Have you been injured in an accident? If so, you may have heard the term “statute of limitations” in reference to your legal rights. But what is a statute of limitations and how does it work? A statute of limitations is a law that sets a maximum time limit for filing a legal claim after an injury has occurred. This time limit varies depending on the type of claim, such as personal injury or property damage, as well as the jurisdiction in which the claim is being filed. Below, we will discuss what a statute of limitations is and how it works.
The Basics of a Statute of Limitations
Statutes of limitations are laws that specify how much time a person has to file a lawsuit against a company or an individual. Once the statutory deadline has passed, it is no longer possible to file a claim or case related to the alleged incident or event. There are two types of statutes of limitations, criminal and civil; however, most statutes of limitations refer to civil cases, while many crimes do not have statutes of limitations.
Cases or claims are subject to two different statutes of limitations, depending on the court in which they are filed. Federal statutes of limitations refer to federal courts, and state statutes of limitations pertain to state courts. Federal statutes of limitations have their own time periods, and the same lawsuit’s time period will vary by state. Most states’ statutes of limitations range from 1 to 6 years. It is important for individuals to pay attention to the deadlines in order to file their case in a timely manner.
How Does a Statute of Limitations Work?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit on how long a person has to pursue legal action. Depending on the offense, the time allowed under the statute of limitations can vary widely. Generally, statutes of limitations apply to civil cases and not criminal ones, although there are exceptions.
In most states, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury or when the injury was discovered.
For example, in some states the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim in court. If you wait even one day over the two-year deadline, you may no longer be able to sue for medical malpractice.
It is important to note that statutes of limitations vary depending on the type of case.
The bottom line is that this law places a time limit on how long you have to pursue legal action for certain offenses. It is important to understand your state’s laws so you don’t miss any important deadlines.
When Does The “Clock”?
The clock usually starts ticking on the date of harm. The clock may start ticking at three different times: the date of harm, the date on which the plaintiff reasonably should have discovered the harm, and the date on which the plaintiff actually discovered the harm. This means that even if you have been injured or suffered a loss, you must act within a certain amount of time in order to bring a lawsuit or you will be barred from doing so.
It is important to consult with a lawyer to determine how long you have to pursue a lawsuit and what kind of lawsuit(s) you can pursue. A lawyer can explain the relevant laws, timelines, and other aspects that might be relevant to your case. They can also help you understand the deadlines that apply to your specific situation and ensure that all the necessary paperwork is filled out correctly and submitted in a timely manner. If the clock has expired, then it may be too late to pursue a claim.
The Purpose of Statute of Limitations
The purpose of statutes of limitations is to encourage people to pursue legal action in a timely manner and not wait too long to file a claim. The longer a case goes unresolved, the harder it is to accurately determine fault or establish evidence. The statute of limitations helps ensure justice is done quickly and efficiently.
This time limit exists because over a significant period of time, evidence related to the case may become lost, obscured, or not retrievable, and the memories of witnesses may not be as sharp or reliable. As such, after a long period of time, the case against a defendant may not be strong enough to stand in court. This is why it is important that any claims of personal injury are brought forward as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is important in order to ensure you can file a claim and potentially receive a settlement or award. The statute of limitations clock starts counting down at the time of the alleged incident or event. This means that if you do not take legal action within the stated amount of time, you will likely be barred from seeking any compensation. In some cases, the statutory deadline may be extended or “tolled” if, for example, the injury was not discovered until after the fact or if the injuries were due to negligence that happened to a minor under the age of 18.
It pays to know what the statutes of limitations apply to your case as soon as possible. It’s also important to note that filing sooner rather than later can save you from any hassle with statues of limitations. Therefore, if you have been injured and believe someone else is responsible, it is critical that you seek legal advice from a lawyer quickly.
