What is the Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is a legal time limit for filing a lawsuit. It sets the deadline for bringing a case to court and varies depending on the type of case and jurisdiction. In personal injury cases, the statute of limitations typically ranges from one to six years, with the time limit starting from the date of the injury or the date when the injury was discovered. If an individual misses the statute of limitations for their case, they may be unable to recover damages for their injuries, even if they have a strong case.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Florida?

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Florida is two (2) years from the date of the injury. This means that an individual who has been injured must file a lawsuit within two years of the date the injury occurred, or they will be barred from pursuing legal action. It is important to keep in mind that the statute of limitations can be extended in certain circumstances, such as if the injured person was a minor at the time of the injury or if the injury was not immediately discovered. However, it is always best to consult with an attorney to determine the specific statute of limitations that applies to your situation.

NOTE: The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Florida was four (4) years for accidents that occurred prior to March 2023. The law has changed. Consult with an attorney fore more details on how the statute of limitations applies to your case.

What Happens if I Miss the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Case in Florida?

If you miss the statute of limitations for a personal injury case in Florida, your case will likely be barred from proceeding. This means that you will be unable to file a lawsuit and recover damages for your injuries. The statute of limitations serves as a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit and is considered a strict time limit.

Once the statute of limitations has passed, the defendant can raise the statute of limitations as a defense in court, and the judge will likely dismiss the case. This means that even if you have a strong case, you will not be able to recover damages for your injuries if you have missed the statute of limitations.

Therefore, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after being injured to ensure that your case is filed within the statute of limitations and to avoid missing the deadline. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand the applicable statute of limitations and take the necessary steps to protect your rights.

Do You Need to Speak with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney?

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury as a result of the carelessness or recklessness of another person or business in Florida, you should speak with a skilled and aggressive Florida injury attorney as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on our website, or you can call our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone. When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a Florida injury lawyer, not a customer service representative or intake person.

If you need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured in the Southeast, we are happy to speak with you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

For more information on personal injury cases in general, you can download our free personal injury guide: P.I. 101: Your Quick Guide to Personal Injury Claims.