Lawyers
What is Statute of Limitations?
Definition
A statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. It varies by state and by claim type — often two years for personal injury, three to six for contract disputes, and just months for certain employment or governmental claims. Missing it is nearly always fatal to the case.
Real-World Example
In Texas, a car accident victim has two years from the crash to file a lawsuit. Filing on day 731 gets the case dismissed regardless of merit.
Why It Matters
Statutes of limitations are unforgiving. Contacting an attorney early preserves options — even if the client is unsure whether to sue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the deadline be extended?
Rarely. Discovery-rule tolling and minority tolling exist in narrow situations, but assume the statute is hard.