If you are injured in an accident in Missouri, you may have the right to seek compensation. However, there is one important detail you cannot ignore: the time limit for filing your personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations.
Failing to file in time can mean losing your right to recover damages. Here are some important points to remember.
The deadline is usually five years
In most personal injury cases, Missouri law gives you five years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This includes claims related to car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites and other negligence incidents.
It is important to note that this deadline refers to filing a case in court. Negotiating with an insurance company does not pause the clock. If you miss the filing deadline, your case may be thrown out.
Wrongful death claims have a shorter limit
If you are pursuing a wrongful death claim, the deadline is three years from the date of death. This shorter time frame makes it even more important to act quickly.
There are limited situations where the statute of limitations may be paused or extended. These include:
- If the injured person is under 21 years olc
- If the defendant leaves the state
- If the injury was not immediately discoverable
These exceptions are quite rare and have specific requirements under Missouri law.
Time is of the essence in personal injury cases and wrongful death claims. It is vital to gather evidence quickly and look into your legal options. Seeking further guidance can help to assess your case in more detail.