California Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: Complete Guide

Motorcycle Accidents

For motorcycle accidents, the statute of limitations in California is typically two years from the date of the accident. Victims may seek compensation for medical bills, repair costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. Given the severity of many motorcycle accidents, gathering comprehensive evidence is crucial.

Negligence

The statute of limitations for negligence claims in California is generally two years from the date of the incident. This applies to a wide range of personal injury cases, allowing victims to claim for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Understanding the specifics of the California negligence statute of limitations is essential to ensure timely filing.

Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect

For nursing home abuse or neglect claims, the statute of limitations in California is typically two years from the date of the incident. Victims or their families can seek damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Detailed documentation and timely action are crucial.

Pedestrian Accidents

For pedestrian accidents, the statute of limitations in California is generally two years from the date of the accident. Claims can cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Prompt filing is important to ensure the collection of vital evidence and witness accounts.

Product Liability

The statute of limitations for product liability claims in California is generally two years from the date of injury. Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from defective products. Timely filing is essential to secure necessary evidence and expert testimony.

Slips and Falls

For slips and falls, the statute of limitations in California is typically two years from the date of the incident. Victims may claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Prompt action helps in preserving evidence like incident reports and witness statements.

Spinal Cord Injuries

For spinal cord injuries, the statute of limitations in California is generally two years from the date of the injury. Compensation can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Spinal cord injuries often result in significant, lifelong impacts, making timely legal action crucial.

Truck Accidents

The statute of limitations for truck accidents in California is typically two years from the date of the accident. Damages may include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Due to the severe nature of truck accidents, pursuing compensation promptly is essential.

Vaccine Injuries

For vaccine injuries, the statute of limitations in California can be different, often involving both state and federal laws, as governed by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The general timeframe is two years from the date of injury or within three years of the first symptom. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Work Injuries

Work injuries in California fall under the workers’ compensation system, as guided by the California Department of Industrial Relations. This requires claims to be filed within one year of the injury. Compensation includes medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, and permanent disability benefits. It’s important to report work injuries immediately to ensure timely filing.

Wrongful Death

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in California is generally two years from the date of death. Damages may include funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. Filing within this period is critical to seek justice and compensation.

Personal Injury Statute of Limitations California Exceptions

While the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California is two years from the date of the injury, there are notable exceptions.

• Minors: The two-year period typically begins when the minor turns 18, allowing them to file a claim up to age 20. This extension ensures that young individuals have a fair opportunity to seek compensation once they reach adulthood.
• Mentally Incapacitated: If the injured party is mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be tolled, or paused, until they regain mental capacity. This provision protects individuals who cannot make legal decisions from losing their right to seek justice due to their incapacity.
• Government Agency: When a government agency is involved, the statute of limitations is much shorter. Claims must be filed within six months from the date of the injury. This includes accidents involving public transportation, government property, or government employees. After the initial claim is filed and if it is denied, the injured party then has six months to file a lawsuit.
• Out of State: If the defendant is out of state for some time, the statute of limitations may be tolled until they return. This ensures that plaintiffs have the opportunity to file a claim even if the responsible party is temporarily unavailable, thereby preserving the right to seek compensation.

A Note on the Delayed Discovery Rule

The Delayed Discovery Rule in California allows the statute of limitations for personal injury cases to start from the date an injury is discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered, rather than the date the injury occurred. This rule is important for situations where the harm isn’t immediately apparent, such as medical malpractice cases where symptoms may surface much later.

For instance, if a patient undergoes surgery but only experiences complications months or years later, the two-year statute of limitations would begin from the date these complications were discovered. This ensures that individuals who suffer latent injuries still have the opportunity to seek compensation.

Potential Consequences of Missing the Deadline

Failing to file a personal injury claim in time generally results in losing the right to sue. This means you forfeit the chance to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. Once the deadline passes, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss the case, which courts typically grant.

Missing this critical deadline not only affects your legal standing but can also impact the availability and reliability of evidence. Over time, physical evidence can degrade, and witness memories can fade, making it harder to build a strong case.

For example, if you were injured in a car accident and waited more than two years to file a claim, the court would likely dismiss your case, and you would be unable to pursue any compensation for your injuries.

Need Guidance on Statute of Limitations Injury Claims?

If you need help with the statute of limitation for personal injury in California, Feher Law is here to assist. Our experienced team will guide you through the process to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

For confirmation of when the statute of limitations begins for your case and further expert guidance from a personal injury attorney, contact us today