If you’ve been injured in an accident, your recovery may take priority—but time is not on your side when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. California law limits how long you have to take legal action, and missing that deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation at all. At Pilavjian Law, our Sherman Oaks attorneys help clients understand these time limits and ensure every claim is filed promptly and correctly.
The Statute of Limitations in California
In most personal injury cases, California gives injured victims two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. Once that deadline passes, the court will almost always dismiss your case, no matter how strong your claim might be.
However, there are important exceptions:
- Property damage only: You have three years to file a claim for vehicle or property damage.
- Claims against a government entity: If your injury involved a city bus, sidewalk defect, or other public property, you typically must file a government claim within six months.
- Delayed discovery: If your injury wasn’t immediately apparent—such as a medical issue that developed later—the two-year clock may start when you first discovered the harm.
Because each situation is unique, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to confirm your specific deadline.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Even though two years might sound like plenty of time, it’s easy for delays to harm your case. Evidence like surveillance footage, witness memories, and maintenance records can disappear quickly. The sooner you contact Pilavjian Law, the faster we can:
- Gather key evidence before it’s lost
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Ensure all filings meet California’s strict legal deadlines
Waiting too long can give insurance companies leverage to deny your claim or pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
How to Protect Your Right to Compensation
After an injury in Sherman Oaks, take the following steps to protect yourself legally and financially:
- Get medical treatment immediately. Medical records are critical evidence linking your injury to the incident.
- Report the accident. Whether it’s a car crash or slip and fall, make sure an official record exists.
- Document everything. Keep photos, receipts, and correspondence related to your injury.
- Avoid signing insurance forms prematurely. Some documents may waive your right to full compensation.
- Contact Pilavjian Law at (818) 380-3021 to review your case and start the filing process.
Early legal representation ensures your attorney can build the strongest possible case within the required timeframe.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
If the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. In rare cases—such as when the defendant leaves California or intentionally conceals their wrongdoing—the court may allow an extension. But these exceptions are difficult to prove and should never be relied upon.
At Pilavjian Law, we handle every step of the process to ensure our clients never miss critical deadlines.
Don’t Wait to Take Action
Time is one of the most valuable assets in any personal injury case. If you’ve been hurt in Sherman Oaks, reach out to Pilavjian Law at (818) 380-3021 today. Our team can help you determine how much time you have left to file, gather the evidence you need, and fight for the compensation you deserve.