How Long After a Work Accident Can You Sue?

Although most people will file a workers comp claim after suffering a work accident in California, others may be able to sue their employer directly. More commonly, you might consider filing a claim against other parties, such as contractors or parts suppliers, that bear some of the responsibility for your accident.

Below, discover more about how long after a work accident you can sue.

California Work Injury Deadline

Work accidents are like any other personal injury insofar as the statute of limitations is concerned.

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident in question to file a claim against the responsible party to seek to recover damages.

This rule effectively bars you from bringing a claim in disputes where the statute has already expired. If you do attempt to do so, the responding party may simply ask a judge to dismiss the claim in court.

The statute of limitations not only impacts work accidents but other types of personal injury claims, such as car accidents, slip-and-falls, and pedestrian accidents.

In some limited cases, the statutory deadline may be “tolled,” or extended, when the circumstances warrant. For example, if you didn’t discover the impact of the damages of your injuries from the accident in question until after the deadline had already passed, you may still be able to file a claim.

Dealing with the statute of limitations is one of the primary reasons work accident litigants in California consult a skilled attorney for help with their personal injury claims.

Contact a Work Accident Lawyer in California

Have you been injured in a work accident in California? Don’t let the deadline run out on your ability to recover the compensation you need. Let a personal injury lawyer from The Kindley Firm, APC, review your claim now—no obligation.

Call us at 619-550-1313 or fill out the form below to get started now.