why does the statute of limitations matter in a personal injury case in missouri

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WHY DOES THE STATUTE OF

LIMITATIONS MATTER IN A PERSONAL

INJURY CASE


STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS MATTER 1

There are deadlines for filing nearly every type of civil claim.

This time limit is referred to as the “statute

of limitations.”


If you do not file your lawsuit before the particular deadline has passed, you will not

be allowed to bring that lawsuit.

If you still file your legal claim after the deadline, it will likely be dismissed.


HOW THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS PERIOD IS DETERMINED

2

Each statute of limitations period depends on the type of legal claim you are bringing and the state law applicable to that claim.


Your Joplin personal injury attorney will make sure you meet the statute of limitations period that applies to your particular civil case if you bring the case to them in time.


THE PURPOSE OF THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

3

The primary purpose of a statute of limitations is a practical one. The evidence that will either support or discredit your legal claims will likely be destroyed over time, just as the memories of relevant

witnesses will be less accurate.


In accident cases, for example, the scene is most often altered over time. Business records are usually destroyed as a normal course of business. In order to preserve evidence, it is important to bring your lawsuit as soon as possible.


TOLLING" OF THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

4

Many jurisdictions "toll" or suspend the limitation period in special situations. For

instance, if the injured party is a minor or if bankruptcy proceedings are involved.


In those situations, the running of the limitations period is paused or tolled until

the special situation ends.


Equitable tolling can be applied for individuals who were intimated into not bringing the claim or who relied upon a

promise that the period would be suspended.

In those case, it would be unfair or inequitable not to toll the period.


WHAT IS THE DISCOVERY RULE? 5

The discovery rule also tolls or suspends the statute of limitations until an injury is or

should have been discovered, depending on the situation.


The way the discovery rule works is that it effectively changes when the statute of limitations begins to run. In those types of cases, the cause of the injury or death is not always apparent when it first occurs, due to the nature of the injury itself. So, the statute of limitations period doesn’t start until the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.


Not every state applies the discovery rule the same way, depending on the injury and

other circumstances.


ARKANSAS STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR VARIOUS CLAIMS

6

In Arkansas, most claims must be filed within three years, including personal injury, injury to property, and libel.


On the other hand, the statute of limitations for slander is one year.

Written contracts have a five-year statute of limitations and there is a 10-year statute of

limitations for collecting judgments.


Arkansas recognizes the “discovery” exception for situations where you could

not have discovered your injury until some later time.


MISSOURI STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

7

In Missouri, plaintiffs have two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury, defamation,

and medical malpractice.


The discovery statute can also apply in Missouri, for a maximum of 10 years from the date of injury. Claims for injury to property, trespassing, and enforcement of written contracts are subject to a five-year statute of limitation. Claims of fraud, rent collection, debt collection, and judgments are all governed by a 10-year-statute of limitation.


DEADLINES FOR FILING WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS

8

Like all other legal claims, there is a deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, which differs from

state to state. This deadline or time limit is commonly referred to as the "statute of

limitations."


In both Missouri and Arkansas, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death action is

three (3) years.


CLAIMS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT 9

Arkansas has different rules when a claim is brought against a government entity.

In those cases, the statute of limitations period is

five (5) years.


Likewise, in Missouri, an injury claim against a state entity must be filed with the Office

of Administration's Risk Management Division, within 90 days of the injury.


It is wise to seek the assistance of a Joplin personal injury attorney if you have a claim

against a government entity.


CONTACT US!


If you have questions regarding applicable statute of limitations for your claim or any other personal injury concerns in Arkansas or Missouri, please contact the Cottrell Law Office for a consultation, either online or by

calling us as (800) 364-8305

http://www.cottrelllawoffice.com/contact-us/


OR

Click to visit: www.cottrelllawoffice.com

Call us

(For a Free Consultation)

800-364-8305

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