Statute of Limitations: How Much Time Do You Have to Sue?
One of the most consequential facts in any potential lawsuit is also one of the easiest to overlook: the clock is running. Here's why the statute of limitations matters so much.
What a statute of limitations is
Every US state sets legal deadlines, called statutes of limitations, for how long you have to file different types of lawsuits after the underlying event. These deadlines vary by state and by case type — personal injury, contract disputes, and employment claims often have different windows, sometimes as short as one or two years.
Why missing it matters so much
If you file after the deadline passes, courts will typically dismiss your case regardless of how strong it otherwise was — even a case with overwhelming evidence can be permanently barred. There are limited exceptions (such as when an injury wasn't discovered right away), but they're narrow and vary by state.
Why acting sooner is almost always better
Beyond the legal deadline, evidence fades, memories get less reliable, and witnesses become harder to locate the longer you wait. Attorneys generally recommend starting the conversation as soon as possible, even if you're not sure you'll pursue the case — it costs nothing to ask.
Key takeaway
Filing deadlines vary by state and case type, and missing one can permanently end your claim. If time has already passed since the incident, don't assume it's too late — confirm your specific deadline with an attorney right away.