Product Liability Lawsuits and Statutes of Limitations

Product liability lawsuits, just like most civil cases, must be filed in court within a set period of time. Courts across the country impose strict filing deadlines, called statutes of limitations, on civil cases because, as time passes, critical evidence may be destroyed or misplaced and witnesses may be unavailable or have forgotten what they saw. Most courts recognize that it is in the parties’ best interests to litigate the lawsuit as quickly as possible.

Individuals who do not file their product liability lawsuit before the statutes of limitations have expired will be barred from ever getting into court to seek financial compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, loss of wages, and other damages. Therefore, It is important that parties who are considering filing a products liability lawsuit consult with an experienced attorney as soon after the alleged injury has occurred as possible to ensure that their legal rights are protected.

Statutes of Limitations Vary from State to State

How long a party has to file a suit seeking compensation for product liability depends on many factors, including where the lawsuit is to be filed and what type of allegations are being made in the case. Some states impose a one-year statute of limitations on product liability cases, while others allow claims to be filed for two or more years after the injury.

 

Protect Your Rights, Contact a Product Liability Lawyer Now

Because statutes of limitations limit how long you have to file a product liability lawsuit, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights. It is important to meet with an experienced attorney in the state where the lawsuit will be filed as soon after the injury occurred as possible. Waiting too long could make it more difficult or impossible for your attorney to prove the necessary elements of your lawsuit. Also, if you miss the filing deadline, you will be prevented from ever obtaining compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other losses, as well as pain and suffering.

Contact an experienced product liability attorney today to discuss your legal rights. LawyerShop can help you find product liability lawyers in your area.