If you’re considering filing a lawsuit for a traffic accident, a personal injury, or something else, you might be wondering how long you have to file before the statute of limitations clocks out. The answer to that question is that it depends. There is a time limit for how long after an incident, known as the “date of harm,” you can file a lawsuit. This time limit is different, depending on the issue. Some lawsuit types are good for far longer than others. The time limit changes depending on the type of lawsuit you wish to file, and it’s important to be aware of the specific time limit that you’re working on within your state and county. 

What is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is a period of time in which you can legally file a lawsuit for a crime or file charges for something. This term is different depending on the type of charges you plan on filing, but it’s generally a year or longer. If you’ve been injured recently and you’re planning on filing a lawsuit, be careful to file within the statute of limitations, so you don’t miss out on your opportunity for remuneration. It’s generally better to file as soon as you can, but don’t rush the process so much that you don’t have a case prepared with sufficient evidence for you to win. 

Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Lawsuit?

No, you don’t need a lawyer in order to file charges against another party. You can file all the paperwork yourself in order to file a lawsuit. It can be difficult filling out the necessary paperwork, though, and many people struggle with completing all the necessary paperwork properly in order to legally file charges against someone else. If you’re working with limited time, or you want the best possible chances for winning your case and receiving compensation, you should consider hiring an attorney to help. If you still aren’t sure whether hiring an attorney makes sense or not, consider this information. 

Is it Worth Hiring a Lawyer to Help with Filing Your Lawsuit?

Now that you understand how the statute of limitations works for different lawsuits, it should be easier to see why you would want to work with an attorney to help you file sooner. If you’re still wondering, “why hire a law firm after an injury?” or you aren’t sure if hiring an attorney is worth the money, consider what would happen if you miss your filing window. You would completely miss out on the chance to file a lawsuit and to potentially get paid back for any damages you’ve suffered. 

In most cases, it’s worth spending the extra money to hire an experienced attorney to help you file a lawsuit. With expert help, you’ll be able to file sooner and have a better outcome overall compared to filing yourself and trying to win the case on your own.