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Introduction
When it comes to personal injuries, time is an important factor in taking legal action. In Georgia, there are rules called statutes of limitations that determine how long you have to file a lawsuit. These rules are different for children and adults. This article aims to provide a simple explanation of the time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits for children and adults in Georgia.
Time Limits for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Georgia
For Adults: If you're an adult who has suffered a personal injury in Georgia, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. This means you need to start the legal process within two years from the date you were injured. If you wait too long and the two-year period passes, you may not be able to seek compensation for your injuries.
For Children: For children who have been injured, the rules are a bit different. The law in Georgia understands that kids may not know about their injuries or their rights, or they may not be able to speak up for themselves. So, children have more time to file a lawsuit.
In Georgia, children have until their 18th birthday to start a personal injury lawsuit. This means they can wait until they turn 18 and then have two more years to begin the legal process. They need to start the lawsuit before their 20th birthday if they want to seek compensation for injuries they suffered as children.
Special Situations to Consider
It's important to note that there are some exceptions and special situations that can change the time limits for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Here are a couple of examples:
Discovery Rule: If you didn't know about your injury until later, the time limit may be extended. It means the two-year period starts when you discover the injury, rather than when it happened.
Medical Malpractice: If a child was harmed due to medical malpractice, the time limit is much less than for any other personal injury to a child.
Conclusion
Knowing the time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits is important. In Georgia, adults usually have two years to take legal action, while children have until their 18th or 20th birthday, depending on the circumstances. However, it's best to talk to a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases to make sure you understand and meet the specific deadlines that apply to your situation.
Remember, the time limits are strict, and if you miss them, you might not be able to seek compensation for your injuries. If you or your child has been hurt in Georgia, it's a good idea to consult a Georgia lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and explore your options within the given time frames. Hasan Claxton, LLC serves all counties in Georgia (DeKalb, Fulton, Henry, Clayton, Rockdale, Gwinnett, Cobb, Muscogee) for your injury needs.
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