In most personal injury cases, Michigan law gives injured people three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If a claim is not filed within this time period, it is usually barred regardless of how serious the injury may be.
Michigan’s General Time Limit for Personal Injury Claims
In most personal injury cases, Michigan law provides a limited period of time to file a claim. This deadline is commonly referred to as the statute of limitations.
Once the deadline passes, courts generally will not allow the claim to proceed, regardless of the severity of the injury.
When the Time Clock Usually Starts
In many cases, the filing period begins on the date the injury occurred. This is often the date of an accident or incident that caused harm.
However, there are situations where the start date may be affected by when an injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Certain Claims May Have Different Deadlines
Not all personal injury claims follow the same timeline. Claims involving specific types of defendants or circumstances may be subject to different notice requirements or shorter deadlines.
Understanding which deadline applies depends on the nature of the injury and how it occurred.
Why Waiting Can Create Problems
Even when time remains under the law, waiting too long can make a claim harder to pursue. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may become unavailable, and memories may fade.
Starting the process earlier often helps preserve important information.
Common Misunderstandings About Filing Deadlines
Many people believe insurance claims automatically protect their legal rights. In reality, dealing with insurance companies does not stop the legal filing deadline from running.
Others assume exceptions always apply, but extensions are limited and depend on specific circumstances.
Why Timing Is Especially Important in Injury Cases
Personal injury claims involve medical records, documentation, and evolving treatment. Understanding the filing deadline helps ensure that claims are evaluated while evidence is still available.
Knowing how much time remains allows injured Lansing residents to make informed decisions without unnecessary pressure.
Understanding Personal Injury Filing Deadlines in Lansing
Filing deadlines play a critical role in personal injury cases. Understanding how these time limits work helps Lansing residents avoid losing legal options due to missed deadlines.