Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
When you've been injured due to someone else's negligence—whether in a car accident, a slip-and-fall, or medical malpractice—it's important to understand that you don't have unlimited time to take legal action. In Canada, the law sets strict time limits, known as the statute of limitations , for filing personal injury claims. What is the Statute of Limitations? The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that restricts how long you have to start a lawsuit after an injury occurs. In Ontario, the general limitation period for personal injury claims is two years from the date you knew or ought to have known that your injury was caused by another’s wrongful act. This means you don’t have to file a claim the day after your accident—but you also can’t wait forever. Waiting too long may result in losing your right to compensation, no matter how valid your case may be. Exceptions to the Rule There are exceptions to the standard two-year rule: Minors : If the inju...