March 25, 2025 | Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand the statute of limitations. This law sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Knowing how much time you have can help protect your legal rights.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a law that limits how long you have to take legal action after an injury. Every state has them, but they can vary in their details. In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of your accident or injury to file a lawsuit.
This deadline applies to car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and more. If you don’t file within the given period, you may not be able to recover compensation.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?
In some cases, exceptions can extend or delay the statute of limitations. Here are a few situations where the deadline may change:
- Discovery Rule: If an injury is not immediately apparent, the clock may start when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered. This is common in medical malpractice cases.
- Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the statute of limitations does not begin until they turn 18. That means they have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
- Defendant Leaves the State: If the at-fault party leaves Pennsylvania before a lawsuit is filed, the time they are gone may not count against the deadline.
- Government Claims: If you are filing a claim against a government entity, you may have a much shorter deadline—sometimes as little as six months.
Since exceptions can be complex, it’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer if you believe one might apply to your case.
Why Does the Statute of Limitations Matter?
The statute of limitations is critical because once the deadline passes, you typically cannot pursue legal action. Even if you have a strong case, the court may dismiss it if it’s filed too late.
Additionally, waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence. Witnesses can forget details, documents can get lost, and important records may become unavailable. Taking legal action as soon as possible helps ensure that evidence is preserved.
What Should You Do if the Deadline Is Approaching?
If your statute of limitations deadline is near, act quickly. Here are some steps you should take:
- Contact a Lawyer: An experienced attorney can assess your case and determine your legal options.
- Gather Evidence: Collect medical records, accident reports, and any documents that support your lawsuit.
- Avoid Delays: The legal process takes time, so don’t wait until the last minute to take action.
Even if you’re unsure whether you have a case, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options moving forward.
A Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
If you’ve been injured in Pennsylvania, time is limited to file a lawsuit. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your lawsuit is filed on time.
Contact the Scranton Personal Injury Lawyers of Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC for Help Today
For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Honesdale, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
436 Spruce St Suite 100, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Kingston
183 Market St #200, Kingston, PA 18704
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Honesdale
520 Main St, Honesdale, PA 18431
(570) 714-4878
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Berwick
120 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603
(570) 714-4878