The law requires that you file a lawsuit within a specified period of time depending on the nature of the claim and the entity that caused your injury. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. Failure to file suit within this time frame prevents you from filing suit at all. In some instances, there are various exceptions to the statutes of limitation that may extend or limit the limitation periods. There may be special claims presentation requirements. For these reasons, it is important to consult an attorney as early as possible to be sure you don`t miss a crucial deadline.

Medical malpractice claims must generally be brought within two years from the date of injury or from the date the claimant discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury, whichever is later, but not later than ten years after the date of the injury. A cause of action for injury to a minor under the age of ten shall be commenced within two years of the date of such injury, or prior to the minor`s twelfth birthday, whichever provides the longer period. The periods of limitation are tolled for any period during which the health care provider or its representative has committed fraud or collusion by concealing or misrepresenting material facts about the injury.