Statutes of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has specific rules governing nearly every aspect of a personal injury case and its procedures through the court system. These include rules on how long an injured person has to file their case.

A “statute of limitation” sets a deadline for filing personal injury cases. Typically, the time period to file the claim begins to run on the date that the injury occurs, or on the date that the injury is discovered if it could not have been discovered on the date that it happened. If a case is not filed by the time this deadline expires, it cannot be heard in court.

Statutes of limitations for common types of Pennsylvania personal injury claims include:

• Medical Malpractice: two years

• Personal Injury: two years

• Product liability: two years

• Premises Liability: two years

• Wrongful death: two years

Non-personal injury cases may have different deadlines. For example, a civil lawsuit for libel must be filed within one year in Pennsylvania, while some legal malpractice claims can still be filed four years after the date the malpractice occurred.

It’s important to talk to a lawyer about your case as soon as you can, especially if you’re uncertain about the statute of limitations. In some cases, the two year time limit may begin to run from when you discovered the injury, which in turn may be much later than the date the injury occurred. Also, some cases, such as those involving a government agency or employee, may have different time limits and rules for filing. If you’ve been injured by a government employee or on government property, you may need to meet different deadlines and take additional steps before filing your case in court.

If you’ve been injured by the negligence of another person, company, or other entity, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights, choose the best options for you, and ensure that your claim is filed before the deadline expires.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.