50K Clients Served
40+ years of experience
550+ 5-star reviews on Google
A statute of limitations tells you how long you have to take legal action. These statutes tell prosecutors how long they have to bring charges against someone for committing a crime and serve as a deadline for filing a civil suit against a tortfeasor—or someone who caused you harm. It is important to understand the statute of limitation that applies to your case, because you usually cannot take action after this date.
For help determining how long you have to act, contact the personal injury lawyers at Berger and Green today at 412-661-1400.
In most cases, the statute of limitations begins at the time of your accident or injury. This occurs in any case where you are immediately aware—or should be immediately aware—of your injuries. Occasionally, you may get extra time to take action if you were unaware of your injuries or the recklessness that caused them for a period of time after the incident. This is because of “the discovery rule.”
For example, imagine you suffered complications due to medical malpractice, but your symptoms went undiagnosed for 10 months after your surgeon left a sponge inside during your operation. The court may allow you to consider the day you discovered the malpractice to be the date the statute of limitations began to toll.
The statute of limitations applies only to taking legal action, such as filing a civil lawsuit against the negligent party who caused your injuries. Most of these cases, however, never require litigation and settle without going to court. An insurance claim and settlement negotiations can usually resolve the matter and bring a fair settlement based on the damages you suffered.
This does not mean the statute of limitations is irrelevant in your case, though. These deadlines play a key role in helping us negotiate fair settlements for our clients. If we allow the deadline to pass, there is little incentive for the at-fault party’s insurance carrier to offer us any compensation. When we do not have the option to file a lawsuit and let a judge decide your case, it is almost impossible to get a fair settlement for your insurance claim.
Like other states, Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations for civil cases as well as criminal charges. The time a prosecutor has to act in a criminal case depends on the accusation and the charges the defendant will face. If you believe you may face a criminal charge, we can advise you on the time limits.
Most personal injury claims in Pennsylvania have a two-year statute of limitations. This includes car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice claims, products liability or defective product cases, and accidents involving property damage.
If you have questions about how long you have to file your case in Pennsylvania courts or if you wonder if you have a viable claim, give the knowledgeable attorneys at Berger and Green a call. We offer free evaluations and can explain the applicable statute of limitations in your case. Call 412-661-1400 today to speak with a Pittsburgh attorney.
Rose Hajjar has lived with congenital heart disease since birth. She was born with congenital heart disease and had 3...
Can an Injured Passenger File a Claim Against Both Drivers? If you are a passenger injured in a car crash,...
What Evidence Can Support an SSD or SSI Claim for an Invisible Condition? Not every medical condition is easy to...
How Can You Prove a New Injury After an Accident? If you have an old injury and are hurt in...
Why Your Kid’s Squishy Toy Can Be Dangerous When Heated If you have a kid between 6 and 14, a...
Berger and Green Supports the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s Summer Youth Café Program At Berger and Green, giving back...
