If you are harmed or injured in Kentucky because of someone or a company’s carelessness or negligent actions, you should seek compensation for the damages. If you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit, it’s important to comply with the statute of limitations and understand how it applies to your case.

People injured in this state can file personal injury lawsuits against the person who caused harm, but they must know such claims have time constraints. The Kentucky personal injury statute of limitations is a law that establishes a stringent time limit on your eligibility to file a civil case in court. This law exists in every state, only with different dates based on the type of complaint being brought up.

 

Time Limit on Personal Injury Claims

According to Kentucky Revised Statutes section 413.140 (1) (a), the personal injury statute of limitations in Kentucky is only one year from the date of the injury. This means that an injury victim has one year from the date of the injury to pursue a lawsuit against the accused negligent party.

The one-year timeframe applies to both personal injury cases regulated by the liability principle of “negligence” and those considered “intentional torts”. The time ticks on the date of the accident or occurrence for this one-year deadline.

 

Exceptions to Kentucky’s Statute of Limitations

This one-year personal injury statute of limitations “clock” in Kentucky can be “paused” for various situations. The statute of limitations will be suspended if a personal injury victim is under 18 or has been deemed legally incapable. As soon as the handicap is gone, the one-year “clock” starts ticking. This suggests that the victim has reached the age of 18 or has been certified as competent in these circumstances.

According to state law, if the accused flees the state after the incident before a lawsuit is filed, the statute of limitations is suspended unless they’re back in Kentucky. Also, if the offender hides within the state, the statute of limitations is postponed until they’re found.

 

Get Paid for Losses Today

Sustaining an injury is very costly, so getting compensated for damages is important. Once you understand the statute of limitations and its exceptions, it will be easier to sue the negligent party for personal injury. Get in touch with the Vanover, Hall & Bartley in Kentucky for expert advice about personal injury lawsuits.