Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries a person can experience, often leading to long-term consequences that can change nearly every aspect of daily life. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. However, Michigan law sets strict time limits on how long you have to take legal action.
Missing the deadline can leave you without any legal options for compensation, so it’s critical to understand how much time you have to take action. Continue reading for more information, and contact an experienced Sterling Heights spinal cord injury attorney for a free consultation right away if you need help.
What Is Michigan’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
Michigan law generally gives accident victims three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. This rule applies to spinal cord injuries arising from car accidents and most other incidents caused by negligence.
The statute of limitations functions as a strict deadline with only rare exceptions. If you file your lawsuit after the three years have expired, the court will almost always dismiss your case, regardless of how strong your evidence may be.
Exceptions That May Change the Deadline
While the three-year limit is the standard, Michigan law includes several exceptions that can shorten or extend the time you have to file a claim.
For example:
- If the injury victim is under 18 at the time of the accident, the clock may be paused until they reach adulthood.
- Cases involving medical malpractice may follow different timelines, sometimes requiring notice to be filed before the lawsuit.
- When the at-fault party is a government agency, special notice requirements apply, and the time to bring a claim can be much shorter than three years.
These exceptions can be confusing and highly fact-intensive. To play it safe, it is best to get legal help and advice from a spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
Why Should I Take Legal Action Sooner?
Although Michigan law might give you three years to file a lawsuit, waiting until the last minute can hurt your chances of success. Evidence fades with time, witnesses become harder to locate, and records may be lost. Acting early makes it easier to preserve the proof needed to build a strong case.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind that the statute of limitations applies to both lawsuits and insurance claims. If you haven’t completely finalized your insurance settlement agreement or haven’t filed a lawsuit by the time the time limit passes, you could end up recovering no compensation whatsoever.
Contact a Sterling Heights Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Michigan law places strict limits on how long you have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit. While most victims have three years, exceptions can shorten the window, and delays make cases harder to prove. If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to negligence, understanding the statute of limitations is critical.
Our Sterling Heights spinal cord injury attorneys can answer all your questions at that time and help you work toward maximum compensation. Contact Khamo Law at (248) 466-0606 to get started with a free consultation.