
What Injuries are included in Personal Injury Statute?
The personal injury statute of limitations includes a wide range of injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, including but not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Dog bites
- Assault and battery
- Product liability
- Defamation
The personal injury statute of limitations also includes wrongful death cases – cases where someone died because of someone else’s negligence. The time frame for filing a lawsuit in wrongful death cases is two years from the date of the victim’s death.
What Happens If the Deadline Passes?
If someone waits too long to file a lawsuit, they will not be able to pursue legal action to recover damages and losses. The only exception to this rule is the discovery rule, which applies when the victim is not aware of the injury immediately. In this case, the statute of limitations begins when the victim discovers or should have discovered the injury.
Importance of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
It’s essential to hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. A skilled attorney knows the tactics that insurance companies use to reduce or deny compensation to accident victims. An experienced lawyer can also help you meet the deadline for filing a lawsuit and secure the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Injuries caused by someone else’s negligence can be devastating, but the fight for justice doesn’t have to be. Understanding Alabama’s personal injury statute of limitations is critical to protecting your rights and receiving the compensation you deserve. If you’ve suffered a personal injury, consult with a reputable personal injury attorney to ensure a timely and successful legal claim.