Don’t Delay Justice: The Statute of Limitations Means the Clock is Ticking
We all are so busy these days with family, work and other responsibilities. If you sustained a personal injury, you may be tempted to put off taking any immediate legal action. But it’s important to be aware that your rights may be affected if you wait too long to initiate a lawsuit for any type of wrongful conduct, from an auto accident to a workplace injury or a slip and fall. You may be unable to obtain the justice you deserve in your case because time has run out under the Missouri statute of limitations.
In personal injury law, the statute of limitations refers to the window of time you have to file a lawsuit after wrongful conduct has caused you harm. In general, the time period runs from the time the accident occurs, or in some cases when it was “discovered,” to the date the time expires to file a lawsuit. If you are injured and try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expiration date, a court may dismiss the lawsuit entirely.
The time period on statute of limitations varies from state to state and from claim to claim. Because it can be difficult to keep track of the various statutes and exceptions, it’s wise to contact a qualified attorney who can tell you how the statute of limitations might apply to your specific case.
The following are examples of different types of Missouri cases and how the statute of limitations would apply to them:
- Personal injury: 5 years for a case arising out of negligence; 2 years for an intentional wrongful act; 3 years in Arkansas and 2 years in Oklahoma
- Products liability: 5 years
- Professional Negligence: 2 years
- Negligence resulting in death is 3 years in Missouri and Kansas
- Fraud: 10 years
Don’t delay filing your case beyond the time period outlined in the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you may lose your rights. It’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer well before the statute of limitations expires. If you or a loved one was injured due to another’s negligence, contact Tolbert Beadle & Musgrave today. An experienced attorney can provide a free and confidential consultation and answer any questions you have about your case and the statute of limitations. Get in touch with us today before it’s too late. We vigorously defend the rights of our clients and pursue the full compensation entitled to them under state law.
Tags: Statute of Limitations
