If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may wonder if you can file a personal injury suit in Texas. Every state has laws that set time limits for filing such lawsuits, including Texas. Read on to learn more about the time limit for filing a personal injury suit in Texas and what happens if it is exceeded.
The Statute of Limitations
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident or injury. This means that once two years have passed since your claim arose, then you likely won’t be able to receive any compensation from a court. So if you believe that someone else’s negligence caused your injury, it is important to act quickly.
Exceptions to The Rule
There are certain exceptions to this two-year rule. For example, if a minor (under 18 years old) suffers an injury due to someone else’s negligence, they have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit. In addition, if the other party involved is a government employee or entity (such as school districts or municipalities), there are different rules for filing suits that must be followed, and shorter time limits may apply. Finally, suppose the injured party was mentally incapacitated at the time of their accident or became mentally incapacitated afterward due to their injuries. In that case, they can file suit within one year after they regain mental capacity, even if two years have already passed since their accident occurred.
What Happens If You Miss The Deadline?
Suppose your deadline passes without filing a lawsuit claiming damages related to your injuries. In that case, unfortunately, you will not be able to pursue legal action and receive compensation through the courts. Often people contact lawyers after the statute of limitations has expired. While some attorneys may still take on those cases in certain situations, generally speaking, it is best practice to file suit before your window closes to ensure that all of your rights are protected and preserved under the law so that you can get justice and receive fair compensation.
It’s important for victims of personal injury in Texas to understand their rights with regard to filing lawsuits against those responsible for their injuries. While most states have laws setting out time limits for filing such claims—known as statutes of limitation—Texas has its unique set of rules which must be followed carefully and promptly for victims to get justice and full recovery from those responsible for their harm. It is always best practice for victims of personal injury accidents in Texas who seek legal recourse to contact an experienced attorney right away to protect all of their rights under the law before any deadlines expire.
