Each state has a statute of limitations for filing suit for a personal injury. Within the stated time frame,the complainant has to file suit against the at-fault party. The statute of imitations for personal injuries is unique for each state. The most common limit is two years from the date of the injury. However,in Louisiana it is one year. It is longer for filing a medical malpractice suit. In that case,it is three year.
Louisiana makes no distinction between the average personal injury and a negligence case. Again,many states allow two to five years for a plaintiff to file suit against a defendant. Again,the personal injury statute of limitations in Louisiana for negligence cases is one year.
Within that time frame,you and your legal representation must gather all the evidence that will support your claim. If you require longer than one year of healing from your injuries,do not worry. You must file the lawsuit,but you do not have to settle within that same time frame. If you need more time to heal. Take it. Your lawyer will wait until you have finalized your healing,if it is not an ongoing condition. If it is an ongoing condition,that will be taken into account when the case is presented or the settlement is requested.
The same rules do not apply to minors or those who have suffered a permanent disability from the personal injury. There are additional exceptions to the one year statute of limitations. The date you become aware of the injury can also begin the count down to the one year mark,instead of the date you originally suffered the injury. It is important that you consult aninjury lawyer as soon as you become aware of an injury. They will advise you on the best way to proceed with seeking help and compensation for your injuries.