How long do I have to sue after an Ontario accident?

Ottawa Lawyer — There is a two year limitation period for most adult personal injury cases in Ontario.  This means that you must hire a lawyer and begin the legal process within two years of your accident.  In some circumstances, shorter notice requirements are in place which means that you have less time to begin the process of filing a claim.  The particular circumstances of your accident will dictate the specific time period you have to sue.  For example, after a motor vehicle accident, you are required to submit a notice to the drivers against whom you may make a claim.  This notice must be submitted within 120 days of the accident.  A personal injury lawyer can help you determine the limitation period in your particular situation.

It is in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.  This will help to ensure that you are aware of the limitation period in your case and that you submit your claim within this time. Waiting until the last minute to hire a lawyer will likely be detrimental.  Many lawyers will not accept a case too close to the end of the limitation period.  This is because such short notice does not allow them to review your case fully in order to determine if the case can be won.  A lawyer may unfortunately decline to represent you if they are not given sufficient time to investigate your case.  If you are uncertain about the limitation period in your case, contact a personal injury lawyer right away.  They can help you determine the time in which you can submit your claim and help get your case started.  It would be a shame to miss the legal time frame and the opportunity to receive compensation for your injury.

About the Author: Brenda Hollingsworth

Brenda Hollingsworth co-founded Ottawa’s Auger Hollingsworth in 2005 with her husband Richard Auger. Together, their mission was to create a personal injury law firm for Eastern Ontario that is unrivalled in the province for customer service and legal expertise. Brenda was named an Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 award recipient and took home the Women’s Business Network’s Businesswoman of the Year award in the Professional category. She was also recognized as one of Ottawa Life Magazine’s “Top 50 People in the Capital.” She is often quoted as an expert and has appeared in media outlets such as CTV, The Globe and Mail, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, Sun Media, CBC, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, CFRA and many legal publications.

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