Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Georgia

Statutes of limitations are laws that set specific time limits for when someone may file a lawsuit. These legal time limits tend to differ from state to state, but the time period usually begins on the date that a claim arises, such as the day of an auto accident or when a crime was committed. Once the time period has expired, however, the right to sue and recover damages is lost forever. At Grant Law Office, our Atlanta injury attorneys will investigate every aspect of your case as soon as possible to ensure that no claims are lost as a result of untimely action.

The purpose of a statute of limitations is to protect defendants against false accusations after a period long enough that witnesses may forget or no longer be available, and evidence has been lost.

Different types of cases have different statutes of limitation, and so it is critical to pursue legal action as soon as possible after suffering an injury. Generally, in the state of Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. However, laws often change. An experienced lawyer will help determine the appropriate statute of limitations for your circumstances and work with you.

Exceptions

It may also be possible to argue that a statute of limitations has been "tolled" or delayed due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Mental Incompetence - The victim was not mentally competent at the time of injury.
• Minority - The victim was a minor at the time of injury.
• Bankruptcy - The responsible party has filed for bankruptcy, which may affect the calculation of the statute of limitations.

Regardless of possible exceptions, it is always in a client's best interest to consult an attorney. The more time passes, the more likely evidence will be lost and witnesses will no longer be credible or even available.

Georgia Personal Injury Legal Team

An accomplished Atlanta personal injury lawyer at Grant Law Office can help you determine whether you have a valid claim if you or a loved one has been injured as a result of another person's negligence or wrongdoing. Our legal team and staff will provide compassionate and skillful guidance throughout the judicial process. To learn how we can help you during this difficult time, call (404) 995-3955 for a free and confidential consultation.