If you’ve been wronged, whether through a personal injury, a breach of contract, or workplace discrimination, you may have the right to file a lawsuit. But here’s the catch—you don’t have forever. Every legal claim has a deadline, and if you miss it, you lose your right to take legal action.
Trust me, courts don’t make exceptions just because you weren’t aware of the deadline. That’s why understanding the statute of limitations is crucial if you want to protect your rights.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that determines how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed—no matter how strong your claim is.
Florida Statute of Limitations: Key Deadlines for Different Legal Cases
In Florida, the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit depends on the type of case. Below is a breakdown of the most common claims and their statute of limitations.
Personal Injury Cases – 2 Years
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have 2 years to file a lawsuit. This includes:
✔ Car accidents
✔ Slip and fall accidents
✔ Medical malpractice
✔ Dog bites
✔ Other injuries caused by negligence
💡 Tip: Don’t delay seeking legal help—evidence can disappear, and witnesses can forget key details.
- Breach of Contract: Written vs. Oral Agreements
The statute of limitations for breach of contract cases depends on whether the agreement was written or oral:
✔ Written contracts – You have 5 years to file a lawsuit.
✔ Oral contracts – You have 4 years to file a lawsuit.
💡 Tip: If someone fails to uphold their end of a contract, act quickly before the deadline expires.
- Civil Rights Violations – 4 Years
If your civil rights have been violated, including cases involving:
✔ Discrimination
✔ Unlawful arrests
✔ Police misconduct
✔ Violation of constitutional rights
You have 4 years to take legal action.
- Worker’s Compensation Injuries – 2 Years
If you were injured at work and need to file a worker’s compensation claim, you have 2 years from the date you knew (or should have known) about the injury.
✔ Exception: Your time limit may be extended by one year if you received indemnity benefits or medical treatment.
💡 Tip: Report your workplace injury as soon as possible and consult an attorney to protect your claim.
- Workplace Discrimination – 180 Days
If you were a victim of workplace discrimination, time is especially limited.
✔ You have only 180 days from the date of discrimination to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
✔ Missing this deadline could mean losing your ability to file a legal claim against your employer.
💡 Tip: If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, don’t wait—seek legal guidance immediately.
Why the Statute of Limitations Matters
The statute of limitations isn’t just a technicality—it’s a hard deadline that can determine whether you have a case or not.
🚨 If you miss the deadline, your case will be dismissed—no exceptions. 🚨
That’s why it’s critical to take action as soon as possible. Delaying your case could mean losing the compensation and justice you deserve.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Case?
If you believe you have a valid claim, don’t wait. Time is not on your side. Taking early action can:
✅ Strengthen your case
✅ Give your lawyer time to gather evidence
✅ Ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines
Get Legal Help Before Time Runs Out
At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we fight for individuals and businesses across Florida. Whether you’re dealing with a personal injury, contract dispute, workplace discrimination, or civil rights violation, our team is ready to help.
📞 Call or text us today at: 813-254-1777
📍 Serving clients throughout Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and all of Florida
Final Thought: Don’t Let Time Take Away Your Rights
The statute of limitations is one of the most important aspects of any legal case. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to sue forever.
If you’re unsure whether you still have time to file, don’t risk it—schedule a consultation today and protect your rights before it’s too late.
About the Author
Gil Sánchez, Esq.
CEO | Civil Trial, Civil Rights, Business Law Attorney
Black Rock Trial Lawyers | Abogados Law
