The Time Is Ticking For Your Personal Injury Lawsuit

The world of personal injury law is huge, mostly due to the varied ways that you can end up suffering from the negligence or wrongdoings of others. From drunk drivers causing injury in an auto accident to lasting harm caused by the negligence of medical malpractice, there are literally hundreds of examples that could be cited within the spectrum of personal injury law. Because the law provides full coverage for those who have suffered the penalties of the neglect of another, it's important for a victim to discuss their situation with an attorney who can help to determine just how much compensation they might be eligible for.

Unfortunately, some people who have been involved in a personal injury case don't fully realize that they are victims until it's too late and the window of opportunity has expired:

Don't Let the Clock Expire

For whatever reason, many individuals do not consider their opportunity and legal right to file a lawsuit against the negligent party-- thinking instead of how to pay the medical bills and receipts associated with the injury. While they struggle to decipher how to find the cash necessary to pay the mounting bills, an invisible clock known in the legal world as the "statute of limitations" is already counting down.

In simple terms, a statute of limitations is a window of time in which you are able to pursue a case against the other party. When that window expires, so does your chance of ever seeing a cent from the wrongful event.

The specific window of time differs from state to state, ranging from as short as one year to six full years-- so be sure to speak to a lawyer immediately to avoid any chance of losing your legal right. Instead of struggling to determine how you'll pay the bills from the injury, it's important to realize that you may have money that's rightfully yours by law.

The Exception to the Rule

There is one loophole in the midst of the law concerning the statute of limitations: the "discovery of harm" rule. If a medical issue arises due to the initial injury incident after the statute of limitations has expired (or you simply discover it after the fact), you may still be eligible to pursue a lawsuit.

For example, back pain that arises years after your car is hit by a drunk driver (and can be proven to be linked to the incident) has just been discovered, even though you didn't know your back had been affected initially after the crash. Because you have just discovered the harm, most judges will be interested to hear your story, likely siding with you since you have suffered physical damage.

For more help, contact a company like McDonald Law Offices with any questions you have.


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