California limits how long victims have to file a lawsuit after getting hurt due to a negligent business or individual. The statute of limitations is usually two years, but this deadline is only one year for spinal cord injuries that involve medical malpractice. In scenarios where the at-fault party is a government entity, you only have six months to begin the legal process. If you don’t pursue your claim before the statute of limitations, the court bars you from filing a lawsuit to pursue compensation for your losses.