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New York Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: Complete Guide

New York Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: Complete Guide

April 19, 2024
Paul Ajlouny

The New York personal injury statute of limitations is the timeframe within which legal action must be initiated. Understanding these time constraints is paramount for individuals seeking recourse for injuries sustained due to another party's negligence.

Once the statute of limitations has expired, you forfeit the right to file a personal injury lawsuit and receive compensation for damages. This is why it's extremely important to seek legal advice as soon as possible from the date of injury.

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the day the injury occurred. There are exceptions to this rule, such as for medical malpractice claims, that should be filed within two years and six months from the date of the alleged malpractice.

Further exemptions do exist, but we'll cover them in more detail further down in this guide.

Investigating and understanding exemptions can be complex and requires legal expertise from New York personal injury lawyers to navigate effectively. 

Need help navigating the statute of limitations on injury claims?

Navigating the statute of limitations for injury claims can be complex and daunting without proper guidance. Whether you're unsure about filing deadlines or need assistance understanding exceptions, seeking help from a knowledgeable attorney can make all the difference.

An experienced legal professional from Ajlouny Injury Law can clarify the applicable time limits and help you take the necessary steps to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation

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New York personal injury statute of limitations by injury type

To effectively deal with the personal injury claims time limits in New York, it's important to grasp the statute of limitations for different types of injuries. Each category comes with its own set of deadlines, determining the window of opportunity for legal recourse. 

Below, we outline the statute of limitations for various personal injury types in New York:

Assault, battery, and other intentional torts

In New York, the statute of limitations for assault, battery, and other intentional torts varies depending on whether the matter is civil or criminal. For civil cases, the statute of limitations is one year from the incident date. 

However, the statute of limitations for criminal cases, such as assault charges, may vary. It's generally two years for misdemeanor charges and five years for felony charges.

Bicycle accidents

The statute of limitations is three years from the accident date for bicycle accidents. This timeframe allows individuals injured in bicycle accidents to file claims within three years to seek compensation for their injuries and damages.

Boating accidents

In New York, the statute of limitations for boating accident injury claims is three years. This time frame applies regardless of the type of vehicle involved in the incident, as boating injuries fall under the category of general negligence.

Brain injuries

Individuals pursuing claims stemming from brain injuries generally have a three-year window from the date of the injury to file their claims. This amount of time allows them to seek compensation for their damages within a reasonable period. 

Burn injuries

The timeframe for claims related to burn injuries usually spans three years from the date of the incident. This timeline offers victims who have sustained burn injuries ample opportunity to pursue compensation for their injuries and resulting damages.

Car accidents

Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim arising from a car accident in New York is three years from the accident date. This timeframe applies to injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists involved in motor vehicle collisions.

Construction accidents

In cases of personal injury resulting from construction accidents in New York, the statute of limitations typically follows the standard three-year timeframe from the incident date.

Dog bites

Individuals bitten by dogs have up to three years from the incident date to pursue compensation through dog bite claims, aligning with the state's standard statute of limitations for personal injuries.

However, successfully securing compensation often hinges on demonstrating the dog owner's negligence or proving the dog had a history of aggression, which directly contributed to the incident. 

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and see how we can help you from a legal perspective.

Drunk driving accidents

The statute of limitations follows the standard three-year timeframe from the date of the incident. This allows victims injured in drunk driving accidents to file their claims within three years to seek compensation for their injuries and damages.

Intentional infliction of emotional distress

The deadline for claims involving intentional infliction of emotional distress is one year from the date of the harmful act.

It's best to file within this timeframe to preserve the right to seek legal remedies for the distress caused. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the right to pursue compensation for emotional injuries.

Libel, slander, and defamation

In New York, the statute of limitations for claims involving libel, slander, and defamation is one year from the date of the harmful act. This means individuals have one year to file their claims seeking compensation for damage to their reputation caused by false statements. 

Mass tort

The statute of limitations for mass tort claims in New York will adhere to the standard guidelines for personal injury cases. This usually entails a three-year timeline from the date of the incident for individuals to file their claims. 

Medical malpractice

The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is two years and six months. This timeframe begins either from the date of the malpractice incident or from the end of continuous treatment by the healthcare provider being sued, specifically for the condition, illness, or injury in question.

Motorcycle accidents

Individuals injured in motorcycle accidents in New York typically have a three-year window from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims.

Negligence

Under the New York negligence statute of limitations, individuals who have suffered due to negligence have three years from the date of the incident to begin legal action. It's essential for victims to act within this period to uphold their rights and seek justice through the legal system.

Nursing home abuse/neglect

Generally, individuals have two years from the date of the incident to file their claims. This timeframe ensures that victims can seek justice and compensation for the harm inflicted upon them or their loved ones. 

Pedestrian accidents

In the context of pedestrian accidents in New York, typically, victims have three years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action.

Product liability

Most of the time, victims have three years from the occurrence of the injury or discovery of the injury to pursue legal action. This timeframe enables them to seek compensation for injuries or damages from defective products. 

Exceptions to the personal injury statute of limitations

Slips and falls

In New York, individuals injured in slips and falls have a statute of limitations of three years from the accident date to file their claims. This timeframe allows individuals to seek compensation for injuries sustained due to hazardous conditions on another party's property.

Spinal cord injuries

Even though spinal cord injuries can be catastrophic, you still only have the standard length of three years to file your lawsuit. This might sound short, but if you've been incapacitated, you may be entitled to an extension (see more on this below).

Truck accidents

In New York, the general rule for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident is that you have three years from the date of the accident to do so. However, if a truck owned by any level of the New York government is involved, the timeline is much tighter—you only have 90 days to file a claim. 

Vaccine injuries

The statute of limitations for vaccine injury claims under the Federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is three years from the first onset of symptoms or two years from the date of death. This federal timeframe applies regardless of state, including New York.

Work Injuries

In cases of work injuries in New York, individuals have a statute of limitations that follows the standard guidelines for personal injury cases. This typically entails a three-year window from the date of the incident for individuals to submit their claims.

Wrongful death

For wrongful death claims in New York, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. This means that surviving family members or representatives of the deceased must commence legal action within two years of the death to seek compensation for their loss. It's crucial to adhere to this timeframe to preserve the right to pursue legal remedies for wrongful death.

Our team won a $995,000 settlement for an unemployed female that was hit by a cart at a supermarket, and underwent lumbar fusion surgery 36 months after.

Additional reading: how much should I settle for negligence ceiling collapse

Exceptions to the personal injury statute of limitations in New York

Certain circumstances may warrant exceptions or extensions to these time limits. These exceptions ensure that individuals with valid claims are not unjustly barred from seeking legal recourse.

  1. Discovery Rule: Under the discovery rule, the statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence rather than from the date of the incident itself. This exception is particularly relevant in cases where the injury is not immediately apparent.
  2. Tolling Due to Defendant's Absence: If the defendant is absent from the state, effectively evading legal action, the statute of limitations may be tolled until their return. This ensures that individuals are not unfairly barred from seeking redress due to the defendant's evasion of accountability.
  3. Legal Disability/Minor: If the injured individual is under a legal disability at the time of the incident or classed as a minor, such as being considered mentally incapacitated or under 18, the clock doesn't start ticking until the disability is lifted, typically when they're declared legally competent or turn 18 (New York Civil Practice Law & Rules section 208).
  4. Defendant's Absence: If the defendant leaves the state after the incident and is absent from the state for four months or more before the lawsuit is filed or resides within the state under a false name, the time of absence may not be counted towards the three-year statutory period (New York Civil Practice Law & Rules section 207).

A focus on government entity claims

Unlike claims against private individuals, initiating proceedings involves submitting a notice of claim within 90 days of the incident. This formal document outlines the nature of the claim, incident details, and sustained injuries, serving as notification to the entity of your intent to sue.

Each step of the process, from notice submission to potential lawsuit filing, is governed by specific requirements and deadlines that vary based on the entity involved. Failure to adhere meticulously to these guidelines risks dismissal of the claim. Moreover, government investigations, potential pre-claim hearings, and immunities and limitations unique to government entities underscore the complexity of these cases.

It's important to note that these exceptions and extensions are applied case-by-case and may require legal intervention to establish their applicability. If you believe your case might be affected by these special circumstances, reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial for ensuring your rights are fully protected.

Hypothetical example

Consider the case of Sarah, who was involved in a car accident in New York. Sarah sustained injuries and incurred medical expenses as a result of the accident. Let's explore how the statute of limitations applies in different scenarios:

Scenario 1: Immediate Action

  • Sarah promptly seeks medical attention after the accident.
  • She documents the incident by taking photos of the crash scene and obtaining witness contact information.
  • Sarah notifies her insurance company and files a claim within a few days of the accident.
  • In this scenario, Sarah is well within the three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York. She has taken timely action to protect her rights and pursue compensation for her injuries.

Scenario 2: Delayed Action

  • Sarah delayed seeking medical attention and filing an insurance claim for several months after the accident.
  • She finally consults with a personal injury lawyer after nearly two years have passed since the accident.
  • In this scenario, Sarah may have exceeded the three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York. While she still has legal options, her delayed action has significantly limited her ability to pursue compensation effectively.

Scenario 3: Discovery Rule Applies

  • Sarah discovers that her injuries from the accident were more severe than initially thought, and she experiences symptoms months later.
  • She consults with a lawyer who informs her about the discovery rule, which allows the statute of limitations to begin from the time the injury is discovered.
  • Sarah filed a claim within three years from the date she discovered her injuries.
  • In this scenario, Sarah effectively utilizes this rule to ensure that she remains within the statute of limitations despite the delayed discovery of her injuries.

Get in touch today today for a free case evaluation - we're available 24/7!

Checklist for Victims

Here's a practical guide designed specifically for anyone navigating the aftermath of an injury:

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. See a doctor right away to assess and treat your injuries.
  2. Document Incident: Capture photos of the injury scene and write down what happened while it's fresh in your mind.
  3. Obtain Witness Information: If anyone saw what happened, make sure to get their names and ways to contact them.
  4. Record Medical Treatment and Expenses: Keep a detailed log of treatments received and expenses incurred from the injury.
  5. Report Incident: Whether it's a property manager or the police, let the appropriate parties know about the incident.
  6. Notify Insurance Company: Let your insurance company know about the incident without delay.
  7. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: Consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and options, especially if your injury is serious or if you're facing complex legal issues.
  8. Exercise Caution with Statements and Documents: Be cautious about discussing the incident or signing any documents, particularly with insurance adjusters.
  9. Follow Medical Advice: Make sure to stick to the medical advice and treatment plans given by your doctors.
  10. Organize Documents: Keep all your injury-related documents and correspondence in one place, ensuring they're ready when needed for your claim.

Legal process insights

After filing a claim, the legal process unfolds through several stages:

  1. Initially, the defendant, often an insurance company, investigates the claim and may request additional documentation or evidence.
  2. Negotiations follow, during which both parties attempt to reach a settlement agreement.
  3. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation, involving court appearances, legal arguments, and possibly a trial.

Throughout this process, clear communication and adherence to court procedures are crucial.

An experienced personal injury attorney can offer valuable insights into the legal process, advocating for your rights and guiding you through each stage to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Need guidance on statute of limitations injury claims?

Given the complexity of these legal matters, it is highly advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney. An experienced attorney from our team can not only evaluate your case and ensure compliance with deadlines but also provide guidance on critical decisions, such as understanding precisely what happens when you reject an insurance settlement offer in New York.

Contact us today at +1-800-535-5029 to discuss your case and ensure your rights are protected within the statute of limitations for personal injury in New York.

Key takeaways

Understanding the statute of limitations is paramount for individuals pursuing personal injury claims in New York. Typically, most cases must be filed within three years of the injury, although exceptions apply, such as for medical malpractice claims. Additionally, serious crimes like murder have no time limit for prosecution.

It's essential to be mindful of these timelines, as the complexity of a case and negotiation dynamics can significantly impact the settlement timeline. Therefore, seeking legal guidance as soon as possible helps ensure timely action and protects one's rights in personal injury matters.

FAQs

Is the NY statute of limitations 6 years?

No, the statute of limitations in New York for most personal injury claims is typically three years. However, certain civil cases, such as breach of written contracts, property damage claims, and fraud cases, may have a statute of limitations of six years.

What crimes don’t have a statute of limitations in NY?

Certain serious crimes like murder, manslaughter, and certain sex offenses have no statute of limitations in New York. This means that prosecution can occur at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since the commission of the crime.

Did New York extend the statute of limitations?

While New York hasn't universally extended the statute of limitations, specific legislative changes have extended the time limits for certain claims. For example, in 2019, New York extended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, allowing survivors to file lawsuits until they reach the age of 55.

How long does it take to settle a personal injury case in NYC?

The time it takes to settle a personal injury case in New York City can vary significantly depending on various factors. These include the case's complexity, the extent of injuries, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and court schedules. While some cases may settle relatively quickly within a few months, others may take several years to resolve through negotiation or trial.

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The Law Office Of Ajlouny Injury Law serves New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.

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