by Deborah Bates Riordan, Esq. and Theodore Riordan, Esq.
Time matters when it comes to personal injury claims. If you delay pursuing your claim, you may lose your rights and get nothing.
Generally speaking, in Massachusetts you have three years from the date of an accident to file a negligence lawsuit against the person responsible for your injuries (the defendant). That deadline is called the statute of limitations.
The general three-year rule can sometimes be changed by other events. For example, if the defendant dies, then there is a shorter time limit for presenting a claim against his/her probate estate. On the other hand, if the defendant moved out of state, the statute of limitations is extended during the time of his/her absence. Also, if the claimant is a minor or is incapacitated, the statute of limitations is extended until they reach adulthood or while the person is incapacitated.
The race to satisfy the Statute of limitations can vary from state to state, and by the type of claim you are bringing. An experienced lawyer is able to sift through the particular facts of your case and determine the time for filing your case.
Contact us
The attorneys at Bates & Riordan, LLP are very experienced in negligence claims. Please call us for a free, no-obligation consultation. 617-328-8080