How Does the Statute of Limitations Work in a Maritime Injury Case?

As a legal concept dealt with in many movies, television shows, and high-profile cases, most people are already familiar with the statute of limitations. However, discovering just what those limitations are—and navigating the challenges of each individual criminal or civil case—is a lot more difficult.

Part of the problem is that the statute of limitations may be delayed, extended, or paused through a doctrine known as “tolling.” Typical examples for tolls include the defendant already being imprisoned, bankrupt, or not physically present in the jurisdiction, and they often vary in applicability and length from state to state and even from case to case.

As a result of this confusion, especially in regards to maritime civil law, a nationwide statute came into effect in 1980 called The Uniform Statute of Limitations for Maritime Torts. This aimed to do away with tolling, remove confusion, and bind each state to a rigid definition of limits.

While this has made filing some personal injury claims more straightforward, it doesn’t necessarily cover all cases. Not sure if it applies to you? Don’t know what limitations your case might have? Read this infographic and contact us for a free case assessment.