Statute of limitations

A law that sets the time limit for starting a legal action. After the deadline, a claim is generally barred, subject to exceptions and rules that vary by jurisdiction.

Cause of action: A set of facts that gives a person the right to seek a legal remedy. The deadline generally runs from when the cause of action accrues.
Personal injury: A civil claim seeking compensation for physical, emotional, or other harm caused by another’s wrongful conduct. Personal-injury claims commonly have deadlines set by state or national law.
Jurisdiction: A court’s legal authority to hear a case and decide matters before it. The governing jurisdiction’s law determines which limitations period applies.
Affirmative defense: A defense that introduces facts or legal grounds capable of defeating or limiting a claim even if its allegations are true. A defendant typically raises expiration of the limitations period as an affirmative defense.
Accrual: The point at which a legal claim comes into existence and its time limit begins to run. Accrual determines the starting date for the limitations period.
Medical malpractice: A claim alleging that a healthcare professional’s breach of the applicable standard of care caused harm. Special discovery rules and shorter filing windows often govern these claims.
Choice of law: Rules used to select which jurisdiction’s law governs a legal dispute. A cross-border claim may face competing limitation rules.
Motion to dismiss: A request for a court to dismiss a claim because it is legally insufficient or procedurally barred. A clear, expired deadline can support dismissal before trial.
Discovery rule: A rule that delays accrual until a claimant discovers, or reasonably should discover, an injury or its cause. It can postpone the deadline when harm is difficult to detect.
Breach of contract: A legal claim that a party failed to perform an obligation under an agreement. The applicable deadline can depend on whether the contract is written or oral.

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