If you’ve suffered an injury due to the negligence of another person, company, or entity in Iowa, it’s important to act as soon as possible. The Iowa personal injury statute of limitations sets specific time limits for filing a lawsuit in these cases. Here’s what you need to know to protect your legal rights and ensure you have the best possible chance of recovering compensation for your damages.
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What Is The Statute Of Limitations In Iowa?
A statute of limitations is a legal deadline imposed by Iowa law on the amount of time you have to file certain types of lawsuits. This includes personal injury cases, which are subject to a two-year statute of limitations.
This means that if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Iowa, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages.
Why Is The Statute Of Limitations Important?
The statute of limitations is important for several reasons. First, if you miss the deadline, your case will most likely be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover any compensation for your damages.
Second, waiting too long to file a lawsuit can also make it more difficult to prove your case. Witnesses may forget what they saw or heard, evidence may be lost or destroyed, and your own memory of the accident may fade over time.
Finally, if you wait too long to file a lawsuit, you may run into legal issues related to the statute of limitations. For example, if you try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant may argue that the case is time-barred and should be dismissed.
Exceptions To The Statute Of Limitations
While the general rule is that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, there are some exceptions that may extend or shorten the statute of limitations in your case.
Minors
If the injured party is a minor (under the age of 18), the statute of limitations is tolled (or paused) until the minor reaches age 18. This means that the two-year time limit doesn’t start running until the minor turns 18.
Discovery Rule
Sometimes, an injury may not be immediately apparent after an accident. In these cases, the statute of limitations may be extended based on the discovery rule. The discovery rule starts the two-year time limit when the injured party discovers or should have discovered the injury.
Government Entities
If you’re injured due to the negligence of a government entity (such as a city, county, or state agency), you may have a shorter statute of limitations. In these cases, you typically have just one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Additionally, there may be specific notice requirements that must be followed before you can file a lawsuit against a government entity.
How A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Iowa, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you meet all the deadlines and requirements set forth in the Iowa personal injury statute of limitations.
Your lawyer can also help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. With the help of a lawyer, you can increase your chances of recovering fair compensation for your damages and moving forward with your life after an accident.
Conclusion
The Iowa personal injury statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit in these cases. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another person, company, or entity in Iowa, it’s important to act quickly to protect your legal rights and ensure that you have the best possible chance of recovering compensation for your damages. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to learn more about your options and get the help you need.