If someone else’s negligence injures you, it is important to act quickly. Connecticut law sets firm deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits – ones which courts adhere to strictly. Even if you gather strong supporting evidence, you may lose the right to recover damages if you file a case too late.
How much time do you have to file a personal injury case?
Under normal circumstances, Connecticut law has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means that you have two years from the date of discovering the injury to file a lawsuit. However, two time limits apply under Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-584. These serve as forms of protection for victims with delayed-diagnosis injuries and defendants by shielding them from indefinite liability. These time limits are as follows:
- Within two years from the date you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury and its cause
- No later than three years from the date of the negligent act or omission, regardless of the date you discover the injury
If you fail to file a personal injury case within these limits, you may be unable to recover any damages, as the court will likely dismiss the case. Bear in mind that filing personal injury claims against government entities requires stricter and shorter notice. Municipalities may require notice within 90 days of receiving an injury, though this varies from case to case.
Why you should gather evidence as soon as possible in Connecticut
As time passes, video footage may get erased, witnesses may forget critical details or move to different cities and accident scenes change. By gathering evidence early, you can strengthen your case and allow courts to investigate, calculate damages and identify all liable parties more quickly.
In Connecticut, many personal injury lawsuits must meet the two-year deadline and the three-year outside limit. Exceptions and notice rules can apply, so confirming the correct deadline early helps protect your right to recover. By receiving financial compensation, you can make up for lost wages and medical bills brought about by an injury and focus on recovering with some peace of mind.