Are there any statutes of limitation for filing a boating accident claim?
In Virginia, the statutes of limitation for filing a boating accident claim depend on the circumstances of the incident. Generally speaking, those filing a lawsuit for a personal injury or wrongful death stemming from a recreational boating accident in Virginia must file their claim within two years of the date of the incident. However, if the action arises out of an incident involving a vessel that is owned or operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia, then the time frame is slightly different. Claimants must file within one year of the date of the accident, or within six months of the date when the claim is known or should have been known by the claimant. Other deadlines exist if the injury or death is caused by a defect in a vessel that the owner or operator was unaware of. If the injury or death occurs due to a defect that was known or should have been known by the owner or operator, then claimants must file their claim within six months of the date when the defect was discovered or should have been discovered. It is important to note that, even if you meet the deadlines in Virginia, the court may still refuse to hear your case if you wait too long to file, so it is best to begin the process of filing a claim as soon as possible. If you believe you have a valid boating accident claim in Virginia, it is in your best interest to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney.
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