What is statute of limitations in a civil suit?

Answer 1

In the US, in many states, the answer is that the SOL is 2 years from the date the client knows or reasonably should have known that the lawyer committed malpractice. This is different from the usual 2 year statute of limitations as in a car accident where the SOL begins to run from the date of the event. With legal and medical malpractice sometimes the effects of the malpractice are not felt or discovered until more than 2 years from the date the malpractice occurred. It would be unfair to persons if in a situation like that, the 2 year period begins to run from the date the malpractice took place. Think about buying a house and the lawyer makes a mistake in reviewing the title. It could take years before a mistatke like that becomes known. So as soon as it is known or as soon as the person reasonably should have known that the lawyer made the mistake, the usual 2 year statute begins ticking.

Answer 2

It depends upon the state in which the accident occurred.

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations that is commonly referred to in other states is known as the 'period of prescription'. This is due to the fact that Louisiana operates under a Civil Law Code rather than the more widespread Common Law Code used by many other states.

The period of prescription for auto accident claims in Louisiana is one-year from the occurrence.

For more information on auto accident claims in Louisiana, visit the link below:

Answer 3

Every state and every tort is different.

As most torts involve personal injury claims, the general statute of limitations for most states is 2 years. In California, the time limit for property damage is 3 years, 2 years for personal injury, and 2 years for oral contract, 4 years in written contracts.

Depending on your state, a tort attorney can answer your question, given your specific scenario.

Answer 4

This would depend on both where suit was to be brought and who is being sued.

Answer 5

It varies by jurisdiction. In most places such cases are limited by 3 or 5 years. But there are reasons, such as discover of the injury, that can extend this time.

Answer 6

That will vary according to the jurisdiction. Civil suits vary from 2 years to 10 years with some tolling allowed.