Time Limits To File Lawsuits In Illinois
Civil legal claims can arise for a variety of reasons: perhaps another driver negligently caused a car accident in which you were the victim, unsafe conditions at a store led you to fall and injure yourself or you hurt yourself while on the job. In all of these cases, however, it is critically important to understand the need to act promptly in order to preserve your chances of recovering monetary damages for your losses.
Filing a lawsuit within the time limits set by the state — also known as the statute of limitations — is required if you hope to win your case. At The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles, P.C., our experienced team of attorneys can help you understand the proper timeline for filing a lawsuit in your particular case. Our track record of serving clients throughout the Peoria, Galesburg and Bloomington areas since 1962 has given us the firsthand knowledge necessary to achieve success for you in a variety of civil cases, including car accidents, workers’ compensation, wrongful death actions and more.
Understanding The Statute Of Limitations In Your Case
How long you have to file a lawsuit in Illinois depends on the details of your particular situation and the damages you are attempting to recover. Here are the statutes of limitations in Illinois for some of the most common civil lawsuits:
- Personal injury: two years
- Personal property damage: five years
- Workers’ compensation: two-three years
However, knowing what category your lawsuit falls under — and thus the time frame you have to file a lawsuit — may not always be clear. Every case is different, and attempting to navigate the complex procedures of filing a lawsuit alone can result in a critical timing error that leads to your case’s dismissal. The experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles, P.C., however, can provide guidance to help ensure you file your lawsuit on time and maximize your chances of financial recovery.
Why Filing A Timely Lawsuit Is Critical
Why is filing your lawsuit within the statute of limitations so critical? No matter how clear-cut your case may be, failing to file a lawsuit within the statutorily defined time limit will lead to your case being dismissed with no damages awarded.
If you believe you have a case against a person or business in Illinois, retaining an experienced lawyer who understands the proper timeline in your particular situation is critical. At The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles, P.C., our team of attorneys has experience representing people just like you in a wide variety of cases, from personal injury lawsuits to workers’ compensation claims. Please contact us online, or call us at 309-740-9218 to speak to one of our skilled attorneys today.