If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence in Florida, understanding the timeline for filing a personal injury lawsuit is crucial. In 2023, Florida lawmakers made significant changes to the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you live in Naples, Fort Myers, or anywhere in the Sunshine State, it’s vital to know how these changes might affect your case.
At Parrish & Goodman, Attorneys at Law, we are committed to keeping our clients informed and ensuring that their rights are protected every step of the way.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries—even if your claim is otherwise valid. The statute of limitations varies by the type of case and by state law.
The New Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Florida
As of March 24, 2023, a new law took effect, shortening the window for filing personal injury lawsuits in Florida. Under the revised law:
- For injuries occurring on or after March 24, 2023, you have two years from the date of the injury to file your lawsuit.
- For injuries occurring before March 24, 2023, the previous statute of limitations applies, which was four years from the date of the injury.
This change was enacted as part of House Bill 837. You can read the updated law in Florida Statutes § 95.11.
What Does This Mean for Your Case?
- Injured after March 24, 2023? The filing deadline is now two years from the date of the injury.
- Injured before March 24, 2023? You may still have up to four years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, depending on when the incident happened.
Missing the applicable deadline can bar you from ever recovering damages—no matter how strong your case may be.
Why the Change?
Lawmakers intended to streamline personal injury litigation and bring Florida’s laws more in line with those of many other states. However, for injury victims, this means less time to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue justice in court. It’s now more important than ever to seek legal guidance as soon as possible after an accident.
The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation
Navigating the legal system after a serious injury can be overwhelming, especially with these new, stricter deadlines. Here’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney is vital:
- Deadline Management: Your lawyer will calculate the correct statute of limitations for your case and ensure all paperwork is filed on time.
- Evidence Preservation: Gathering and preserving evidence is time-sensitive. The sooner you hire an attorney, the stronger your case can be.
- Insurance Negotiations: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Experienced attorneys know how to negotiate for the compensation you deserve.
- Legal Strategy: Every case is unique. An attorney can help you navigate legal hurdles and develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances.
- Peace of Mind: With an attorney handling your case, you can focus on your recovery.
Why Choose Parrish & Goodman, Attorneys at Law?
At Parrish & Goodman, Attorneys at Law, we have built our reputation on dedication, experience, and compassion. Our Naples and Fort Myers personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of accident victims across Southwest Florida. We understand how devastating an injury can be—for your health, your finances, and your family. That’s why we are committed to providing:
- Personalized Service: Every client receives individualized attention. We are always available to answer your questions and explain your options.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We do not back down from insurance companies or at-fault parties. Our attorneys have a proven record of securing fair settlements and trial verdicts.
- No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
Personal Injury FAQs
1. What counts as a personal injury case?
A personal injury case arises when someone is injured due to another party’s negligence or wrongful act. Common examples include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, dog bites, and medical malpractice.
2. How much is my case worth?
The value of your case depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the degree of fault involved. An attorney can help estimate your case’s value after reviewing the facts.
3. What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovery. Your attorney will explain how this may affect your claim.
4. How soon should I contact a lawyer after an injury?
As soon as possible. The new two-year statute of limitations means you have less time to file, and evidence can quickly disappear. Early legal intervention strengthens your position.
5. What does it cost to hire Parrish & Goodman?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and our fee comes from a portion of your recovery—only if we win your case.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Rights Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in Naples, Fort Myers, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, don’t risk missing the new filing deadline. Contact Parrish & Goodman, Attorneys at Law, today for a free consultation. Our experienced team will review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us now or visit parrishgoodman.com to get started.
