A recent ruling from the Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico has significant implications for personal injury claims in the territory. The court ruled that Francisco González Ortiz's claim against Western Auto of Puerto Rico, Inc., doing business as Advance Auto Parts, is not barred by the statute of limitations. This decision allows González Ortiz to pursue his claim for damages stemming from an injury he sustained at an Advance Auto Parts location.
The case, filed under docket number TA2026CE00989, stems from an incident on August 29, 2022, when González Ortiz was injured while waiting for his vehicle to be serviced at an Advance Auto Parts store in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. An employee of the store accidentally struck him with a vehicle, causing multiple injuries, including a vertebra fracture. González Ortiz is seeking at least $150,000 in damages.
This ruling is particularly important for individuals who may fear their claims are time-barred due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. The court's decision underscores the importance of timely communication and negotiation in personal injury claims.
Background
The dispute began when Francisco González Ortiz filed a lawsuit against Advance Auto Parts on August 18, 2025. He alleged that he was injured due to the negligence of an employee at the store. In response, Advance Auto Parts filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that González Ortiz's claim was barred by the one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Puerto Rico.
Advance Auto Parts contended that González Ortiz had waited three years to file his claim and that any prior communications regarding his injuries were not directed to them, thus failing to interrupt the statute of limitations. González Ortiz countered that he had engaged in negotiations with representatives of Advance Auto Parts, which he argued effectively interrupted the time limit for filing his claim.
The initial ruling from the lower court on May 28, 2026, sided with Advance Auto Parts, dismissing González Ortiz's claim as time-barred. However, González Ortiz filed a motion for reconsideration, asserting that his claim had been properly communicated and negotiated with the company's representatives, thus keeping his case alive.
The Ruling
The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico, in a decision dated August 25, 2026, confirmed the lower court's ruling to allow González Ortiz's claim to proceed. The court stated, "We conclude that the primary forum did not err in not dismissing the claim against Advance Auto Parts, as the claim is not time-barred." This ruling was made by a panel including judges Grana MartÃnez, Prats Palerm, and Lotti RodrÃguez.
The court emphasized that the statute of limitations can be interrupted through extrajudicial claims and that González Ortiz had sufficiently demonstrated that he had communicated his claim to Advance Auto Parts representatives. The court noted that there was ongoing communication and negotiation between the parties, which indicated that the claim was still active.
Impact
This ruling has important implications for personal injury cases in Puerto Rico. It highlights that timely communication with an insurance company or representative can play a critical role in preserving a claimant's right to pursue damages. The court's decision reinforces the principle that the statute of limitations is not a rigid barrier but can be adjusted based on the circumstances of each case.
The ruling also serves as a reminder for individuals to be proactive in their communications when pursuing claims for damages. It underscores the importance of documenting interactions with representatives and maintaining a clear record of negotiations, which can be crucial in legal proceedings.
What's Next
Advance Auto Parts may seek to appeal this decision, although details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. As the case moves forward, it will be important to watch how the court addresses the specifics of the injury claim and any defenses raised by Advance Auto Parts.