If you’re injured in Alaska, you generally must file a claim within two years from the date of injury. Should you fail to bring your case to court within this timeframe, you’ll likely be barred from filing it at all. This time limit on your right to pursue compensation is a consequence of Alaska’s civil statute of limitations.
Purpose of the Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations was created to ensure that meritorious lawsuits are either filed within a reasonable period of time, or not at all. This way, evidence will be presented while it is relatively fresh, witnesses are still alive, and memories haven’t been clouded by time.
“Tolling” the Statute of Limitations
Under certain circumstances, fairness dictates that the statute of limitations must be delayed, or tolled, for a period of time. If the plaintiff is aware that an injury has occurred, but he is currently unable to pursue his case, the statute of limitations may be tolled. This typically occurs when the plaintiff is:
- Under the age of 18.
- Filing for bankruptcy protection.
- Mentally incompetent when the injury occurs.
The Discovery Rule
Accidents sometimes lead to injuries that aren’t obvious right away, and it isn’t fair or reasonable to expect a plaintiff to file a lawsuit when he doesn’t know he’s been injured. The discovery rule mandates that the statute of limitations won’t begin until the plaintiff discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury.
You Need a Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in Alaska, you should seek compensation for your injuries right away. Calculating the precise amount of time remaining to pursue your claim can be complicated, since the law considers numerous factors and exceptions. Your attorney can help you determine if your case may still be filed within the applicable statute of limitations. To discover how these laws impact your case, contact the Law Office of Ben Crittenden, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.
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