Each state has statutes of limitations, or time limits, for filing defective product claims. The sooner you file your claim, the better the outcome you will have. If you miss the deadline, the court will throw out your case, no matter how valid your claim may be.
The time limits to file a personal injury lawsuit vary by state. The minimum is one year, with most states allowing two to three years for victims to file a claim. Some allow 4-6 years, while a very few allow victims 10 years to file a claim. The actual time limits are straight forward for most states; the challenge is determining when they start.
While the majority of these statues start when the injury occurred, some injuries are not apparent right away. This discrepancy can lead to questioning when the statute starts – when the injury occurs versus when the injury is discovered. In addition, some states impose secondary time limits, which are absolute time limits that start and end on a certain date to prevent consumers from suing manufacturers of products that are no longer sold. In these cases it is best to use a defective product attorney to review your case and determine which time limits apply to your case.
If you suffered an injury from a defective product, time is of the essence. Consult with a Staten Island defective product lawyer from Gacovino Lake & Associates. They have experience handling many types of personal injury claims. Call them for a free consultation at 1-800-246-4878.
