{"id":38773,"date":"2026-09-03T18:28:59","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T18:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/paralysis-injury-lawyer\/paralysis-statute-of-limitations-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-09-15T08:05:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T08:05:48","slug":"paralysis-statute-of-limitations-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/paralysis-injury-lawyer\/paralysis-statute-of-limitations-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Paralysis Statute of Limitations in Florida: 2 or 4"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Paralysis Claims<\/p>

Paralysis Statute of Limitations in Florida: Know Your Deadline<\/h1>

A spinal cord injury or paralysis from an accident gives you a limited window to file a claim. Understand whether you have 2 years or 4\u2014and why the clock starts now.<\/p>

Get a Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div>
Get a Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By CHG Lawyers \u00b7 Published September 03, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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How Long Do You Have to File a Paralysis Lawsuit in Florida?<\/h2>\n

In Florida, you generally have 2 to 4 years<\/strong> from your injury date to file a paralysis lawsuit. The exact deadline depends on when the accident happened and your claim type. Miss this deadline, and you lose the right to sue. No court will hear your case.<\/p>\n

Understanding your paralysis statute of limitations<\/strong> deadline and acting quickly is critical. You’re already managing recovery and rehabilitation. A legal deadline shouldn’t add pressure\u2014but it does matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3>

Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Your Paralysis Statute of Limitations Filing Deadline<\/h2>\n

For injuries before March 24, 2023: you have 4 years from the injury date to file.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For injuries on or after March 24, 2023: you have 2 years from the injury date to file.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This applies to paralysis<\/a> from truck accidents, car crashes, negligent security incidents, medical negligence, and other serious accidents. The clock starts on the accident date\u2014not when you were diagnosed, not when you realized how serious your paralysis is, and not when you decided to pursue a claim.<\/p>\n

Under Florida Statute \u00a795.11<\/a>, this deadline is firm. Once it passes, you cannot file a lawsuit.<\/p>\n

Why the Statute of Limitations Matters<\/h2>\n

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline. It’s not a suggestion. It exists to give defendants certainty and to push injured people to act promptly.<\/p>\n

For someone recovering from paralysis, 4 years (or 2 years) may sound like plenty of time. It often isn’t.<\/p>\n

In catastrophic injury cases, families focus entirely on medical care, rehabilitation, and adjusting to life after injury. Months slip by. Then a year. Before you know it, you’re in year three, and the deadline is approaching.<\/p>\n

Waiting also weakens your case. Accident scenes change. Witnesses move or forget details. Security camera footage gets deleted. The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather evidence\u2014even if the statute of limitations hasn’t expired yet.<\/p>\n

Exceptions That May Extend Your Deadline<\/h2>\n

Florida law recognizes a few situations where the standard deadline doesn’t apply or may be extended. These exceptions are narrow and specific to your facts. Don’t assume one applies without consulting an attorney.<\/p>\n

Discovery Rule<\/strong><\/p>\n

In medical negligence cases, the statute of limitations may not start until you discover the injury. For example, if a surgeon’s error caused nerve damage that wasn’t immediately obvious, the clock might start when you discovered the harm\u2014not on the surgery date. However, there’s a cap: you cannot sue more than 4 years after the negligent act, even if you discovered the injury later.<\/p>\n

Defendant Out of State<\/strong><\/p>\n

If the person or company you want to sue leaves Florida, the time they’re absent doesn’t count toward the statute of limitations. This can extend your deadline\u2014but only for the period they’re actually out of state.<\/p>\n

You’re Legally Incapacitated<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you’re in a coma or unable to make decisions due to your injury, the statute of limitations may be paused. It resumes when you regain capacity or a guardian is appointed.<\/p>\n

The Injured Person Is a Minor<\/strong><\/p>\n

If the injured person is a child, the statute of limitations may not begin until they turn 18. However, a parent or guardian should still act promptly to preserve evidence and investigate the claim.<\/p>\n

Wrongful Death<\/strong><\/p>\n

If a paralysis injury results in death, the family has 2 years from the date of death to<\/a> file a wrongful death claim. This is a separate deadline from any personal injury claim the deceased person might have filed.<\/p>\n

What Changed Under House Bill 837?<\/h2>\n

In 2023, Florida passed House Bill 837, which changed the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This change is crucial and often misunderstood.<\/p>\n

For claims arising on or after March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims was reduced from 4 years to 2 years.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you were injured before that date, the 4-year deadline applies. If you were injured after that date, you likely have only 2 years.<\/p>\n

This matters enormously. A 2-year deadline is much tighter than 2 years. Many people don’t realize the change applies to their case. If you’re unsure when your injury occurred or which deadline applies, verify it with an attorney immediately.<\/p>\n

Which Deadline Applies to Your Case?<\/h2>\n

The statute of limitations depends on your accident type and claim:<\/p>\n