Statute of limitations laws exist in all states and impact the timeline for a variety of legal cases. It’s important to know the laws for your state, as they could mean the difference between a valid and invalid claim. If you think you may have a personal injury claim in Illinois, a Chicago personal injury lawyer will help you file before your time runs out.
What are statute of limitations laws?
The statute of limitations is a law that sets the time limit in which you have to file a personal injury claim to recover damages from an accident, wrongful death, or medical malpractice. Each state has various timeframes for various types of claims, so it’s important that you hire a Chicago personal injury attorney who is familiar with the Illinois statute of limitations laws.
The Illinois Statute of Limitations Laws
The Illinois statute of limitations laws apply to more than just personal injury claims. They also set the time limits for claims involving fraud, professional malpractice, and challenges against wills. In regards to filing a personal injury claim, the state of Illinois has set the following statutes of limitations:
- Basic personal injury – 2 years
- Wrongful death – 2 years
- Medical malpractice – 2 years (4 years if injury could not be reasonably discovered during the initial 2-year-period)
The time within which you have to file your personal injury claim begins from the date you report or record the injury. In the case of medical malpractice, the time starts from the date of treatment where the injury is considered to have begun. A personal injury claim against a government entity normally has a 1 year restriction but these claims also follow a different process with other time limits and considerations.
There are many exceptions and nuances to the Illinois statute of limitations laws. An experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer will be well-versed in the Illinois statute of limitations and know how this can impact your personal injury claim. Continue reading for more information on the importance of filing your claim quickly and how a Chicago personal injury lawyer can help.
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