North Carolina Personal Injury Statute of Limitations [2025 Updated]

If you have suffered injury from a negligent party in North Carolina, you likely have the legal right to seek compensation. However, it is important to remember that there are strict deadlines in which you can file a claim. Whether you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident along Interstate 77 or have lost a loved one in a drowning incident at a Charlotte apartment complex, understanding the North Carolina personal injury statute of limitations is crucial.

Bridgman Gantt Law Offices: Representing Your Interests After a Personal Injury

At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, our team has over 60 years of combined experience. We fight for the rights of those injured by someone else’s negligence. We know how devastating these injuries can be, so we want to protect your ability to seek fair compensation and justice. If you have questions regarding how much time you have left to file or whether your case is eligible for damage recovery, we can review your circumstances and provide knowledgeable counsel.

North Carolina Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

When you suffer an injury because of another party, you likely have the right to seek compensation from them. These injuries often happen as a result of:

• Car accidents
• Commercial trucking accidents
• Slips, trips, or falls
• Medical errors
• Unsafe premises
• Dog bites
• Workplace injuries because of third-party negligence
• Defective products

In North Carolina, personal injury laws give an injured party three years to file their claim. This period typically begins on the day you were injured. If you pass this deadline without taking legal action, you likely cannot recover any form of compensation, and you will have to shoulder the entire financial burden of your injuries alone.

Every day in North Carolina, lives are lost because of someone’s negligence. Throughout the United States, over 2.44 million people were injured in car accidents alone. When these accidents, injuries, and even deaths occur, victims or their relatives have the right to seek compensation. However, they should only do so after hiring an attorney who can make sure they do not miss any of the required deadlines.

Exceptions to the Standard Statute of Limitations

While the three-year limit is standard in most North Carolina personal injury cases, there are certain instances where this deadline is altered. These include the following:

• Cases involving minors. When a case involves an injured minor, the statute of limitations may be “tolled,” or paused, until that minor reaches the age of majority. This allows minor victims to seek compensation once they become adults.
• Discovery rule. If an injury is not noticeable or obvious right away, it takes time for the damage to present itself. This can allow an exception to the three-year statute of limitations. For example, if you have been exposed to harmful chemicals over a long period of time, the damage from that exposure may not show itself right away.
• Wrongful death. If a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, their dependents have two years from the date of death to file an official wrongful death claim. For this reason alone, it is vital that, as soon as you lose a loved one, you reach out to an attorney.
• Government involvement. If a personal injury claim has been filed against public agencies or the employees of a government body, these cases may follow different rules. Although they usually do follow the typical three-year deadline, certain processes need to occur before you can take your case to court, which could influence the overall timeframe of your case.

If you have been injured and are concerned about having enough time to file a legal claim, the team at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices can review your case and get the legal process started as quickly as possible. You deserve maximum compensation, and we can work hard to make sure that happens.

FAQs

Why Is It Important to Act Quickly After a Personal Injury in NC?

After suffering a personal injury in North Carolina, it is important that you act quickly. If you miss the deadline, or the statute of limitations, for filing your claim, you will likely lose your rights to seek compensation. Additionally, when time passes without legal action being taken, the evidence in your case (which can prove your need for compensation) can degrade.

What Should I Do After a Personal Injury?

After suffering an injury, there are several steps you should take to protect the integrity of a future claim. These include:

• Moving yourself to a safe place
• Calling both the police and emergency medical services
• Collecting evidence from the accident scene, such as photographs and videos of your injuries
• Exchanging contact information with the at-fault party and any potential eyewitnesses
• Hiring a North Carolina personal injury attorney

What Damages Could I Recover?

In a personal injury claim, you could recover one or several kinds of damages. In 2022, the total cost of personal injuries seen in the United States was $1.28 billion. These losses stemmed from medical expenses, such as surgeries needed or hospital stays, and lost wages due to victims being unable to return to work following an injury.

How Long Can a Personal Injury Claim Take?

How long a personal injury claim may take to reach a resolution will vary. Many factors can impact the overall timeframe. These include:

• The availability of the courts and evidence
• The cooperation of all parties involved
• The complexity of your case
• Whether your damages are disputed
• The number of at-fault parties

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer From Bridgman Gantt Law Offices Today

Navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim in North Carolina should only be done by an experienced attorney. At Bridgman Gantt Law Offices, we focus on building a strong claim for all our clients and making sure they recover the highest amount possible for their damages. If you have suffered an injury due to another’s actions, we can represent you. Contact our offices to schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers today.

See Related Posts:

• Common Mistakes to Avoid in North Carolina Personal Injury Claims
• Common Types of Bicycle Accidents in North Carolina