What is the limitation period in Singapore?

Time is of the Essence: Understanding the Limitation Period for Personal Injury Claims in Singapore

Suffering a personal injury can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain can make navigating the legal system seem like an additional burden. However, understanding the legal timeframes involved in pursuing a personal injury claim is crucial to ensuring your rights are protected.

In Singapore, the limitation period for personal injury claims is generally three years. This means that you have three years from the date you became aware of your injury and its cause to initiate legal action.

What does “sufficient knowledge” mean?

It’s not simply about knowing you’ve been injured. You need to be aware of:

• The nature and extent of your injury: This includes understanding the long-term implications of your injury, not just the immediate effects.
• The cause of your injury: You need to know who or what is responsible for causing your injury.

Example:

Imagine you are involved in a car accident. Initially, you might only have a minor neck ache. However, after a few weeks, you develop severe back pain that limits your mobility. It’s only then that you realize the extent of your injuries and that the other driver was responsible for the accident. Your three-year limitation period would start from the moment you became aware of your severe back pain and its cause – the car accident.

What happens if you miss the deadline?

If you fail to file your claim within the three-year limitation period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether. This means that even if you have a strong case and a valid claim, the court will likely dismiss it due to the time limit.

Exceptions to the rule:

There are some exceptions to the three-year rule:

• Minors: For children under the age of 18, the limitation period starts when they turn 18.
• Mental disability: Individuals with mental disabilities have a limitation period that begins when they are no longer disabled or have a legal representative acting on their behalf.
• Latent injuries: If your injury is not immediately apparent and takes time to manifest, the limitation period starts from when you become aware of the injury and its cause, even if it’s years later.

Why is the limitation period important?

The limitation period serves several purposes:

• Fairness: It prevents claims from being brought years later, making it difficult for the defendant to defend themselves due to fading memories or lost evidence.
• Efficiency: It encourages people to pursue their claims promptly, keeping the court system efficient and preventing unnecessary delays.

Seek legal advice:

If you are injured and considering pursuing a claim, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and ensure that you file your claim within the correct time frame.

Time is of the essence when it comes to personal injury claims in Singapore. Don’t let the limitation period prevent you from seeking justice.