In Virginia, the statute of limitations for injury to a person is two years from the date of injury. In the District of Columbia and Maryland those same claims can carry a three year statute of limitations. What that means is that as a general rule a lawsuit must be filed at the courthouse within the time stated. These rules can get very complex. You should not seek your own counsel on these issues. You need professional advice.
How Much Time Do You Have To Make A Claim-Exceptions to the Rule
There are exceptions to the rules. Your writing a letter to the insurer making a claim does not stop the statute of limitations from running. If your claim has not settled within the statute of limitations then a lawsuit must be filed in the Courthouse. This is the only way to stop the statute of limitations. If the statute has expired without the filing of a lawsuit, then your claim is forever barred.
You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible after you have suffered any injury so that your legal rights can be explained. The attorney can explain the statute of limitation. You can then make a decision as to how you wish to proceed.
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Legal answers provided by Brien Roche, a malpractice and injury lawyer with over 45 years of trial experience. Contact Us today to discuss your legal matter.
For more information on statute of limitations see the pages on Wikipedia.
