In general, Iowa gives injured parties in accidents two years to bring a legal claim. RSH Legal – Iowa Personal Injury Lawyers can review the specific deadline of their case. A statute of limitations determines the length of time an injured party can file a lawsuit in civil court. despite the two-year timeframe set by the state for personal injury cases, exceptions to this exist.
When the Legal Deadline Applies
In general, injured parties should adhere to the personal injury statute of limitations in the state if they want to seek monetary compensation following an accidental injury. Thus, the statute applies in cases that involve motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall cases, and dog or animal attacks. These are just examples of cases that could result in a personal injury claim. Claimants must consult with their attorney if they think they are entitled to compensation for their losses. Their attorney can help determine if Iowa’s statute of limitations applies to their case.
When the Clock Starts Ticking
The personal injury case statute of limitations generally begins from the injury date. But exceptions may exist depending on the facts that surround the case. Victims must speak with an attorney to know how long they have to file a claim.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
With the exceptions to Iowa’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, the amount of time a claimant can get the compensation they deserve may be prolonged. The deadline may be extended if the injured party is a minor, if the at-fault party has left the state, or if the claimant had a mental illness when the accident occurred.
What to Expect After the Expiration of the Statute of Limitations
If an injured party fails to file a claim within two years from the date of the accidental injury, they will be barred from seeking compensation. The defendant will have grounds to request for the dismissal of the case against them in court. Unless an exception applies to the case, the court may grant this request. This makes it important to discuss the statute of limitations with an attorney after an accident.
What to Hire a Lawyer
An injured party doesn’t need to wait before they reach out to a personal injury attorney after an accident. The sooner they contact a lawyer the more time the lawyer has to evaluate the case and collect vital evidence. Most attorneys offer free consultations that let an injured party get advice about their case.
