You don’t have unlimited time to file a premises liability claim. Each state, and Washington, D.C., has its own rules about how long an accident victim has to pursue legal action. So if you believe that you were injured because of a property owner’s neglect, you should talk to a Washington D.C. slip & fall lawyer as soon as possible.
When Should I File a Premises Liability Claim?
First, let’s talk about when you should file a premises liability claim. If you are invited onto someone else’s property and get hurt, you may have a valid premises liability case on your hands. You would have to show that the property owner was neglectful and that they did not do everything that they could to keep their property safe.
A good example of this would be if you were in a grocery store and slipped on a wet floor. If there was no wet floor sign and no effort was made to make the area safe for customers, a property owner could be seen as negligent.
How Long Can I Wait Before I File a Premises Liabilty Claim?
You have three years to file a premises liability claim in Washington, D.C. There are sometimes exceptions to this, like if the injured party was a minor, but generally you should not expect the court to give you any kind of special treatment.
What Happens If I File a Premises Liability Claim After the Statute of Limitations Expires?
The statute of limitations is there to ensure that legal action is taken in a reasonable timeframe. If you file a premises liability claim after it expires, your case is likely to get thrown out. It doesn’t matter how much evidence you have or how convincing your case may be.
Do Nearby States Have the Same Statute of Limitations?
It’s also important to note that the statute of limitations for personal injury cases like yours are not the same everywhere. If you got hurt in a nearby state that we serve and you need to sue in that court, you need to be aware of those time limits as well.
Maryland gives accident victims three years to take action, just like Washington, D.C. Virginia has different rules though. This state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is only two years.
Talk to a Lawyer Today
So if you were hurt on someone else’s property, don’t delay. Contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC to schedule a consultation and learn more about how to file a premises liability claim. There’s no obligation, so take the time to learn more about your legal options and what an experienced attorney can do for you.