How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Long Island?

If you were injured in an accident on Long Island, one of the first questions you may have is how much time you have to take legal action. The answer depends on what caused your injury and who may be responsible. Waiting too long can cost you your right to compensation.

Understanding these deadlines early is critical. Once the time limit expires, your case may be permanently barred, no matter how serious your injuries are.

In most personal injury cases on Long Island, New York law gives you three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Long Island?

This deadline applies to many common injury claims, including:

• Car accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Premises liability cases
• Construction-related injuries
• Dog bites
• General negligence claims

If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case.

When Does the Filing Deadline Begin?

In most cases, the statute of limitations begins on the date of the accident. However, there are situations where the timeline may be different.

Examples include:

• Injuries that were not immediately discovered
• Medical conditions that developed over time
• Cases involving delayed symptoms

Determining the correct start date can be complex, which is why speaking with a lawyer early is important.

Shorter Deadlines for Claims Against Government Entities

If your injury involved a government-owned property or vehicle, the filing deadlines are much shorter.

Examples include:

• Slips on sidewalks maintained by a town or county
• Accidents involving public buses or municipal vehicles
• Injuries on government-owned buildings

In many of these cases:

• A Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days
• A lawsuit generally must be filed within one year and 90 days

Missing the notice deadline can completely eliminate your claim.

What Is the Deadline for Medical Malpractice Claims?

Medical malpractice cases follow different rules. In most situations, the deadline is two years and six months from the date of the malpractice or from the end of continuous treatment.

Because these cases involve strict procedural requirements, waiting too long can significantly hurt your ability to recover compensation.

Can Waiting Hurt Your Case Even If You Are Within the Deadline?

Yes. Even if you are technically within the statute of limitations, delaying action can weaken your case.

Waiting can lead to:

• Lost or incomplete evidence
• Fading witness memories
• Missing surveillance footage
• Insurance companies disputing how the injury occurred

Acting sooner allows your attorney to preserve evidence and build a stronger claim.

What If You Are Unsure About Your Filing Deadline?

Many injury victims assume they have more time than they actually do. Others do not realize that special rules apply to their situation.

A Long Island personal injury lawyer can:

• Identify the correct deadline for your case
• Determine whether notice requirements apply
• Prevent procedural mistakes
• Handle insurance communications while you focus on recovery

Talk to a Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer Before Time Runs Out

If you were injured on Long Island, do not wait until the deadline is approaching to get answers. Understanding your legal timeline early puts you in a stronger position to recover compensation.

For guidance on your specific situation, contact Bardizbanian & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation. We serve injury victims throughout Long Island and can help protect your rights before time runs out.

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