How Does Georgia’s Statute of Limitations Affect Personal Injury Lawsuits?

How Does Georgia’s Statute of Limitations Affect Personal Injury Lawsuits?

If you suffered an injury caused by someone else’s negligent or intentional actions in Georgia, understanding your rights is essential for seeking the compensation you deserve. One of your most important rights is the ability to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, you must do so within the deadline laid out by the state’s statute of limitations.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Georgia?

A statute of limitations is a law outlining the deadline for taking a specific legal action. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits appears in Georgia Code section 9-3-33. Under this statute, injury victims have two years to file their lawsuit against the party whose actions injured them.

Two years might sound like a long time, but it can go by fast, and your personal injury lawyer will need that time to gather supporting evidence and build a strong case. In general, the sooner you begin working on your case, the better.

What Are the Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?

There are three main exceptions to the statute of limitations for personal injury in Georgia. The first two come from Georgia Code section 9-3-90:

• The time limit for those suffering from a cognitive disability doesn’t start until they recover from their condition.
• The time limit for minors doesn’t start until they turn 18.

The other main exception is when the defendant is a government entity. Typically, victims must notify the government entity of their intent to sue well before the deadline. For example, under Georgia Code section 50-21-26, victims must notify the state government of their intent to sue within 12 months of the incident.

What Happens if I Don’t File My Lawsuit Within the Deadline?

If you don’t file your lawsuit within the deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. For this reason, it’s crucial that you speak to an experienced personal injury attorney who can begin working on your case as soon as possible.

Contact Our Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers

Did someone else’s negligence cause you harm in Georgia? Contact Kaufman Injury Law for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options for seeking compensation, and show you why injury victims throughout Georgia have trusted us for over 45 years.