A statute of limitations places a limit on the length of time you have to assert your claim against a party who caused you injury. In most personal injury cases, the NJ statute of limitations is set at two years. Once the statute of limitations expires, you no longer have the right to file a lawsuit seeking fair and just compensation for your injuries.
Not all personal injury cases have a two-year window
Many personal injury cases such as auto, truck, or other vehicle accidents fall within the general two-year statute of limitations. But other time limits can apply depending on the circumstances of your case including:
- Medical and other professional malpractice: This type of action must be filed within two years from the date of the act or omission giving rise to the complaint, or two years from the date the injury was, or reasonably should have been, discovered.
- Defamation, Libel, or Slander: One year
- Injury to personal property: Six years
- Intentional torts: One year
- Products liability: If your injury arises out of use of a product, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date you suffered the injury in your complaint, or two years from the date the injury was, or reasonably should have been, discovered.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that you do not miss the statute of limitations for your claim.