A Statute of Limitations - Know When it Starts and Ends

                                                                                         

A statute of limitations puts a cap on when a lawsuit can be filed. Every civil case and most criminal cases have a statute of limitations. It is important to know, however, when the statute begins to run and when it ends. You also need to know if there are any events that can trigger a freeze in the statute of limitations and a continuance.

Many people assume that the statute of limitations begins to run the day the injury was sustained or the event took place. Though in many cases this is true, it is not always the case. In some cases the statute of limitations begins to run the date an injury is discovered. In these cases, the statute may not start to run for years after an injury is sustained because there was no way for the person to know they sustained an injury. Only an experienced attorney can let you know when the statute of limitations started to run.

Though many people assume that once the statute of limitations begins that the end date is definitive, that is not the case. There are a number of different reasons why the period in the statute can be extended. Issues ranging from additional injuries, to attempts by the defendant to hide their acts, or omissions to the age of the plaintiff or the defendant can all impact the running of the statute. It is important for an attorney to know all the facts in order to determine when the statute cuts off a claim being filed.

There are a number of factors that determine the end date for a statute of limitations, including the type of case it is, the court it is filed in, and the type of relief being sought in the case. Though some forms of relief may no longer be an option, there may be other types of relief (or types of cases) that can be filed. An experienced attorney can help determine what, if any, relief can be sought and the date it must be sought by.

About the author:
Obtaining legal assistance is critical if you or a loved one has suffered an injury from using defective farm equipment. Colorado product liability lawyers, lawn mower accident attorneys, and farm machinery accident attorneys have the specialized knowledge and experience to help individuals and families receive compensation for financial losses, physical injuries, and emotional distress.

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