In the aftermath of an accident resulting in personal injury, victims are often overwhelmed with medical treatments, recovery efforts, and financial stress. Amidst this chaos, it’s crucial to remember that there is a legal avenue to seek compensation for damages incurred. However, one important aspect to keep in mind is the time limit within which these claims need to be filed. This duration is known as the statute of limitations.
In St. Louis, Missouri, like many other states across America, specific laws govern the time frame within which a personal injury claim can be lodged against an at-fault party. The general statute of limitations for personal injury lawyers near me cases in Missouri is five years from the date of the accident or discovery of harm (Missouri Revised Statutes Section 516.120). This means that if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence—be it a car accident or slip and fall—you have up until five years after the incident occurred or was discovered to file your claim.
However, exceptions exist that may extend or shorten this period depending on certain conditions. For instance, if you were under 21 at the time of injury or mentally incapacitated when it happened; then you might get more than five years as your clock doesn’t start running until you turn 21 or regain mental capacity respectively.
Conversely though, if your claim involves government entities (city/county/state), then different rules apply altogether–you only get ninety days from incident date to formally notify them about your intent to sue and just two years thereafter for filing lawsuit itself.
It’s also worth noting that while five-year window seems generous compared with other states’ limits; waiting too long can still jeopardize your case significantly. Evidence could disappear over time making it harder proving fault and damage extent; witnesses might move away or their memories fade reducing testimonial reliability etc., so acting promptly always helps safeguarding interests better.
Moreover failure adhering prescribed deadlines will almost certainly lead to your case being dismissed without even being heard, no matter how valid or severe your injuries might be. Therefore, time is of the essence when it comes to filing a personal injury claim.
Understanding and navigating these laws can be complex. It’s highly recommended that you seek legal counsel from experienced St. Louis personal injury attorneys who are well-versed in Missouri’s statute of limitations and can guide you through the process efficiently ensuring all deadlines are met.
In conclusion, while dealing with aftermaths of a personal injury incident, always keep in mind the ticking clock of the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could mean forfeiting your right to compensation entirely, adding insult to injury—quite literally! So act promptly and seek professional help if needed; after all justice delayed is often justice denied.
Goldblatt + Singer, P.C.
8182 Maryland Ave UNIT 801, St. Louis, MO 63105
314-231-4100
