California law sets strict time limits, called statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury lawsuits. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

Standard Deadlines

For most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, certain situations have different deadlines: medical malpractice claims have a one-year limit, and claims against government entities require filing a claim within six months.

Exceptions

The discovery rule may extend the deadline if you did not immediately discover the injury. Minors have until their 19th birthday for injuries that occurred before age 18.