How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the date of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). Claims against a government entity have a much shorter deadline — generally six months to file an administrative claim before any lawsuit can proceed. Some claim types (such as certain product liability or medical malpractice matters) can have different rules. Because the right deadline depends on the specific facts, it’s worth confirming yours directly rather than assuming the general two-year rule applies.
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