What is the Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Cases in Rhode Island?

A statute of limitations sets the maximum amount of time after an event that legal proceedings can be initiated. They exist in both civil and criminal law. Statutes of limitations vary according to state, so Rhode Island residents should pay attention to the statutes that apply to our state. Filing a personal injury lawsuit within the statute of limitations can ensure you receive the damages you deserve. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, carelessness or recklessness, contact a Rhode Island personal injury attorney immediately.

In Rhode Island, the statute of limitations on a personal injury claim is three years. This means you have three years from the date of injury, illness or death in which to file a claim. In medical malpractice cases in which a condition went undiagnosed, petitioners have three years from the date the condition should have been discovered to file a claim. The three-year limit is applicable in these types of personal injury cases:

• Negligence
• Medical malpractice
• Products liability
• Premises liability
• Wrongful death

Certain circumstances may delay the statute of limitations. For example, if the plaintiff was a minor, the personal injury statute of limitations begins on his or her 18th birthday, except in cases of wrongful death or medical malpractice.

It is essential to file a claim not only within the statute of limitations but also far before your time runs out. Personal injury lawsuits take a long time to prepare. Your Providence car accident lawyer must secure medical records, obtain expert testimony and interview witnesses.  Any filing delays can compromise your case.

If you suffered injury in an accident, do not hesitate to contact Kirshenbaum Law Associates. Don’t wait too long — you risk losing your right to compensation.