Statute of Limitations
A law establishing the time limit within which a lawsuit must be brought is
called a statute of limitation. Different types of cases have different statutes
of limitation. Knowing which statute of limitation applies is critical, since if
a lawsuit is not brought within the time limit that applies to the case, the
right to sue and recover damages is forever lost. The statute of limitations for
a personal injury lawsuit is usually relatively short, subject to a number of
factors. It is critical that you contact an attorney immediately after suffering
any injury so that the appropriate statute of limitations can be determined. You
may have less than 90 days to file a Notice Of Claim from the date of the
incident which led to your injuries. At Saladino Oakes & Schaaf, we make sure to
explore all aspects of your case as soon as possible to ensure that no claims
are lost as a result of untimely action.
The Discovery Rule
Measuring the statute of limitations for a particular situation can be a complex
issue. The time usually begins "to run" at the time the injury occurs, however,
if a person suffers a hidden injury, the discovery rule may apply. Under the
discovery rule, the time begins to run from when the person who is injured knew,
or by the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known, that he or she was
injured. The discovery rule is commonly applied in cases involving exposure to
toxic substances such as asbestos. In such cases, an injured victim normally
does not manifest symptoms of injury until well after damaging exposure occurred.
Obviously, such is not normally the case in situations involving motor vehicle
collisions and other accidents, where injuries are generally immediately
apparent.
Exceptions
Special rules which extend the time frame may apply in measuring the statute of
limitations when a child is injured. These special rules may also apply to
people who are mentally impaired or who leave the state for particular kinds of
reasons such as for military service. Of course, regardless of the possible
availability of an exception, it is always beneficial to bring a lawsuit as soon
as it is practical to do so, since the availability (and memory) of witnesses to
an accident and related physical evidence is much greater shortly after an
accident than after years have passed.
In all matters involving personal injury it is essential that measures be taken
promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to file
a lawsuit prior to the deadline imposed by the statute of limitations. If you or
a loved one is a victim of personal injuries, call Saladino Oakes & Schaaf
now at (270) 444-0406 or Toll Free: 800-564-4238 or CLICK
HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of
charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee
basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary
award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be
entitled to compensation
for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute
of limitations expires.
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The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney
who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific
case and the relevant law. See Terms
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