Pennsylvania limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury. The limit is called the statute of limitations. If it passes, a court will generally dismiss the case, no matter how strong it is.
The general rule
For most personal injury claims in Pennsylvania, including car accidents, slip and falls and dog bites, a lawsuit generally must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. That is the starting point, not the whole answer.
Situations that can change the deadline
Claims involving a government entity
If your claim involves a government body, such as a city, a transit agency or a state agency, written notice of the claim may be required much sooner, in some cases within six months. These rules are easy to miss and can end a claim early.
Injuries to children
When the injured person is a minor, the time limit generally does not begin to run until the child turns 18. A parent's own related claims may follow a different timeline.
Injuries discovered later
In limited circumstances, when an injury could not reasonably have been discovered right away, the deadline may be measured differently. This exception is narrow and depends heavily on the facts.
Wrongful death
Claims after the loss of a family member generally have their own two-year period, usually measured from the date of death. Our wrongful death page explains who may file.
Why you should not wait
The legal deadline is only one reason to act early. Others include:
- Surveillance video is often recorded over within days or weeks.
- Witnesses move, and memories fade.
- Vehicles are repaired and hazards are fixed, which erases evidence.
- A claim takes time to investigate and negotiate before a lawsuit is ever filed.
The bottom line
These are general rules, and exceptions can shorten or extend the time you have. The only way to know which deadline applies to you is to have a lawyer look at the facts. Deadlines apply, so call us to learn how they affect your case. The consultation is free, and you can reach Patterson Injury Lawyers 24/7 at (215) 383-9959.
Every case is different. This page is general information, not legal advice.