How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Kentucky?

Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance claims, and lost wages, many people may unintentionally delay taking legal action. However, time is of the essence when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. If you've been injured in Kentucky, understanding the state's statute of limitations and exceptions is crucial to protect your right to compensation.

Here’s everything you need to know, along with tips to help you stay on track.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations in Kentucky

The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Kentucky, you generally have one year from the date of your injury to file a claim. This is standard for most personal injury cases, including car accidents, slips and falls, and other negligence-based incidents.

For cases involving property damage, such as damage to your vehicle in a car accident, the deadline extends to two years from the date of the accident or the last Personal Injury Protection (PIP) payment issued by your insurer. It's essential to know these timeframes, as missing them could result in losing your legal right to seek compensation.

Exceptions That May Extend or Shorten the Deadline

While the one-year deadline applies in most cases, there are exceptions that could either extend or shorten the timeframe:

• If the victim is a minor or mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be paused until the individual turns 18 or regains capacity.
• Discovery of the injury: If the injury wasn't immediately apparent, you might have one year from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury to file a claim.
• Claims against the government have shorter deadlines and stricter filing requirements. For example, in Kentucky, you may have as little as 90 days to file a claim against a city or county government.

These exceptions make it especially important to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the nuances of Kentucky law.

Why Filing Your Claim as Soon as Possible is Better

While Kentucky’s statute of limitations may seem like plenty of time, filing sooner is always in your best interest. Here’s why:

• Preserving Evidence: Over time, crucial evidence such as surveillance footage, accident reports, or witness testimonies can be lost or become harder to obtain.
• Strengthening Your Case: Acting quickly allows your attorney to build the strongest possible case by gathering relevant documentation and liaising with experts.
• Minimizing Financial Impact: Waiting to file may delay the resolution of your case and the compensation you need to cover expenses like medical bills and lost income.
• Avoiding Legal Risks: Missing the deadline—even unintentionally—can mean losing your right to recover damages altogether.

The sooner you act, the stronger your case will likely be.

How Dixie Law Group Helps You Stay on Track

At Dixie Law Group, we understand how overwhelming the process of filing a personal injury claim can feel. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way.

Here’s how we help:

• Free Case Consultations to evaluate your claim and identify the best course of action.
• Expert Legal Guidance to ensure you don’t miss critical filing deadlines or opportunities to strengthen your case.
• Proactive Communication to keep you informed and prepared at every stage.
• Aggressive Representation to stand up to insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.

With millions recovered for our clients, we’re here to make your legal process as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Need Help? Contact Us Today

Navigating a personal injury claim can be complex, especially with time-sensitive deadlines. Don’t wait to secure the legal help you need. Contact Dixie Law Group today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.We’re proud to serve Louisville and surrounding areas with trusted, results-driven legal representation.