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How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Ohio for an Accident in 2021?

Personal Injury

If you got injured in an accident in 2021 and put off speaking with a Columbus personal injury lawyer about your legal rights, you might be wondering if you can still file a claim in 2022. Technically, the answer is yes, you can—in most cases. But, if you’ve waited to assert your legal rights, filing a successful claim may be challenging, and your lawyer may have limited options for proving your right to just compensation.

With this in mind, you should not put off speaking with a lawyer any longer. You should schedule a free consultation, and you should find out what you (and your lawyer) will need to do in order to try to recover your losses. Keep reading to learn about the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Ohio and some other important time-related considerations for seeking the financial compensation you deserve.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim in Ohio?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Ohio is two years. With limited exceptions, this two-year period runs from the date of your accident. So, if you were injured in an accident in 2021, you still have all of 2022 to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires.

Why Is It Important to Talk to a Lawyer As Soon as Possible?

But, even if the statute of limitations for your personal injury claim is not close to expiring, it is still important that you talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. There are several reasons why, including:

  • Other (Shorter) Deadlines May Apply – Insurance policies typically have claim deadlines that are much shorter than Ohio’s statute of limitations. If you were injured on the job and you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, a shorter deadline applies to your workers’ comp claim as well.
  • Filing a Successful Claim Requires Evidence of Fault – To file a successful personal injury claim, you need evidence of fault. Collecting this evidence typically means conducting an investigation as soon as possible. The more time that passes after your accident, the more difficult it will become for your lawyer to gather the evidence needed to prove your claim.  
  • Filing a Successful Claim Requires Evidence of Harm – The passage of time can also make it more difficult to prove that your injuries are the result of your accident. If you haven’t been tracking your injuries’ day-to-day effects, calculating your losses will be more difficult as well.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer 24/7

Were you injured in a vehicle collision, fall, dog attack or other accident in 2021? If so, we strongly recommend that you speak with a Columbus personal injury lawyer right away. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Malek & Malek Law Firm, call 888-444-7440 or contact us online now.