How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida?

When someone is injured in Florida due to another party’s negligence, they may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, strict deadlines—known as statutes of limitations—determine how long you have to take legal action. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases

As of 2023, Florida law generally gives injured individuals two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a recent change from the previous four-year deadline. The shortened timeframe makes it more important than ever to act quickly after an injury.

Exceptions to the Rule

While two years is the standard, some circumstances may extend or shorten the filing deadline:

• Medical malpractice: Typically two years from when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered.
• Claims involving minors: Deadlines may be extended if the injured person is a child.
• Government liability: Suing a government entity requires following special notice requirements and may have different time limits.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Even if two years seems like a long time, building a strong personal injury case takes effort. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may forget details, and insurance companies often try to delay or deny claims. Speaking with an attorney soon after the accident gives you the best chance of preserving your rights.

At Personal Injury Law Partners LLC, we help injury victims in Miami-Dade County understand their legal options and pursue the compensation they deserve.