How long do I have to start a lawsuit for a personal injury claim?
In Ontario, there is a legal time limit within which you must file a lawsuit after an accident or injury. The general limitation period for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident or injury. If you don’t file your lawsuit by this two year deadline, you may lose the right to obtain any compensation.
There are some exceptions to this general two-year rule. For example, if the injured person is a minor (under 18), the limitation period will not start to run until the minor turns 18. There is also a ‘discoverability’ argument if your injuries are not immediately apparent after the accident and the two-year limitation period may not start running until the date you discovered or should have discovered your injuries.
Despite the general two-year rule, it is always advisable to seek immediate legal advice after an accident and file a lawsuit early to ensure you have the best opportunity to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
