Texas personal injury claim must be filed within 2 years.
What is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a legal deadline that determines how long a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit. Every state has its own statute of limitations for civil cases, including personal injury claims. In most cases, the statute of limitations begins to run from the date of the injury or accident. If a lawsuit is not filed before the statute of limitations expires, the claim is barred, and the plaintiff loses the right to pursue legal action.
For personal injury cases, there are generally no exceptions to extend the statute of limitations, meaning time is of the essence. If the deadline passes, your legal right to file a claim will be permanently lost, no matter how severe your injuries may be. This is why it's essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you file your claim within the required time limit.
In some cases, such as claims against governmental entities, there are even shorter deadlines for filing notice of your claim. It's vital to speak with an attorney early on to ensure you comply with all relevant deadlines and protect your ability to recover compensation.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Injury in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. This means that an injured person must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident or injury to seek compensation for their damages. This includes cases such as:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace injuries
- Product liability claims
If you miss this two-year deadline, you will likely lose your legal right to file a claim. There are very few exceptions to this rule, so it's important to take action as soon as possible. The sooner you consult with a personal injury attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case and receiving the compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Work with a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
While the two-year statute of limitations for injury claims may seem like plenty of time, every day you wait to hire a lawyer is a day the insurance company spends preparing to minimize your claim. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working on their side—it's critical that you have legal representation to protect your interests.
Additionally, waiting too long to retain a lawyer can result in the loss of critical evidence, such as witness statements or accident scene photographs. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better they will be able to gather evidence, preserve your rights, and build a strong case on your behalf.
At the Francis Injury Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys are well-versed in Texas law, including the statute of limitations for injury claims. We can help you understand the deadlines applicable to your case and ensure you file your claim within the required time frame.
What Happens If You Miss the Statute of Limitations?
Missing the statute of limitations means that you lose the right to file a lawsuit for your injury. Once the deadline has passed, courts will typically dismiss any lawsuit filed, no matter how strong the evidence or how severe your injuries. This is why it's vital to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
There are very few exceptions to the statute of limitations, such as cases where the plaintiff was a minor at the time of the accident or cases involving fraudulent concealment. However, these exceptions are rare and do not apply in most situations. It’s always best to assume that the two-year clock starts ticking on the date of your injury.
Contact the Francis Injury Firm for a Free Consultation
At the Francis Injury Firm, we understand the complexities of personal injury law in Texas and the importance of acting within the statute of limitations for injury claims. Our team has helped thousands of clients across Southlake, Dallas, and Fort Worth protect their rights and recover compensation for their injuries.
If you've been injured, don’t delay. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and help you file your claim before the deadline expires. Call (817) 329-9001 or fill out our online contact form to get started.