How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Colorado?
How long you have to file a personal injury claim in the state of Colorado is determined by the stature of limitations. The statute of limitations is a law that is established on a state by state basis that limits how long an injury victim has to file a personal injury claim before they lose their legal right to do so. According to the Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-80-102(1)(a), the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in the state of Colorado is two years.
More specifically, this means you have two years from the date your injury occurred to file your claim, or you will lose your legal right to file. Losing your legal right to file a claim essentially means you lose your right to pursue compensation. This law is binding and is not based on how serious your injuries are. However, it is important to note that there are exceptions that can change this time limit. The most notable exceptions include:
- If the injury victim was a minor at the time of the accident and has no legal representation, the statute of limitations will usually begin on the date of their 18th birthday.
- If the alleged negligent party leaves the state of Colorado or intentionally hides their identity in an attempt to avoid a lawsuit the statute of limitations two-year clock will be extended.
The statute of limitations is a critical law in personal injury law which has a big impact on your ability to file a claim so it’s important to speak to a skilled attorney about the specifics of your case as soon as you can. Boesen Law offers free, no-obligation consultations so you have nothing to lose by contacting our firm today.