The Time to File an Action For Personal Injuries May Be Extended

Senate Bill 688, which was signed into law on September 11, 2002, extends the time within which personal injury victims may file suit to recover compensation for injuries caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.  California law has historically specified (with few exceptions) that a lawsuit must be filed within one year from the date of the incident causing an injury.   SB 688 now  allows injured persons to file suit up to two years from the date of the incident.

According to the language of the bill, the legislature has determined that the one-year time limit does not allow sufficient time for victims to try to resolve their claims without the need to file a sometimes costly lawsuit.  The legislature has declared that many injury claims would be resolved without the need to resort to a lawsuit if California’s statute of limitations permitted actions to be filed within two years.  Most other states already have two year statutes of limitation, so California will join the majority.

This new law specifically applies also to victims of the September 11, 2001 “terrorist attacks.”  Under the new law, a “terrorist victim” also has two years to file a claim for compensation, even if the statute of limitations expired before the new law goes into effect.

If you were injured by the wrongful act or neglect of another and you’re not sure if the time to file suit lapsed, contact Altemus & Wagner.  You may still have a legal right to pursue your claim.  Call for a free consultation.

You will find a great deal of helpful information on this website. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, call us at any time. You will be able to speak directly to an attorney who will answer your questions. There is never a charge to call and talk about a personal injury matter. You may also go to our online personal injury questionnaire and submit your information online. An attorney will contact you right away. If you prefer, we can also visit you in your home, place of business or care facility to discuss your personal injury claim.

Click here to fill out our online case questionnaire.

Since most of the time injured victims will suffer some form of loss (be it income, physical, emotional, or other), our legal system provides for compensation in these instances. However, the law only provides a limited time within which to pursue your claim, so you should contact us right away. If you wait too long, you will be forever barred from pursuing your claim.

If you have been injured in an accident, call Altemus & Wagner so you can avoid mistakes commonly made by injured individuals. Most likely, there will be a source of recovery for you. Don’t forget our online personal injury questionnaire where you can submit your information online.

 

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