Statute of Limitations
The legally defined time window within which a lawsuit or criminal charge must be filed; claims filed after this deadline are permanently barred.
A statute of limitations sets the maximum period after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once the deadline passes, the claim is permanently time-barred regardless of its merits. Limitations periods vary by jurisdiction and claim type: personal injury claims may allow 2–3 years; contract disputes 4–6 years; fraud claims sometimes longer.
The clock typically starts running when the harm occurs, though the "discovery rule" delays the start until the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known about the injury. This exception is especially important in medical malpractice, latent toxic exposure, and fraud cases where the harm is not immediately apparent.
Never assume you have time to spare on a potential legal claim. Consulting a lawyer immediately after a potential legal event protects your rights. Attorneys can identify tolling provisions (events that pause the clock) and ensure claims are filed timely even during ongoing negotiations.
Real-World Example
The slip-and-fall victim waited 2 years and 11 months before consulting an attorney; in her state, the 3-year statute had not yet expired, so her case could proceed.