Litigation · 5 min read
Deadlines that quietly end legal claims
Limitation periods, notice requirements, and why waiting is the most common way a strong claim becomes unusable.
Limitation periods
Nearly every type of claim has a deadline for filing. The period varies by claim type and by jurisdiction, and it can be much shorter than people expect, particularly for claims against public bodies.
Notice requirements
Some claims require a formal notice long before a suit is filed. Missing that notice can bar the claim entirely even if the limitation period has not expired.
When the clock starts
The clock may begin at the harmful act, at the date the harm was discovered, or at the end of an ongoing course of conduct. The starting point is often contested.
What to do
If you think you may have a claim, get the dates reviewed early. Preservation of evidence and a calendar of deadlines should be the first work done on any dispute.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.