What is the Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Florida?

If you were recently injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be able to reap compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are many factors to consider before filing a case, including the statute of limitations.  

In Florida, various statutes of limitations are imposed on personal injury lawsuits. A statute of limitations is a law that specifies an amount of time following the offense that parties have to initiate legal action. Once this window passes, the parties can no longer take legal action. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida, as well as what it might mean for your case. 

Understanding The Statute of Limitations

The purpose of a statute of limitations is to prevent lawsuits in which the plaintiff intentionally waits to file so that they can pursue losses that they’re not rightfully entitled to. Unfortunately, while statutes of limitations may attain this goal, they can also compromise valid claims. 

Statute of Limitations For Personal Injury Cases in Florida

Statutes of limitations for personal injury cases in Florida include:

  • Most personal injury claims: within four years of the date of the injury
  • Most wrongful death claims: within two years of the date of the incident
  • Underinsured/uninsured motorist claims: within five years of the date of the incident
  • Dog bite claims: within four years of the date of the injury
  • Claims against Florida government entities: within three years of the date of the injury. Except for claims that are denied, the lawsuit can’t be filed until a 180-day investigation period has been completed.

The local experienced personal injury attorneys at Weldon & Rothman, PL can evaluate your injury claim and ensure that it is filed within the appropriate Florida statute of limitations. Contact us today for a free personal injury case review!