When you sustain an injury due ot the negligent actions of another person, it can be incredibly challenging to navigate. Unfortunately, failure to pursue a claim in a timely manner can result in the inability to pursue compensation. As such, if you have sustained an injury, familiarizing yourself with the statute of limitations in Texas is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a Tom Green County, Texas personal injury lawyer to determine how to proceed with your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
When you wish to file a personal injury claim against a negligent party, it’s imperative to understand how the process works. In order to protect defendants of lawsuits, states have imposed a statute of limitations. Essentially, this is the timeframe in which an injured victim can file a claim against another party to fight for compensation.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date on which the injury occurred. For example, if you are injured on January 1st, 2025, you will have until January 1st, 2027, to pursue a claim for any damages you have endured as a result of the negligence of another party. As such, if you fail to file a claim on time, you’ll find that you can be barred from recovering compensation, as the defendant will just have to prove you filed past the statute.
Are There Any Exceptions?
It’s important to understand that there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations. Generally, you’ll find that if the injury victim is under 18 at the time of the incident, the statute will pause until they turn 18. This is also the case for anyone who is of unsound mind at the time of the incident, as the statute will hold until they regain mental soundness.
However, legal disqualifications are not the only exception. You’ll find that if the injury is not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations can be extended from the date on which the injury was or should have been discovered. For example, if you slip and fall in a grocery store, you may feel okay. After receiving a clean bill of health from your doctor the next day, you may not think twice about the injury. However, if you have a stroke two years after you hit your head that is linked to an undiagnosed traumatic brain injury, the statute of limitations would extend to the date on which you realized the severity of the injury, not the date on which it occurred.
As you can see, navigating an injury case can be incredibly difficult. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC. We understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate these circumstances, which is why we are committed to handling the legal complexities of your case so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to learn more.
