Exceptions to the Texas Two-Year Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

There are several exceptions to the Texas two-year personal injury statute of limitations that may give you more or less time to file a claim. These exceptions depend on the type of injury, who was involved, and when the harm was discovered. If you have questions about timelines, our highly-skilled Houston personal injury lawyer with The Doan Law Firm can help you figure out what applies in your case.

When the Two-Year Limit May Be Extended in Texas Injury Cases

Texas gives most personal injury claims a two-year filing window, as outlined in Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, but there are times when that deadline can vary. Everything from who was hurt to when the injury became known can affect how much time you actually have to take legal action. Some of the most common exceptions are explained below.

Discovery Delays in Cases Involving Hidden Injuries or Misconduct

Some injuries take time to reveal themselves, especially in complex cases like aviation accidents where the full extent of harm may not be obvious right away. When this happens, the discovery rule can delay the start of the statute of limitations until the injury is reasonably discovered. Courts can apply this exception when delayed knowledge is due to misconduct, concealment, or the nature of the injury itself.

Statutory Tolling for Minors or Individuals Lacking Legal Capacity

There are also protections in place for people who are not legally able to file a lawsuit when the injury happens. If the person is under 18 or has a qualifying disability, the statute of limitations can be paused until they are legally able to act. This legal pause, called tolling, often applies in catastrophic injuries where decision-making capacity is impacted.

Why Choose The Doan Law Firm for Statute of Limitations-Sensitive Injury Cases

Filing deadlines can sneak up fast, especially when exceptions to the standard statute of limitations apply. Our team knows how to spot those timeline shifts early and take action before your rights are at risk. If there is even a chance the clock is already running, we are ready to jump in. Here is why people across Texas trust us with time-sensitive cases like these:

• Fast case reviews for time-sensitive situations
• Familiar with tolling and exception scenarios
• Track record of filing under complex timelines

Situations Where You Might Have Less Than Two Years to File

Some cases come with tighter timelines, especially when government agencies are involved. Even if the injury seems straightforward, you might have much less time to act than you think. Knowing these exceptions can make all the difference, such as:

• Claims against city or county government
• Fatal accidents and wrongful death involving a state entity
• Aviation crashes on government property
• Vehicle claims involving school districts
• Construction zone incidents involving TxDOT
• Injuries on government-owned land or facilities
• Missed deadlines caused by confusion over multiple liable parties
• Claims requiring written notice within 6 months
• Denied claims that begin tolling clock again
  

Whether the claim involves a fatal crash or serious car accident injuries, cases against government agencies follow a different playbook. Texas law requires written notice in many of these cases, and Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101 sets a six-month deadline that can sneak up fast. Our firm helps make sure you know what applies to your situation so you do not lose your chance to file.

Meet With a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Before Time Runs Out

Time can slip away quickly after a serious accident, especially if you are still sorting through medical care and paperwork. Legal deadlines do not always match what seems fair, and some claims close faster than others. To avoid losing your chance, reach out to your personal injury attorney in Houston with The Doan Law Firm today. For questions about deadlines or your rights, contact us anytime.