Statute of Limitations in a Washington DC Spinal Cord Injury Case

If you suffered a spinal cord injury, it is important to understand the local laws that may affect any personal injury claims you wish to file. The statute of limitations restricts the amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim after an accident. This is because the older a case is, the murkier details become and the more difficult it is to determine who is at fault in a court of law.

The statute of limitations varies from state to state, so the deadlines for filing a local case will be different than in other parts of the country. To learn more about the statute of limitations and how it can affect your spinal cord injury case in Washington DC, speak with qualified legal counsel.

What is the Statute of Limitations?

Statutes of limitations are laws that set a time limit on when a plaintiff can bring a case to trial. In most states, the time allotted is two years after the injury or incident occurred, but in Washington DC, the statute of limitations is three years. This extra year can be beneficial for those who need time to recover from their spinal cord injury before they are ready to deal with legal proceedings.

However, the statute of limitations on an SCI case in DC will expire after those three years. If this happens, the injured victim will never be able to bring their case to court. It is wise to seek legal advice as soon as possible for injuries that occurred due to someone else’s negligence. A spinal cord injury claim may take time, so it is important to start the process soon after the accident with the help of a skilled DC lawyer.

What to Do Before the Statute Expires

After contacting a local attorney, there are several steps one can take to increase their chances of an effective personal injury claim. Most legal professionals would advise against talking about the injury online or sharing details of the accident with anyone. This is to limit evidence that defendants could use to undermine the case.

Those considering litigation should also gather as much evidence as possible related to their case. It is important to begin this step immediately because witness statements are better when the memories are fresh. Hard evidence is also easier to collect right after the accident. Examples of evidence that should be collected soon after a spinal cord injury include:

  • Documents that prove the severity of the injury
  • Evidence that shows the cause of injury, such as photos or videos of the accident
  • Witness statements
  • Damages incurred because of the injury, such as medical bills or lost wages

Talk to a DC Attorney About Your Spinal Cord Injury Case Before the Statute of Limitations Expires

Do not let the statute of limitations cause stress or prevent you from seeking justice for your spinal cord injury. This is a time to heal. Family and friends can provide the emotional support you need to focus on getting better.

For legal support, a compassionate personal injury attorney can guide you through your options. If you are uncertain about your case or how it is affected by the DC statute of limitations, contact a lawyer with experience representing spinal cord injury victims for a consultation today.