If you were hurt in an accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. But you only have a limited amount of time to take action. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. If you miss it, you may lose your chance to recover money for your injuries. A Missouri personal injury lawyer can help you understand these deadlines and what they mean for your case.
What Is the Injury Deadline in Missouri?
In Missouri, many personal injury cases have a five-year deadline, but some claims, like medical malpractice, may have shorter time limits. This limitation applies to many different kinds of cases, including slips and falls, motor vehicle accidents, and other injury claims.
There are some exceptions, but for most people, the clock starts running on the day the injury happens. That is why it is important to act sooner rather than later.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you try to file your lawsuit after the deadline, the court will probably throw it out. This means that your case won’t go forward, even if your claim is very strong.
If you miss the deadline, you might not be able to get money even if you have strong proof or serious injuries. Insurance companies also know these rules and may refuse to negotiate if they think your time has run out.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Rule?
The deadline may be different in some cases. If certain conditions are met, the law may give you more time.
- If the person who was hurt is a child, the deadline may be pushed back until they turn 18.
- In some cases, the deadline may begin when the injury is found, but this is not always the case.
- In some cases, the deadline may be put on hold if the person in charge leaves the state, but this depends on the facts and how the law applies.
These exceptions don’t always make sense, and they don’t always apply. You should look at the specifics of your situation to see if any of them might apply.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Five years may seem like a long time, but waiting can make things worse for you. You might lose evidence, witnesses might forget what happened, and it might be harder to find records.
If you act quickly, you can protect your claim and make it more likely that you will win. It also gives your lawyer more time to get ready for your case and find evidence.
A personal injury lawyer in Missouri can help you figure out your deadline and make sure your case is filed on time. They can also look at your case to see if there are any exceptions that apply.
Your lawyer can talk to insurance companies, fill out the paperwork, and build a case based on the facts. This can help you relax and focus on getting better.
Take Action Before Time Runs Out
If you don’t file your personal injury claim by the deadline, you could have a problem on your hands. Once the time runs out, you might not be able to sue at all.
If you think you might have a case, you should act quickly. Talking to a Missouri personal injury lawyer can help you learn about your options and protect your rights. The Wegmann Law Firm team is ready to help you move on. Call (636) 797-2665 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
