In New York, every kind of case has a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the deadline for starting a lawsuit. In particular, it is the deadline to file the papers to start the suit. If the lawsuit is not started before the statute of limitations expires, any claim will not be heard in court. It will be dismissed. Statutes of limitations can be as short as one year. Some statutes of limitations are as long as 6 years. In general, the statute of limitations for a negligence case in New York is three years. You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. When people consult with me about their case and the statute has expired, I wonder why they have waited so long. If the statute has expired, it is too late and you have no rights.
Contact The Law Offices of Daniel A. Kalish for quality legal services regarding personal injury matters, wrongful death claims, and legal malpractice. Our New York firm serves White Plains, Westchester County, and the Bronx. If you need our help, contact our White Plains law office for a free consultation.