Statutes of Limitations in Illinois – Part One
Defining “Statutes of Limitations”
A common phrase heard in a personal injury case is “Statute of Limitations”. Chicago personal injury attorneys rely on the statutes of limitations as defined by law in Illinois. These are the laws that regulate the deadline or maximum period of time in which a lawsuit may be filed. The deadlines vary depending on the type of case, especially against whom it is filed. If a lawsuit is not filed within the time period designated, the right to file is forfeited. There are very few circumstances in which the deadline may be extended.
If you have a question about the statutes of limitations for a particular case in Illinois, personal injury lawyers can help you understand the legal guidelines.
As a general rule, the statutes of limitations in personal injury cases are as follows:
- General Injury (such as an auto accident) – 2 years
- Against the CTA – notice in 6 months (filed by attorney); claim filed within 1 year
- Against the city or other public entity – within 1 year
- Against a general contractor on a construction site – 4 years
- Products liability (against the manufacturer of a product) – 2 years
- Premises liability (against a property owner) – 2 years
- Workers compensation – 3 years
The most common statute of limitations for a personal injury case is 2 years. But if you are curious about a specific situation, you should contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer. He or she will be familiar with the guidelines for each type of case and can typically offer you free advice. Remember, by contacting a Chicago personal injury attorney right away, you can avoid missing any crucial deadlines which would prevent you from seeking any compensation.
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