statutes of limitations for product liability cases vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of claim being pursued. A statute of limitations is a legal time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed. If a lawsuit is not filed within the specified time period, the plaintiff may lose their right to seek compensation for their injuries or damages.
In general, product liability cases fall under personal injury or tort law, and the statutes of limitations for these cases are typically determined by state law. While the specific time limits may differ, most states have statutes of limitations ranging from one to six years for product liability claims.
The time period for filing a product liability lawsuit usually begins from the date of the injury or the discovery of the injury. Some states follow the “discovery rule,” which means that the statute of limitations starts running from the date the plaintiff discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury or its connection to the product.
It is important to note that different states may have different statutes of limitations for different types of product liability claims. For instance, some states may have separate time limits for claims based on negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty. Additionally, some states may have shorter time limits for claims against government entities or medical device manufacturers.
It is crucial for potential plaintiffs to be aware of the applicable statute of limitations in their jurisdiction and act promptly to file a lawsuit within the prescribed time frame. Failing to do so can result in the dismissal of the case, barring the plaintiff from seeking compensation.