Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu

Understanding the Exceptions to Florida’s Statute of Limitations

Lawsuit

The general rule in Florida is that negligence lawsuits must be filed within four years of the date of the injury, and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the death. This is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, then you won’t be able to recover compensation for your injuries. But, as with most rules, there are some limited exceptions to the usual filing deadlines.

The Discovery Rule 

Injuries aren’t always readily apparent. In those cases, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin to run until the victim discovers — or should have discovered — the injury. For example, traumatic brain injury symptoms sometimes don’t manifest until days, weeks or even months after an accident. An effective attorney can argue that your four-year filing deadline shouldn’t begin to run until the injury is discovered.

Tolling of Statute of Limitations Period

“Tolling” the statute of limitations is a fancy way of saying the deadline is extended. The deadline is delayed under the following circumstances:

  • The defendant (the person you’re trying to sue) is not in the state.
  • Process can’t be served because the defendant is using a false name that you don’t know, or the defendant is hiding and can’t be found.
  • You’re a minor (under 18 years old) when the injury happens. In that case the lawsuit must be filed within seven years of the incident.

There are other situations in which the statute of limitations might be tolled. Figuring out how long you have to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can be complicated, which is why you should consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

How Is Process Served?

Service of process is the procedure that a party filing a lawsuit must use to notify the defendant that he or she is being sued. Florida has specific rules in place to make sure process is served consistently and that everyone’s legal rights are protected. An experienced attorney can explain those procedures and ensure that your lawsuit is initiated correctly.

Can Minors Even File Personal Injury Lawsuits?

Generally, only adults can file personal injury lawsuits in Florida. While a child’s parents or legal guardians may file a lawsuit on the child’s behalf, the statute of limitations is tolled if the child doesn’t have a parent or guardian, the parent or guardian’s interests are adverse to the child’s, or the parent or guardian is incapacitated and unable to sue on the child’s behalf.

Contact Us Today

Contact an Orlando personal injury attorney at The Pendas Law Firm today for a free consultation if you were injured by someone’s negligence or if a loved one was wrongfully killed. We will help file your lawsuit within the prescribed time frame and help recover the compensation that you deserve, including medical costs, funeral expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tampa, Miami, Daytona Beach and Bradenton areas.

Resources:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0048/0048.html

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
  • This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything taken care of correctly, Thank You!...

    — SHANTELLE BLACKWELL
  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
  • Previous
  • Next
 

By submitting this form I acknowledge that form submissions via this website do not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege.

Florida Personal Injury Offices

Skip footer and go back to main navigation