The Statute of Limitations - How Long Is It?

I have been asked this a lot lately. People always want to know how long they have to sue. In legalese, which I hate, we call it the Statute of Limitations. This list is not complete and you should not rely on it, but I am providing some general guidelines to follow. Your case may be different and you should consult with an attorney about your specific case.

That being said, the statute of limitations is generally two years. However, if the responsible person or entity is a government entity, different time frames may apply. Against a state, county or local entity, you generally have six months to file a claim. Against the federal government, it is 2 years to file the claim.

Is that clear as mud? I hope so. Of course, figuring out who the proper defendants are, and what type of entity they are is the trick. That is why you should seek legal counsel quickly so that you can at least understand your rights and what time limits may apply to your case.