How Long Do I Have to Bring an Injury Claim in California?

if you were injured in an accident caused by another person or business’s negligence, one of the most important reasons to consult an attorney is to avoid problems missing the statute of limitations — a legal “time limit” that can prohibit you from bringing your lawsuit if you wait too long. What is the statute…
110+ positive reviews from our clients. Average Rating: 4.9
Schedule a Free Consultation
No Recovery | No Fee
highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles
$4,970,000
Driver v. Bus Settlement
Driver v. Bus Settlement
$4,750,000
Head on Collision
Head on Collision
$4,000,000
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Accident
$2,000,000
Slip and Fall
Slip and Fall
$1,560,000
Slip & Fall
Slip & Fall
$1,000,000
Dog Bite Injury
Dog Bite Injury

How Long Do I Have to Bring an Injury Claim in California?

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles

if you were injured in an accident caused by another person or business's negligence, one of the most important reasons to consult an attorney is to avoid problems missing the statute of limitations -- a legal "time limit" that can prohibit you from bringing your lawsuit if you wait too long.

What is the statute of limitations?

The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. In many accident cases, the clock begins to run from the time the injury occurs. Each state sets its own statue of limitations for different sets of claims, with the federal government having a separate statute of limitations for federal claims as well. In California, there are general statutes of limitations for a broad range of claims.

How long do I have to bring a personal injury claim?

A person injured in an accident that was not their fault has two years to bring a personal injury claim. This also covers any action for assault, battery, or death of an individual caused by another’s wrongful negligence. If the injury was not discovered right away, then it is 1 year from the date the injury was discovered if they delay in the discovery was reasonable.

Exceptions to the statute of limitations

Keep in mind that that these are broad, general guidelines. There are a number of scenarios that bring their own set of statutes of limitations or exceptions into play. For instance:

• Claims against certain government agencies require that you file an administrative claim against them within 6 months of a wrongful incident in order to preserve your right to file suit.

• Civil claims stemming from childhood sexual abuse can be filed up to 8 years after the victim's 18th birthday, or 3 years after the victim realizes that he or she suffers from physical or psychological injury which stems from childhood sexual abuse.

• Professional malpractice against a doctor or health care provider - Three years after the date of injury or one year after the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury, whichever occurs first.

Other factors can delay or “toll” a statue of limitations under certain circumstances such as when the victim is a minor or mentally incompetent during the time of the initial injury. Bankruptcy can also toll certain claims while its protections remain in effect.

For more information about the deadline you have to file your potential case, contact the experienced accident attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm today.

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles

We Have Over 40 Years Experience in Employment & Personal Injury Law

Our Team is Comprised of Well-respected Lawyers Who Have Been Involved in Several Multi-Million Dollar Settlements
best personal injury lawyer in LA

Our employment & personal injury attorneys recognize that the individuals we work with are typically going through overwhelming and stressful times in their lives. When an individual hires us, we strive to provide the client with the strong legal representation and effective counsel they need to receive fair and just compensation. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients in their time of need. Our employment & personal injury team is comprised of well-respected lawyers who have been involved in several multi-million dollar settlements, earning us membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. This further demonstrates our ability to take on complex accident cases.

Meet the Team

What Do Our Clients Say About Us?

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles
5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Very professional, excellent lawyers, thanks to them they were able to fix my car 🚗 and win my case, many thanks to Jazmín and Maira, very kind and patient. I highly recommend them. 😊

ana ayala

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

They have been super helpful and on top of my case. Everyone that I have dealt with at this law firm have taken the and been patient with answering all of my questions and concerns. I highly recommend this law firm.

Dolores Ochoa

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

They did good by me and my kids Got my car fixed and hooked my kids up!! Thanks jasmine.

C. Hernandez

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I would like to say what a Awesome Law Firm. I Highly recommend GLF to my family and friends and everyone else. I had a unique case and they worked very hard for me and came THRU. Again thank you for always answering my calls and questions. Special thanks to Mike Ghozland.

Alex Espinosa

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I sent a client to Michael and Nathan and cannot express how simple the process was and my client was so happy. It is the only law firm I have ever been able to get ahold of the attorneys directly and cannot explain how great it is to be able to have that service!

Dr. Joseph Fair DC

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I was involved in a motorcycle and 3 car crash that was caused by some guy with a suspended license and no insurance. This law firm saved my life- literally. Insurance was refusing to help cover anything but my car damage and 3 chiropractor visits. It ended up that I had...

Isabella Dino

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Michael is absolutely amazing, and I could not be more grateful for everything that he did for me. He is kind, attentive, truly cares about the client, and perhaps most importantly he is extremely knowledgable when it comes to the world of Personal Injury. There are a lot of...

Maya Frank

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I definitely recommend Ghozland Law firm. I have been a Client for yrs. Michael is extremely patient, cares for his clients, and very good with communicating and Jasmine is the best She goes above and beyond. She is so attentive and caring. She’s the Goat.

Janae Love100

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

First time having to need a personal injury attorney. Jasmine and the Ghozland law firm team made it stress free and hassle free. We got a great settlement and I got the treatments I needed. Professional service. I highly recommend them.

Hung T.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Experiencing a car accident is horrible and the unexpected twist and turns that follow only get worse and more frustrating very quickly. . We were happy when the Ghozland Law Firm was recommended to us by a good friend after we were hit by a car that ran a red light...

Annette And Bobby O.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I can't say enough about the expertise of this firm and Jennifer's natural willingness to go above and beyond at every step with the cases she has successfully executed on my behalf. I urge all to use Ghozland for cases that are in their wheelhouse, you'll not be disappointed!

Tony S.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Michael, Jaime, and Jasmine are AMAZING!!! They are GREAT people. They go above and beyond! From the first call I felt that their main concern was to help me recover from my accident. They were very friendly, professional and caring throughout the entire process...

Anthony F.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I sent a client to Michael and Nathan and cannot express how simple the process was and my client was so happy. It is the only law firm I have ever been able to get ahold of the attorneys directly and cannot explain how great it is to be able to have that service!

Joey F.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I was in a car accident and called the Ghozland Law Firm. Great experience they made everything smooth for me very stress free, Jasmine is awesome she helped me with all the questions I had and was very helpful. Thank you guys for everything you have a great team. Thanks...

Sandra B.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

Amazing, Professional and Honest. The Ghozland Law firm has showed me why I made the right choice. Jasmine was helpful every step of the way to make sure that my case went smooth as possible. They handled everything since day one and did not stop until I was satisfied. Thanks...

Edwin M.

5

-Stars

5 star reviewed personal injury and employment lawyers

I was hit by a car on freeway which involved four cars and seven injured people. After trying an attorney who didn't return any of my emails and phone calls, I was referred to Ghozland Law Firm by my co-worker. They were such a great team. Very professional and reliable...

Tammy G.

5

-Stars

We Are Proud of the Work We do for Our Clients

highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles
Awards and Recognitions
Ghozland Law Firm AwardsGhozland Law Firm Recognitions
Schedule a Free Consultation
No Recovery | No Fee
highly recommended personal injury attorneys in los angeles

We Stand Up To Greedy Insurance Companies

Get more compensation from your slip and fall injury with expert legal representation
best personal injury lawyer in LA
With over 40 years of experience, we have handled many slip and fall cases. I can provide you with the caliber of legal services that is normally available only to large companies, due to my experience in large-scale litigation that has resulted in awards of millions of dollars on many occasions. In 2014, Michael Ghozland was named “Street Fighter of the Year” by Consumer Attorneys of California in 2014. Because of my outstanding trial record, winning your case will probably mean obtaining a private settlement, with no need to ever step into a courtroom. Insurance companies know my reputation, and most of them would rather settle than face me in a slip and fall lawsuit.