What are the Legal Time Limits?
Formally known as the Statute of Limitations, the legal time limit for a personal injury claim* is usually two years less one day after the date of knowledge of the injury. In many cases, the date of knowledge will be the date the accident occurred. In some cases, a person may not realise their injury until some time after the accident and in such cases, the clock starts from that date.
For children who have suffered an injury, the process works a little differently. A minor cannot bring a claim forward themselves. On their 18th birthday, the clock starts at their two year time limit to make their claim. Alternatively, a parent or legal guardian can bring the claim forward on behalf of the child immediately after the accident. This is generally a more favorable option. As making the claim sooner rather than later means that it is easier to source reliable evidence to strengthen the child’s case.
Important to note is that once the application to the Injuries Board is submitted, the clock stops on the two year time limit while they assess the claim.
Learn more about Time Limits