What is a Statute of Limitations?
A Statute of Limitations is a law that dictates the timeframe in which a legal action must be pursued. As described by Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute, a statute of limitations is a law that “bars claims after a certain period of time passes after an injury.” After the time period dictated by a statute of limitations has passed, and no legal action has been taken following an injury or offense, no future legal action can be pursued.
The length of a statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction and claim. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years for personal injury cases, unless the injury happened to someone who was then a minor. In that case, they would have up to two years after their 18th birthday to file a claim. The beginning of the time period in a statute of limitations in a personal injury case typically begins at the discovery of the injury. When the specified time period has passed, cases are almost always dismissed.
Statutes of limitations are meant to encourage timely action by plaintiffs. This keeps potential evidence reliable, and protects defendants from being subjected to unfair proceedings. Statutes of limitations are relevant for both civil and criminal law.
More information about Statute of Limitations
Disclaimer
The Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Website attempts to provide quality information to the public. However, we make no guarantees, claims or promises about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to or from this website and its associated sites at the given time the information is being accessed. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein, nor any response to email from visitors to the web site, should be used as legal advice, nor as a substitute for the advice of retained counsel. Lawyers from Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys are licensed to practice law in the State of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. This website is not designed for client solicitation purposes.
By using our website you agree to all disclaimers and terms of use governing this website. […]
Read More
