Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Georgia: Complete Guide

The Georgia personal injury statute of limitations sets a strict time limit on when you can file a lawsuit to seek compensation and includes elements such as property damage, personal injury or death.

You will lose your right to file if you miss this deadline, no matter how strong your case is.

As you would expect, the statute of limitations in the state of Georgia can be incredibly in-depth, which is why having expert legal advice is essential to understand the specifics of your case.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Georgia?

In general, Georgia gives people who have been hurt two years to file a claim. This time frame includes most personal injury claims, like those involving car accidents, medical mistakes, and deaths that weren’t planned. The wrongful death timer starts when someone gets hurt or dies.

The Georgia statute of limitations is important. The defendant can ask the court to throw out the case if you don’t sue by this date. Knowing the limits of your Georgia personal injury case is very important.

Need Help Navigating the Statute of Limitations on Injury Claims?

It can be hard to understand the statute of limitations on injury claims if you are still recovering from a serious injury.

Talk to an experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer about how to file your claim on time. Usually, the law sets very strict due dates.

This is very important in cases like medical malpractice or product liability where the harm might not be clear.

A good personal injury lawyer from Jamie Casino Personal Injury Attorneys can help you get through the court system and file your case by the due date in Georgia.

File Your Personal Injury Lawsuit Before It’s Too Late

Protect your right to pursue compensation by filing your personal injury claim within Georgia’s statute of limitations. Let a personal injury lawyer in Savannah guide you. 

Georgia Personal Injury Statute of Limitations by Injury Type

When you have to file a claim, it depends on the type of injury. Here are the due dates for each type of personal injury case in Georgia:

1. Assault, Battery, and Other Intentional Torts

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • In Georgia, victims of assault, battery, or other intentional torts have two years to file a lawsuit. Under Georgia law (OCGA 9-3-33), intentional harm caused by another person falls under the same statute of limitations as negligence-based cases.

2. Bicycle Accidents

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Bicycle accidents in Georgia fall under the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Whether the accident is caused by a negligent driver or unsafe road conditions, you must file your claim within two years.

3. Boating Accidents

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Boating accidents fall under the two-year personal injury filing deadline. These cases often involve complex liability issues, especially when multiple parties are involved.

4. Brain Injuries

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Brain injuries are particularly complex because they may not be immediately evident. The statute of limitations typically starts from the date of injury. Still, in cases where the injury is discovered later, Georgia’s statute of repose may extend the filing window by up to five years.

5. Burn Injuries

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Burn injuries caused by accidents, faulty products, or negligence also fall under the two-year statute of limitations. Given the severity of burn injuries, it’s vital to file within the time limit to secure compensation for medical bills and long-term care.

6. Car Accidents

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • In Georgia, victims of car accidents have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This applies to all types of car accidents, including those caused by drunk drivers, distracted driving, or other forms of negligence

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Georgia, our Savannah car accident lawyers are ready to take on your case for you.

7. Construction Accidents

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Injuries sustained in construction accidents are subject to the general two-year time limit. Whether the accident is caused by unsafe working conditions or faulty equipment, acting quickly to secure compensation is essential.

8. Dog Bites

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 51-2-7
  • Dog bites can result in serious physical and emotional trauma. Georgia law requires victims to file a claim within two years of the incident, holding the dog owner liable for injuries caused by their pet.

9. Drunk Driving Accidents

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you have two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. These cases often involve additional complexities, such as punitive damages, making it crucial to consult an injury attorney.

10. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • For claims involving the intentional infliction of emotional distress, victims have two years to file a lawsuit. Emotional distress claims can be challenging to prove, so working with a skilled Georgia personal injury lawyer is highly recommended.

11. Libel, Slander, and Defamation

  • Time Limit: 1 year
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Unlike other personal injury claims, libel, slander, and defamation have a shorter statute of limitations in Georgia. Victims must file their claims within one year of the incident.

12. Medical Malpractice

  • Time Limit: 2 years (up to 5 years for delayed discovery)
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33 and 9-3-71
  • Medical malpractice claims are subject to Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations. Still, if the injury is discovered later, the statute of repose may extend the deadline up to five years. This is common in cases involving surgical errors or delayed diagnoses.

Find out how our Savannah medical malpractice lawyer can help you receive compensation for injuries, loss of consortium, and more.

13. Motorcycle Accidents

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Victims of motorcycle accidents in Georgia have two years to file a claim. Given the severity of injuries in motorcycle accidents, file promptly to ensure adequate compensation.

14. Negligence

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • The statute of limitations for negligence in Georgia is two years. This applies to cases where the injury results from another party’s failure to exercise reasonable care.

15. Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Victims of nursing home abuse or neglect have two years to file a lawsuit. These cases often involve elder abuse and require quick action to hold the responsible parties accountable.

16. Pedestrian Accidents

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Injured pedestrians have two years to file a claim for accidents caused by negligent drivers. These cases often involve catastrophic injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians on the road. Our Savannah pedestrian accident lawyer will help you seek economic damages and non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship, within this timeframe.

17. Product Liability

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Product liability claims arise when a defective product causes injury. In Georgia, victims have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor.

18. Slips and Falls

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. Property owners may be held liable for failing to maintain safe conditions.

19. Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Victims of spinal cord injuries must file a claim within two years. These injuries often result in long-term disabilities, making it essential to pursue compensation for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

20. Truck Accidents

  • Time Limit: 2 years
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • Georgia law grants victims of truck accidents two years to file a lawsuit. These cases often involve complex liability issues, as commercial trucking companies may also be held responsible.

21. Vaccine Injuries

  • Time Limit: Varies
  • Vaccine injuries are subject to specific statutes of limitations depending on the nature of the injury. Consult a personal injury attorney from our law firm to determine the exact time frame for filing a claim.

22. Work Injuries

  • Time Limit: 1 year for workers’ compensation claims
  • Code: OCGA 34-9-82
  • Employees injured on the job have one year to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, if a third party is responsible for the injury, a personal injury lawsuit may be filed within two years.

23. Wrongful Death

  • Time Limit: 2 years from the date of death
  • Code: OCGA 9-3-33
  • The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Georgia is two years from the date of the decedent’s death. These cases often involve fatal accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior.

Maximize Your Compensation in a Personal Injury Case

Filing your claim within Georgia’s statute of limitations is essential. Let our experienced Savannah wrongful death lawyers guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Georgia Exceptions

There are some cases where the standard timeframes aren’t true, and Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys can help. Our team is very skilled, knows Georgia law, and will keep all of the deadlines for your case so that it stays valid.

While the general time limit to file a personal injury claim in Georgia is two years from the date of the injury, certain exceptions can extend or shorten this period:

  • Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be tolled until they reach the age of 18.
  • Discovery Rule: In cases such as medical malpractice, where the injury may not be immediately apparent, the clock starts when the injury is discovered.
  • Mental Incapacity: The statute of limitations may be paused if the injured person is deemed mentally incapacitated.
  • Government Claims: Special rules apply when filing claims against government entities, often reducing the filing window to as little as six months.

The legal process can be daunting, but Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys has a proven track record of helping clients navigate these challenges and recover the compensation they deserve.

Need Guidance on Statute of Limitations Injury Claims?

Do not wait to file a claim if you get injured in Georgia.

If you were injured in a car, truck, or medical malpractice accident, we can help. With our assistance, you can meet legal deadlines and hold careless individuals accountable.

Regardless of the complexity of your case, our aggressive legal team will fight for your rights and file it on time.

Request a free consultation with Jamie Casino Personal Injury Attorneys right now. 

Final Points on the Georgia Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

The Georgia personal injury statute of limitations is critical in every personal injury case. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, medical malpractice, or wrongful death, missing the statute of limitations deadlines will prevent you from seeking compensation.

We have the experience, dedication, and tenacity to help you through the process. Don’t let the statute of limitations prevent you from getting the justice you deserve.

If you believe you have a case, contact a personal injury attorney from our firm to ensure your claim is filed within the required time frame.

The general time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia is two years, but exceptions can extend or shorten this period.

How to Get in Touch with Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in Georgia and need help filing a personal injury claim within the statute of limitations, our team is here to assist you pursue legal action.

  • Call us directly at 912-214-3133 to speak with an experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer today.
  • You can also fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.