The Statute Of Limitations Expired: Can I Still Sue?
If you are approaching a lawsuit in New Hampshire, the statute of limitations may prove to be a considerable barrier. This set of laws has the potential to prevent you from suing in certain situations. This means that you might be prevented from receiving any compensation whatsoever. This compensation can be crucial – especially if you’re dealing with considerable medical bills, missed wages, and a range of other losses. So can you still sue if the statute of limitations has expired?
To answer this question, you really need to get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in New Hampshire. Only after extensively reviewing the facts surrounding your claim, can these legal professionals can give you a clear answer, since each case is unique in its own way. Internet research can only get you so far, and a face-to-face consultation can provide you with the legal advice and guidance you need. The truth is that there are some situations in which plaintiffs can sue even after the statute of limitations. But only a lawyer who is familiar with the facts and circumstances of your claim can tell you if you fall into one of these categories.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is a set of laws that prevents people from suing after a certain amount of time has passed. In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally three years (1). This means that you only have three years with which to file your lawsuit after the date of your injury. While three years might seem like a lot of time, these things have a knack of creeping up on you.
Exceptions to the Rule
The key thing to remember about the statute of limitations is that the clock only starts ticking after you become “aware” of your injuries. Now, you might think that there’s no way you could possibly be “unaware” of an injury the moment it happens. But that’s not always true. This key rule forms the basis for many important exceptions to the statute of limitations. If you have experienced any of these situations, you may be able to sue even after the statute of limitations has expired.
- Toxic Exposure: Perhaps the most obvious example of this is a situation involving toxic exposure. For example, a worker in a factory might have been exposed to asbestos (2), lead, or another hazardous material over the course of many years. Years after retirement, they may develop cancer or another disease related to this long-term exposure. In this situation, they may have the opportunity to file a lawsuit because they only became aware of their injury many years after the initial exposure.
- Comas: It is possible to file a lawsuit after waking up from a coma, even many years after the injury.
Book a Consultation with an Attorney Today
For help from a skilled Manchester personal injury attorney, look no further than the Law Office of Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC. We know that a personal injury lawsuit can seem like a daunting ordeal, but the truth is that this entire process can be quite easy with the help of a qualified attorney. During your consultation, we’ll assess your unique situation and determine if you have the opportunity to sue. With our help, you can pursue a fair, adequate settlement for everything you’ve been forced to endure. Book your consultation today.
Source:
courts-state-nh-us.libguides.com/c.php?g=898094&p=6460814
