What Everyone Ought to Know About The Statute of Limitations

(Newswire.net — January 25, 2016) Philadelphia, PA — A recent Philadelphia court case highlighted the importance of the state’s statute of limitations on civil rights issues when a would-be firefighter who felt unfairly discriminated against for employment discovered that 413 days is far too long for the courts to wait. Jamar Kellam, the judge found, waited for more than twice the allowable time limit—180 days—to file his discrimination charge against the city’s Streets Department. Understanding the concept and details of statutes of limitations can help plaintiffs decide if they want to advance a legal case or pursue other remedies. Limitations for filing grievances, complaints and lawsuits vary according to statutes enacted by the state Legislature. Civil cases have differing time limits based on the defendant’s position as a private citizen or government entity. A competent, experienced personal injury attorney is an individual’s best ally in understanding the complexities of Pennsylvania’s statutes of limitations. 

Legal cases operate under statutes of limitations or standing laws passed by Pennsylvania’s Legislature that limit the time for a person to bring legal action to protest a problem. In Pennsylvania, knowing the various statutes of limitations for civil complaints can help guide you—or even spur you on—in taking action if you feel you have been wronged. Protecting your rights means understanding the statutes of limitations affecting your case. 

Civil Actions

Suppose you are injured by a privately owned vehicle in Pennsylvania. Under Pennsylvania’s Statutes, you have two years to bring suit. If, however, you are struck by a city-owned vehicle, your personal injury attorney may tell you that you have a mere six months to bring a case. These are confusing issues that underline the importance of having an experienced personal injury lawyer or on your side. 

Ticking Clock

Other civil actions have different time limitations: 

• Six months—Property damage or an individual’s death or injury caused by a government unit, including civil rights violations
• One year—Libel, slander, invasion of privacy and bond actions
• Two years—False arrest, assault and battery, wrongful death (not by a government agency), damage to property, trespassing, legal or medical malpractice, product liability and fraud
• Four years—Contracts (oral or written), court judgments and identity theft  

Other issues have statutes of limitations of five, six, 15, 20 or 21 years. Only by consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can you know which statutes apply to your situation. The statutes have some peculiar carve-outs for landscape architects, construction projects, and land surveyors. 

Ginsburg & Associates can provide you with a personal injury attorney or civil rights attorney who knows the impact of the statutes of limitations. Contact their offices today to discuss the ticking timeline of your case, and your options for the swift application of justice. You may have only months to act.