What is a statute of limitations?
A statute of limitations is a time period within which
legal action must be brought. Legal action is not
always necessary in order to resolve a claim. However,
if your case does not settle, legal action must be
brought (the case must be sued) before the expiration
of the applicable statute of limitations. Statutes of
limitations differ from state to state and depend on
the type of action.In New
York, the statute of limitations for most negligence
cases, such as motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall
accidents, dog bites, construction accidents, etc…
is three years from the date of the accident. However,
if the accident results in death, any claim must be
brought on behalf of the deceased within two years
from the date of the accident.
The statute of limitations for medical malpractice is
two and one-half years from the date of malpractice.
The medical malpractice statute may be extended in
cases where there is continuous treatment by the
doctor who committed the malpractice, or when the
medical provider has left a foreign object in your
body.
For
cases against municipalities, such as cases against
the state, a county, city, town/village, school
district, transit authority and others, there are
strict time limits within in which a claim must be
filed. These cases first require the filing of a legal
document known as a Notice of Claim or Notice of
Intention to File a Claim. Additionally, any legal
action must be brought within two years if against New
York State and one year and ninety days if against any
other municipality.
In all
cases involving children, the statute of limitations
may be extended.
It is
advisable to consult with a lawyer soon after your
accident or any act of medical malpractice. Do not
delay until the statute of limitations is approaching
before contacting a lawyer.
If you
have any questions about a statute of limitations or a
notice of claim against a municipality, Contact
us today. We will answer your questions and
discuss your case.
Free Statutes of Limitations Case Evaluation
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