A:To recover compensatory damages through a personal injury case, you must file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date the injury occurred or was discovered (within a reasonable time). For motor vehicle collisions, the date of injury is much more obvious, since it can be linked to a specific accident. For cases of medical malpractice, it can be more difficult, since symptoms may take months or even years to present themselves. It's important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your injury was discovered so that your right to compensation is protected.