Lawyers in Yonkers : Statute of Limitations Guide

A statute of limitations establishes a deadline for initiating legal proceedings. In New York, different types of claims have different time limits. For example, personal injury cases typically have a three-year deadline, while contract disputes may have six years. The deadline begins running from the date the cause of action accrues, which is usually when the injury or breach occurs or when the plaintiff discovers the injury. Lawyers in Yonkers regularly advise clients on when their specific statute of limitations clock begins and when it expires.

Missing a statute of limitations deadline is often fatal to a lawsuit. Courts will not hear cases filed after the deadline has passed, regardless of the merits of the claim. This rule applies even if the defendant is clearly liable and the plaintiff has substantial damages. Understanding and tracking these deadlines is essential to preserving your legal remedies. Lawyers in Yonkers maintain detailed tracking systems to ensure that all filing deadlines are met on time.

Personal injury claims, including those arising from car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and premises liability, generally must be filed within three years of the injury. Medical malpractice claims also have a three-year deadline from the date the malpractice is discovered, with a cap of ten years from the date of the negligent act. These deadlines are strict, and courts rarely grant extensions. Lawyers in Yonkers who handle personal injury matters understand the nuances of discovery rules and can help determine when your clock started running.

Contract disputes typically have a six-year statute of limitations under New York law. Property disputes, including those involving real estate transactions and boundary disputes, may have different timelines depending on the specific issue. For matters involving fraud or misrepresentation, the deadline may be shorter or calculated differently. Lawyers in Yonkers advise clients on how these deadlines apply to their particular contractual or property situation.

Criminal statutes of limitations vary significantly by offense type. Felonies generally have longer statutes of limitations than misdemeanors. Sexual offenses have been subject to recent legislative changes that extended or eliminated statutes of limitations in many cases. Additionally, some offenses, such as murder, have no statute of limitations. Related matters, such as statute of limitations for solicitation, require specialized knowledge of New York Penal Law. Lawyers in Yonkers who practice criminal defense stay current with these frequently changing deadlines.

Yonkers has its own City Court, which handles civil cases up to a certain monetary limit and certain criminal matters. Cases exceeding the City Court limit are filed in Westchester County Court. The statute of limitations deadlines are the same regardless of which court hears your case, but the procedural rules and local practices may differ. Lawyers in Yonkers are familiar with filing requirements, local rules, and judicial preferences in both Yonkers City Court and the County Court. Additionally, some cases may be heard in the Supreme Court, which is the trial-level court of general jurisdiction in New York. Each court has specific filing procedures and document requirements that must be followed to ensure your claim is properly preserved.

New York law recognizes certain circumstances under which the statute of limitations clock may be paused or extended, a process called tolling. For example, if the defendant is outside New York State, the time spent out of state does not count toward the statute of limitations. If the plaintiff is under a legal disability, such as being a minor or mentally incapacitated, the deadline may be extended. Courts in Westchester County apply these tolling rules strictly and require clear evidence of the tolling circumstances. Lawyers in Yonkers understand how to identify tolling situations and properly document them to protect your rights.

The statute of limitations typically begins running on the accrual date, which is when the cause of action arises. In most cases, this is when the injury occurs or the breach happens. However, New York recognizes a discovery rule for certain claims, particularly medical malpractice and toxic exposure cases. Under the discovery rule, the statute of limitations begins running when the plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the injury, not when the injury actually occurred. This distinction can significantly extend the time available to file suit. Lawyers in Yonkers help clients determine which rule applies and when their specific deadline falls.

Once you identify the accrual date, you count forward the appropriate number of years. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. The deadline is typically the last day to file the complaint with the court, not the last day to serve the defendant. Filing the complaint before midnight on the deadline date preserves your claim. 

Lawyers in Yonkers maintain calendars with all applicable statutes of limitations and send reminder notices well in advance of approaching deadlines to ensure timely filing.

An experienced attorney will immediately assess your claim and identify the applicable statute of limitations. They will establish internal tracking systems to ensure all deadlines are met. If your deadline is approaching, your lawyer may file a complaint even if investigation is not yet complete, then conduct discovery afterward. In some cases, filing a preliminary claim or notice may preserve your rights while you gather additional information. Lawyers in Yonkers take proactive steps to ensure that procedural deadlines do not prevent you from pursuing legitimate claims.

Statute of limitations law includes numerous exceptions and special rules that vary by claim type and circumstances. For instance, some claims may be subject to contractual limitations periods that differ from statutory ones. Other claims may involve tolling based on the defendant's conduct or the plaintiff's status. Specialized areas like statute of limitations for solicitation require in-depth knowledge of specific statutes. Lawyers in Yonkers research and apply these rules correctly to maximize your legal options and protect your interests.