What does "statute of limitations" mean?

The “statute of limitations” refers to a time period or a deadline within which you must either file your claim or lawsuit. Different claims have different statutes of limitations. This date is critical to your case because once it passes, your right to receive compensation will be eliminated in most cases, even if you had not been informed about the deadline. If you were injured due to negligence on the part of a governmental entity, then you may be required to file a “notice of a claim” soon after the accident. This is a significant step in your claim process and the services of a knowledgeable injury lawyer will prove invaluable at this time. The best advice is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney right after you sustain any injuries in order to protect your rights.