New York Statutes of Limitations
When you have been the victim of a civil or criminal incident, it's of the utmost importance that you speak with legal representatives. By getting legal help, you'll be able to hold the negligent or criminal party responsible for what they've done and receive just compensation for any losses and/or injuries sustained. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you, providing legal counsel that will prove invaluable.
With this in mind, we should point out that there is a window of time in which legal actions can be initiated. We'd like to focus on this particular matter right now as this has a bearing on many cases that our clients face.
What is a statute of limitations?
The statute of limitations is that window of time during which a legal action can be filed. A person cannot file a legal action outside of this permitted window of time.
Why are statutes of limitations in place?
Statutes of limitations may seem like impediments to the law and to victims of crimes, but they are actually put in place in order to ensure fairness in the legal system. In essence, statutes of limitations help ensure:
- The integrity of any physical evidence is sound
- Witness testimony isn't altered as a result of memory
- Additional investigations can still be conducted regarding the involved parties
There are some cases in which statutes of limitations do not apply. Let's briefly look over some of these issues regarding civil and criminal matters in the state of New York.
Statutes of Limitations In Civil Matters
The following are statutes of limitations in civil matters in the state of New York:
- Personal injury (general) - 3 years
- Product liability - 3 years
- Medical malpractice - 2.5 years
- Wrongful death - 2 years
- Contract breaches - 6 years
- Fraud - 6 years
- Libel and slander - 1 year
Should any of civil matters apply to you, it's important that you get in touch with our personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys as soon as possible.
Statutes of Limitations In Criminal Matters
The following are statutes of limitations in criminal matters in the state of New York:
- Murder (first and second degree) - No time limit
- Rape - No time limit
- Manslaughter (first and second degree) - 5 years
- Assault - 2 to 5 years
- Kidnapping - No time limit, or 5 years (varies based on circumstances of case)
- Arson - No time limit, or 2 to 5 years (varies based on circumstances of case)
It's imperative that you contact the authorities and then speak with legal representation should any of the above criminal matter apply to you or a loved one.
Do Not Delay When It Comes to Legal Cases
While these time limits seem to be reasonable and offer a certain amount of time to wait to file a claim, it's important that you act as soon as possible regarding your case. By getting the legal system working for you sooner rather than later, you can help ensure a better outcome.
Speak with Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys
To learn more about your legal options, be sure to contact our New York personal injury lawyers today. When you meet with our attorneys, we will be sure to provide you with sound legal counsel as well as peace of mind each step of the way. We are here for you and your loved ones in your time of need.