A California personal injury lawyer can help ensure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.

How the Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in California Can Affect Your Lawsuit

Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire LLP
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Apr 25, 2024
An attorney can help you file a timely lawsuit and can help you understand how the statute of limitations will affect your case. 

The statute of limitations refers to the window of time during which a personal injury lawsuit can be filed. These time limits vary depending on the type of legal claim and the jurisdiction or, the specific state or county where the claim arises. The statute of limitations for personal injury in California is typically two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury.

Given the strict time limits imposed by the statute of limitations, it's essential to take prompt action if you've been injured due to someone else's negligence. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney in California can help ensure that you understand your rights, meet important deadlines, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Contact the California-based team from Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire online or by calling our office at (619) 236-9363. We have many years of personal injury lawsuit experience and are standing by to answer your questions and help you begin the legal process. 

Compensation in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

In a personal injury lawsuit, financial compensation aims to provide relief to individuals who have suffered harm due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others. A personal injury lawsuit can be pursued if an individual has been harmed in a:  

There are many other situations where negligence may have caused a catastrophic injury. In these cases, a personal injury lawsuit may be beneficial to you and your family. A lawsuit for financial compensation can give you the ability to heal peacefully without having to worry about medical expenses or day-to-day expenses. 

Monetary awards in a personal injury lawsuit may include:

  • Compensation for medical expenses: Unfortunately, accidents can cause serious injuries. You may need surgery, rehabilitation, or other treatments to properly heal. A lawsuit in a personal injury case can provide you with the financial means to pay for what you need to heal. 
  • Lost income or loss of future income: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may be able to pursue compensation. Your injuries may also impact your ability to work in the future. A lawsuit can help you recover for both lost wages and loss of future income.
  • Punitive awards: In cases where the opposing party’s actions are considered reckless or intentional, the court may grant punitive awards. Punitive awards are meant to deter similar behavior in the future and punish the offending party for their actions. 
  • Property damage: Personal injury accidents such as car or truck accidents can cause a lot of damage to property. If your property was damaged in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement for your vehicle and other personal property. 
  • Pain and suffering: Monetary awards for pain and suffering are intended to help compensate the injured party for the emotional hardship caused by the personal injury accident. An attorney can help advocate for your right to receive a pain and suffering award. 

In situations where another party’s negligence caused a wrongful death, a wrongful death lawsuit may be pursued. In these situations, the surviving family members may be entitled to damages for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and other related losses.

An attorney can make a great deal of difference in your personal injury case. Those who hire attorneys to handle their personal injury lawsuits are more likely to file them on time. A timely initial lawsuit filing is the key to beginning any successful legal action. 

Personal injury lawsuits can become complicated very quickly. Oftentimes, multiple parties may become involved. The California-based attorneys at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire are here to fight for you and make sure that you receive the financial compensation you are legally entitled to. 

Contact our team online or by calling us at (619) 236-9363. We are standing by to make sure you and your interests are properly represented so that you can focus on healing. 

California Statute of Limitations: Personal Injury Lawsuits

One of the most important steps in the legal process is filing your case following the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations refers to the window of time during which you can file a lawsuit for financial compensation.

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury or the date the injury was discovered. This means that individuals generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit in civil court. However, there are exceptions and variations to this time limit depending on the specific circumstances of the case. 

If the injury was not immediately apparent or discovered until a later date, the statute of limitations may be extended. In such cases, the two-year time limit typically begins from the date the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. 

In any legal situation, it is always important to consult with an experienced attorney. Your attorney can help you file your lawsuit and ensure that you are properly following the statute of limitations. 

Proudly Representing California Residents

Contact a California Personal Injury Attorney 

Personal injury lawsuits can be incredibly complicated. Personal injury lawsuits can often involve other types of law, especially when the circumstances surrounding the injury involve multiple legal issues. It is important to hire a skilled attorney who can handle your case properly from the very beginning. 

The team at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire has many years of experience in handling personal injury lawsuits. Our victories include a $20.3 million dollar jury verdict for an individual who was injured in a car accident. 

When you are ready, contact Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire online or by calling our office at (619) 236-9363. We are standing by to help you pursue the maximum amount of financial compensation that you are legally entitled to. 

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