Every legal claim has an expiration date. If you don't file your lawsuit before the "statute" runs out, you lose your right to sue forever.
Most common litigation categories by state.
| State | Injury | Contract |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2 | 4 |
| New York | 3 | 6 |
| Texas | 2 | 4 |
| Florida | 2 | 5 |
| Illinois | 2 | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 4 |
* This is a simplified list. Contract deadlines vary between oral and written agreements. Injury deadlines can be shorter for certain claims (like medical malpractice).