California Statute of Limitations

September 19, 2007

If you’ve suffered harm as a result of another party’s negligent or wrongful actions and believe you have a legitimate claim to seek compensation for your damages, it is vital that you are aware of the statute of limitation laws in your state. A statute of limitations is a limit placed on the amount of time a personal injury victim has to pursue legal remedies for any wrongdoings. Because there are numerous statutes of limitations that govern various civil claims, it is absolutely necessary to consult with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible to ensure your time hasn’t run out.

Please contact Aitken * Aitken * Cohn today to speak with an experienced and trusted personal injury attorney who can inform you of the California statute of limitations and help you pursue the best course of action.

When does a California Statute of Limitations Begin and End?

A common problem people face when trying to determine when a statute of limitations runs out is determining when the law first goes into effect. There is more than one answer to this question. In some cases of personal injury or medical malpractice, the effects of the damage have a long latency period. In these instances, the clock starts ticking when the victim discovers the harm. In situations where a wrongdoing is observed but the defendant is unknown, the statue of limitations goes into effect once the victim learns of the wrongdoing. In cases involving a written or oral contract, the date the contract took effect sets the statute of limitations timer.

California statute of limitations laws also vary depending on the type of offense. There is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but a three-year statute for property damage cases. Written contracts have a four-year statute of limitations while the time limit for oral contracts is only two years. Cases against government entities, known as municipal liability, have a statute of limitation as short as six months.

Where and When Should I Begin?

If you or a loved one has suffered injury or death at the hands of another party, it is important to immediately consult with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your case FREE of charge, inform you of the California statute of limitations, and help pursue the best course of action for your case.

Please contact the experienced attorney at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn today to learn more about your legal rights and options. If time runs out, you may not be eligible to take legal actions.