Last year, Louisiana changed the time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. These changes are important for both lawyers and people involved in injury claims. This article explains the updates and what they mean for claims close to the old deadline, especially for injuries before July 1, 2024.
What was the statute of limitations?
The statute of limitations is how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you do not file within this time, you usually lose the right to sue. Until last year, people in Louisiana had one year from the injury date to file.
For injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, this old statute of limitations rules may still apply. Therefore, people with potential claims from before this date should remember the original one-year deadline to avoid losing the right to pursue their case.
How has the law changed?
With the new updates effective July 1, 2024, lawmakers in Louisiana extended the statute of limitations for certain types of personal injury claims. This extension allows more time for plaintiffs to file a lawsuit, offering greater flexibility and ensuring that individuals have sufficient time to seek legal counsel and gather necessary documentation.
People injured before July of 2024 may need to act quickly
For injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, it is crucial to assess whether these claims are approaching the deadline under the old rules. If the injury happened close to the cutoff date, you should act quickly to file your lawsuit before the original time limit ends.
If another person’s irresponsible actions led to an injury, you should seek guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney. They can provide clarity on how the changes affect your specific situation and help you file within the correct deadline.
Keeping these deadlines in mind can help you protect your rights
In conclusion, the updates to Louisiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits present important changes that require careful attention. By staying informed and getting professional advice, you can better understand your legal options and ensure your claim has the best chance of success.