If you’ve been injured in Pennsylvania, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the injury. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation.
At Mooney Law, we know how important it is to act quickly after an accident. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, a slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, our Pennsylvania personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and take legal action before time runs out.
When Does the Statute of Limitations Begin?
The statute of limitations usually starts on the day the injury occurs. However, there are exceptions. If an injury isn’t immediately noticeable—such as in medical malpractice or toxic exposure cases—the clock may start running when it is discovered or when a reasonable person would have discovered it.
For example, if a doctor misdiagnoses a condition, and you don’t realize it until years later, you may still be able to file a claim. This is known as the discovery rule. Our team at Mooney Law can review your case and determine the exact deadline for filing your claim.
Additionally, special rules apply to cases involving minors. If a child is injured, the two-year statute of limitations typically doesn’t start until they turn 18. This means they may have until their 20th birthday to file a claim.
How Long Do You Have To File a Claim for Pain and Suffering?
The two-year statute of limitations applies if you seek compensation for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering include physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the injury has had on your life. However, if you miss the filing deadline, you may lose the right to seek compensation for these damages.
There are also different deadlines if the responsible party is a government agency. If your injury was caused by a government entity, such as a city bus accident or a dangerous condition on public property, you may need to file a notice of intent to sue within six months. These cases can be challenging, so working with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Pennsylvania is essential.
If you’re unsure how much time you have left to file, don’t wait. Contact Mooney Law today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Case?
To recover compensation in a personal injury case, you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. This typically involves establishing four key elements:
- Duty of care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to act safely. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws, and property owners must maintain safe premises.
- Breach of duty: The person failed to meet this obligation by acting carelessly or recklessly.
- Causation: Their actions directly led to your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Gathering evidence like medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony can strengthen your case. At Mooney Law, our Pennsylvania personal injury attorney works diligently to build a strong claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can You Recover?
A successful personal injury claim can help you recover various damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills related to the injury
- Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for damaged belongings, such as a car
- Punitive damages: Additional compensation in cases of extreme negligence or wrongdoing
Every case is different, and the amount of compensation you may receive depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the strength of your case. Our law firm in Harrisburg, PA, will fight to maximize your compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.
Why Work With an Attorney?
Filing a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and medical bills. That’s where an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney can help. Here’s why having legal representation matters:
- Meeting deadlines: Your lawyer will ensure all paperwork is filed on time so you don’t miss the statute of limitations.
- Proving liability: Attorneys gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts to strengthen your case.
- Negotiating settlements: Insurance companies often offer low settlements. A lawyer can negotiate for fair compensation.
- Going to court: If a personal injury settlement isn’t possible, your attorney will represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Mooney Law, our law firms in Harrisburg, PA, has helped countless clients in Pennsylvania recover compensation for their injuries. Our team is dedicated to providing strong legal representation, whether in settlement negotiations or the courtroom.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait to seek legal help. The statute of limitations is strict, and missing the deadline can mean losing your right to compensation. At Mooney Law, our experienced personal injury lawyers in Pennsylvania are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation. We serve clients in Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania. Let us help you get the compensation you need to move forward.
