A Statute of limitations is a legal deadline to file a lawsuit. The time periods are defined by laws, written as statutes, which vary from state to state. Statutes of limitations also differ depending on the type of lawsuit.

         There are various reasons for having statutes of limitations. If there were no timeframe, people would file lawsuits long after the events have occurred. After an event, recalling the events gets more difficult for the parties concerned. Important evidence may be lost if a case is brought to court a long time after the incident.

         It is up to the injured person or party to comply with deadlines if they want to file a lawsuit. They shoulder the responsibility for it, since they are the ones seeking justice. A statute of limitations is met, as of the date the complaint is timely filed with the court. If a complaint is filed after the statute of limitations has passed, the lawsuit will be rejected.

         Statutes of limitations also depend on the type of lawsuit. The time period is also different in different states. Some of the common statutes of limitations are:

• Medical malpractice: 1 to 4 years from act or occurrence of injury
• Legal malpractice: maximum of 2 to 5 years from the date of the act
• Breach of written contract: 3 to 6 years
• Misrepresentation and fraud: 3 to 6 years

         There are some legal provisions which allow the statute to be extended. Ask your attorney about these provisions.