If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you can file a claim to seek compensation. However, it’s essential to understand that you have limited time to file your claim for damages in the Sunshine State. If you fail to file your slip-and-fall claim within the statute of limitation, you could lose your ability to sue for damages forever. Please continue reading to learn how long you have to file a premises liability claim in Florida and how our trusted Manatee County Slip and Fall Lawyers can help safeguard your rights.
What is Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims?
A statute of limitations is a legal provision that defines the maximum amount of time in which parties involved in a dispute must initiate legal proceedings following an accident. Essentially, this law limits an injured party’s right to have their lawsuit heard in the state’s civil court system. The statute of limitations in Florida for a premises liability claim is two years. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you must file your claim against the property owner within two years of the incident. It’s crucial to note that the case doesn’t have to be resolved within this timeframe. However, the “clock” starts running on the date the injury occurs.
If your slip and fall occurred on government property or if the negligence of a multiplicity otherwise contributed to your injury, you will have much less time to act. This is because you will be required to file a Notice of Claim. A Notice of Claim provides the government with advanced notice before the commencement of an actual lawsuit that it could be subject to a claim for damages. This gives the municipality an adequate opportunity to investigate the claim’s merits.
What If I Fail to File My Claim Within the Legally Prescribed Time Limit?
As mentioned above, Florida imposes a strict time limit for filing a slip and fall claim. Failure to file within the legally prescribed time window will result in the forfeiture of your right to sue for damages. Even if you have a valid claim, the absolute bar of recovery will be imposed. The allotted time frame for filing a claim of this nature is two years, a period that can swiftly pass. As such, filing your claim as soon as possible is crucial to safeguard your legal rights.
Knowing how long you must seek relief through the civil court system is crucial if you have been injured due to another party’s negligence. To ensure that you file your claim within the prescribed period, contact our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers in Manatee County. Our legal team can provide you with the guidance and support needed to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
