What is the Statute of Limitations for Houston Personal Injury Lawsuits?

Understanding the statute of limitations for Houston personal injury lawsuits can mean the difference between getting the help you need and being left without options. Every case has a clock ticking behind the scenes, and it can be tough to know exactly when that time runs out. Our highly-rated Houston personal injury lawyer with The Doan Law Firm can help you figure out where things stand and what steps to take next.

Why Choose The Doan Law Firm for Time-Sensitive Injury Claims

Missing a deadline in a personal injury case can cost you everything. That is why our firm treats timing like it matters because it absolutely does. We are here to make sure your case stays on track from the moment you reach out. Here is how we help clients stay ahead of important deadlines:

• Statute monitoring and deadline compliance
• Emergency filing support
• Case review available 24/7
• Trial-ready experience
• Offices across Texas and nationally
  

You should not have to worry about paperwork timing when you are trying to recover. Our firm keeps the calendar so you can focus on healing and getting the support you deserve.

What Events Can Affect the Statute of Limitations in Houston Injury Cases

Filing deadlines are not always straightforward. Certain situations can pause the clock or create a different timeline depending on how the injury happened or who was involved. These are some of the factors that may change your statute of limitations:

• Injuries to minors
• Delayed onset of symptoms
• Claims against government entities
• Wrongful death lawsuits
• Ongoing criminal investigations
• Fraud or concealment of negligence
• Medical care that masks injury severity
• Hit-and-run scenarios
• Multiple defendant cases
  

In complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, the deadline can depend on more than just the date of the accident. If the claim involves someone who passed away, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.062 may apply to extend or preserve the filing window. 

How the Texas Statute of Limitations Works in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Time limits can make or break a personal injury case. In Texas, these deadlines are strict, but a few important exceptions exist. Knowing when the clock starts and what might pause or extend it can change everything.

The Standard Two-Year Filing Window and When It Begins

Most personal injury cases in Texas, including car accidents, fall under a two-year statute of limitations. That means you usually have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, this deadline applies to most claims for bodily harm caused by someone else’s negligence.

Exceptions That May Extend or Shorten the Deadline

Some situations give you more or less time to act. In truck accidents or other complex cases, things like the age of the injured person or when an injury was discovered can shift the filing deadline. Minors or those with hidden injuries may benefit from what is called tolling or the discovery rule, but those exceptions are not automatic and can vary from case to case.

Get Answers About Personal Injury Deadlines From a Houston Attorney

You do not have to figure out the statute of limitations on your own. Our team understands how confusing these deadlines can be and what is at stake if something gets missed. To get clear answers and guidance, contact us today to speak with a personal injury attorney in Houston with The Doan Law Firm.