When you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, time is of the essence. Pennsylvania personal injury laws set strict deadlines for filing claims, known as the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation. Whether pursuing a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim, knowing these deadlines is essential to protecting your rights.
2-Year Rule: PA Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you could lose your right to seek damages.
This two-year rule applies to the majority of personal injury actions, including:
- Auto accidents
- Slip and fall cases
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Dog bites
- Workplace injuries (if not covered under workers’ compensation)
For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of the deceased’s passing—not the date of the accident or incident that led to their death. Pennsylvania families pursuing compensation for the loss of a loved one must act within this timeframe to hold responsible parties accountable.
Exceptions to Pennsylvania’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
While the PA personal injury statute of limitations is generally strict, there are exceptions:
1. The Discovery Rule
In some cases, an injury isn’t immediately apparent. If a victim couldn’t reasonably know about their injury right away, the statute of limitations may start from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. This often applies to medical malpractice and exposure to toxic substances.
2. Minors and Legal Incapacity
If a victim is under 18 at the time of the injury, the two-year clock doesn’t start until they turn 18. This means they have until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit. Similarly, if a person is legally incapacitated at the time of injury, the statute of limitations may be paused until they regain capacity.
3. Claims Against Government Entities
If you’re filing a personal injury claim against a Pennsylvania government agency or municipality, you must follow stricter rules than typical cases. The law requires you to submit written notice of your claim within six months of the injury, detailing key facts like the date, location, and nature of the incident. Failing to meet this deadline could bar your claim entirely, even though the standard two-year statute of limitations still applies for filing a lawsuit. Because these cases involve complex legal requirements, consulting a personal injury lawyer early on is essential to protecting your rights.
Why Acting Fast on PA Personal Injury Claims Matters
Even though Pennsylvania law gives you two years to file most personal injury cases, waiting too long can seriously harm your ability to recover compensation due to several risks, including:
- Lost or Fading Evidence – Physical evidence, such as accident scene details or surveillance footage, may become more challenging to obtain or disappear entirely over time.
- Weakened Witness Testimony – Witnesses’ memories fade, making their statements less reliable or even unusable in court.
- Insurance Company Tactics – Insurers often delay negotiations, hoping you’ll run out of time to take legal action, forcing you into a lower settlement or no compensation.
- Legal Barriers – If you miss the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, meaning you lose your right to sue—no matter how strong your claim may be.
The sooner you consult with a personal injury lawyer, the stronger your case will be. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved, witnesses can provide clear testimony, and legal deadlines don’t hinder your rightful compensation.
Don’t Miss Your Chance for Compensation – Contact a Trusted Philadelphia, PA Personal Injury Law Firm
As a multigenerational, locally owned law firm serving Philadelphia and surrounding cities, we’ve built our reputation for meaningful results by standing up for our neighbors whose lives have been disrupted by unexpected accidents and injuries. If you need dedicated and compassionate personal injury attorneys you can trust, we’re here to help.
Don’t let the clock run out on your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let a trusted personal lawyer fight for the compensation you deserve.