Individuals hurt in slip and fall accidents in Pennsylvania often don’t seek legal help until it’s simply too late to take action. The average PA resident usually isn’t aware that they have legal rights after a fall accident. By the time an injured individual seeks help from our Philadelphia slip and fall accident law firm, it’s too late. That’s why it’s critical to seek legal help as soon as possible after an accident happens. Doing so will best preserve legal rights and also increases the chances of winning a slip and fall accident lawsuit.
What’s the statute of limitations for fall accident cases in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, an individual injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident has 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries and damages caused by the accident. See 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5524(2) (current as of September 13, 2019), which puts a 2 year limitation on:
An action to recover damages for injuries to the person or for the death of an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect or unlawful violence or negligence of another.
When does the statute of limitations period start for fall accident cases?
Slip and fall accident cases are pretty straightforward in terms of when the statute of limitations clock starts ticking. The clock starts running on the date of the accident. It’s a strict rule with practically no exceptions. In rare cases, you could argue that a general exception to the 2 year clock applies, like in cases of fraud or where the plaintiff was incapacitated. However, these exceptions hardly ever apply to fall accident cases.
Example: A Philadelphia resident is injured when she trips over a marble entry way of a store on Walnut Street in Center City. The incident happens on September 1, 2019. She has until September 1, 2011, exactly 2 years, to file a lawsuit.
What happens if you miss the statute of limitations deadline?
Unfortunately, the statute of limitations law for any injury case is a hard and fast rule. If you’re late by even one day, the case would ultimately be dismissed. This is true even if there was an honest mistake.
Slip & Fall Accident Law Firm
Our Pennsylvania injury law firm accepts slip and fall and trip and fall accident cases across the Southeastern PA region including Philadelphia, Delaware and Montgomery counties. We pride ourselves on being available to our clients and always work to achieve the best possible results. FREE CONSULTATIONS (215) 985-0777