A statute of limitations is a law in each state that motivates plaintiffs to come forward and submit their claims within a reasonable time. Without a statute of limitations, a plaintiff could potentially wait until 50 years later to bring a claim. Every state has different statutes of limitations. It is important to know and obey your statute of limitations as the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit; otherwise, the county courts will most likely bar you from recovery. Speak to an injury attorney in West Virginia to learn your exact deadline based on your type of case and unique situation.
Criminal and civil statutes of limitations are not the same. Each state has different deadlines for both case types. The statute of limitations on a criminal case determines how long the prosecution has to bring criminal charges against the alleged perpetrator. A civil statute of limitations sets a time limit on how long the injured victim has to file a claim to damages. In West Virginia, civil statutes of limitations change according to case type.
A medical malpractice lawsuit has an additional deadline in West Virginia: a statute of repose. This statute of repose is 10 years from the date of the injury. This is a final deadline, after which no plaintiff may bring a medical malpractice action – even if he or she did not discover the injury until 10 years later. The only client not subject to the 10-year maximum is one who was under age 10 at the time of injury. A minor client under age 10 will have 2 years from the date of his or her 12th birthday to file. The statute of repose limitation does not apply to these cases.
The courts in West Virginia grant limited exceptions to the general rules when it comes to case deadlines. In most scenarios, if you miss your statute of limitations, you give up any right to demand compensation. How a deadline might apply to a case, however, can change depending on the circumstances. Some plaintiffs qualify for exceptions to the typical statutes of limitations.
Do not assume you qualify for an exception. They are rare. Contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an accident or injury to determine your deadline to file. Giving your lawyer enough time to preserve and collect evidence, build a strong case, and prepare your claim for trial can help you win a fair amount of damages. Act quickly if you believe you have grounds for a claim, before you miss your deadline.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
Fill out the form below to get in touch!
