In Georgia, the deadlines for filing a lawsuit depend on the type of case and the applicable statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is the time period in which a legal claim must be filed, or it is forever barred. Failure to file a claim within the applicable statute of limitations can result in a waiver of the right to bring the claim.
For personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury. However, there are exceptions to this rule for cases involving government entities and medical malpractice claims, which have shorter deadlines. Claims against government entities require notice to be given within six months of the incident, and medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years of the date of the injury or one year from the date of discovery, whichever is earlier.
For contract disputes, the statute of limitations is generally four years from the date of the breach. Claims for breach of contract can also be subject to shorter deadlines if the contract includes a provision specifying a shorter time period.
For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is generally four years from the date of the damage or discovery of the damage.
These deadlines are subject to various exceptions and extensions, such as tolling the statute of limitations due to the defendant's absence from the state, the plaintiff's minority or mental incapacity, or the defendant's fraud or concealment.
If you believe you have a legal claim, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible to determine the applicable statute of limitations and ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner.
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