Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in New Jersey can feel overwhelming when you’re recovering from injuries and facing mounting medical bills. Whether you were in a car accident, slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, understanding the legal process and deadlines is critical to protecting your rights and securing compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Lawsuit in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to most negligence-based cases, including auto accidents, falls, and workplace incidents.
Failing to file within this timeframe usually means forfeiting your right to recover any damages. However, there are a few key exceptions.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
Minors
If the injured person is under 18, the two-year clock starts on their 18th birthday, giving them until age 20 to file a claim.
Discovery Rule
If injuries were not immediately apparent—like in cases involving toxic exposure—the timeline starts when the injury is discovered or should have been reasonably discovered.
Government Claims
If your injury involved a government agency, you must file a “Notice of Claim” within 90 days of the incident and wait six months before filing a lawsuit.
These exceptions make it crucial to speak with a personal injury lawyer early to avoid missing important deadlines.
10 Steps in the Personal Injury Lawsuit in New Jersey Timeline
Here’s what typically happens during a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey:
- Initial Consultation Meet with a qualified attorney to review your case and decide how to proceed.
- Evidence Collection Your lawyer will gather witness statements, accident reports, and medical records to build your case.
- Filing the Complaint A legal complaint is filed with the court, laying out your injuries and the damages you’re seeking.
- Serving the Defendant The at-fault party is officially notified and has 35 days to respond.
- Discovery Phase Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and build their legal arguments.
- Settlement Negotiations Most cases settle out of court. Your attorney will push for a fair offer that covers your losses.
- Trial Preparation If no settlement is reached, your case proceeds to trial. Your lawyer will prepare witnesses and evidence.
- Trial Both sides present their case to a judge or jury. Verdicts are based on the evidence and arguments.
- Judgment If successful, the court awards you damages based on your injuries and financial losses.
- Appeals or Post-Trial Motions Either party may appeal, potentially extending the legal process.
Why Timing Matters
Every day you delay can weaken your case. Witnesses disappear. Evidence fades. And you risk missing the deadline to file.
Hiring a New Jersey personal injury lawyer ensures that:
- All paperwork is filed on time
- Evidence is preserved
- Insurance companies don’t take advantage of you
Call CourtLaw Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one were hurt due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. A personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey has strict deadlines, and missing them could mean losing your right to compensation.
Call 732-442-5900 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw NJ Personal Injury Lawyers serve clients in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, and across New Jersey.
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing.
Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled injury attorneys at CourtLaw NJ Personal Injury Lawyers represent clients injured in accidents in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 as well as offices in Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, and East Orange.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
