Massachusetts Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Blog
Massachusetts Personal Injury Statutes of Limitations
If you have been injured in a Massachusetts accident, it is important to not delay in bringing your claim. The reason is because these claims have very strict time deadlines. Personal injury claims in Massachusetts have what are called statutes of limitations. A statute of limitations is the period of time set by law in which you are allowed to sue someone in court for your injuries.
If the statute of limitations runs, without your lawsuit being filed in court, your case is then over and you will receive nothing. Generally speaking, Massachusetts personal injury statutes of limitations are three years. These claims include most auto accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and other personal injury cases.
Not all Massachusetts injury claims have three-year filing deadlines
Massachusetts workers compensation claims have 4-year statutes of limitations. Claims against cities, towns and against the MBTA have unique presentment requirements that must be strictly followed. Presentment means providing very specific written notice of a claim. A three year statute of limitations generally applies to claims against these entities.
If an attorney fails to file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations time period, the attorney can be sued by the client for legal malpractice. Legal malpractice is a claim for negligence against an attorney. Missing a statute of limitations is a very common cause of legal malpractice claims. These claims also have a three year statute of limitations.
Regardless of the type of accident you had, I suggest you call an attorney immediately in order to protect your legal rights. The last thing you want is for your case to be dismissed by a statute of limitations issue.
Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer Christopher Earley Can Help You
Contact us today if you have been injured in an accident, and have Massachusetts personal injury statutes of limitations questions. We offer guaranteed free, no-obligation consultations and we don’t collect a fee unless we win your case. We are a Boston personal injury law firm that is different from the rest. Find out more today.