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Understanding Statutes of Limitations: Your Complete Guide to Legal Filing Deadlines
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once this deadline passes, the claim is typically barred forever, regardless of its merit. Understanding these deadlines is crucial for anyone considering legal action.
Why Filing Deadlines Matter
Missing a statute of limitations deadline is one of the most common and devastating mistakes in civil litigation. Courts strictly enforce these deadlines, and even the strongest case will be dismissed if filed too late. There are very few exceptions to this rule.
The Purpose of Statutes of Limitations
Statutes of limitations serve several important purposes in our legal system:
Preservation of Evidence: Over time, evidence deteriorates, witnesses forget details, and documents get lost. Limitations periods encourage timely filing while evidence is still fresh and reliable.
Fairness to Defendants: People and businesses should not have to defend against claims indefinitely. At some point, potential defendants deserve closure and the ability to move on with their lives.
Judicial Efficiency: Stale claims are harder to adjudicate fairly. By encouraging timely filing, limitations periods help courts resolve disputes more efficiently and accurately.
Encouraging Diligence: Plaintiffs who know they have limited time to act are more likely to investigate their claims promptly and preserve necessary evidence.
How Statutes of Limitations Work
The basic concept is straightforward: the clock starts running when the cause of action "accrues" (typically when the wrongful act occurs or the injury is discovered), and you have a specific number of years to file suit. However, the details can be complex:
When the Clock Starts
In most cases, the limitations period begins when the injury occurs. However, many states recognize the "discovery rule," which delays the start until the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered the injury and its cause. This is particularly important in fraud and medical malpractice cases where the harm may not be immediately apparent.
Calculating the Deadline
If a state has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and your accident occurred on January 15, 2023, you would generally have until January 15, 2025 to file suit. However, various tolling provisions may extend this deadline under certain circumstances.
What "Filing" Means
To meet the deadline, you typically must file your complaint with the court and serve the defendant. Simply sending a demand letter or beginning settlement negotiations does not stop the clock. Make sure you understand exactly what your jurisdiction requires.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
If you file after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can raise it as an affirmative defense. In most cases, this results in immediate dismissal of your case. The court will not consider the merits of your claim, no matter how strong your evidence or how egregious the defendant's conduct.
Important Warning
Always verify the applicable statute of limitations with a licensed attorney. The information in this calculator is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Deadlines can vary based on specific facts, and missing your deadline has permanent consequences.
Using This Calculator
Our Statute of Limitations Calculator helps you estimate your filing deadline based on:
Claim Type: Different claims (personal injury, contracts, fraud, etc.) have different limitation periods.
State: Each state sets its own deadlines, which can vary significantly.
Date of Incident: The date the wrongful act occurred or injury happened.
Discovery Date: If applicable, when you discovered or should have discovered the harm.
Tolling Factors: Circumstances that may pause or extend the deadline.
While this calculator provides useful estimates, it cannot account for all the nuances of your specific situation. Use it as a starting point, then consult with an attorney to confirm your actual deadline.
Types of Legal Claims and Their Filing Deadlines
Different types of civil claims have different statutes of limitations. Understanding which category your claim falls into is the first step in determining your deadline.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims arise when someone's negligence or intentional conduct causes physical harm to another person. These claims typically have relatively short limitation periods, ranging from 1-6 years depending on the state.
Most states have 2-3 year statutes of limitations for personal injury. Notable exceptions include Kentucky and Louisiana (1 year), Maine and North Dakota (6 years), and California (2 years with some exceptions).
Contract Claims
Contract claims arise from breach of an agreement between parties. Many states distinguish between oral (verbal) contracts and written contracts, with written contracts typically having longer limitation periods.
Oral Contracts
Verbal agreements are enforceable but harder to prove and typically have shorter limitation periods (2-6 years in most states). Examples include handshake deals, verbal employment agreements, and informal loan arrangements.
Written Contracts
Signed, written agreements usually have longer limitation periods (4-15 years) because the terms are documented and disputes are easier to resolve. Examples include leases, business contracts, and loan agreements.
Fraud Claims
Fraud occurs when someone intentionally deceives another for financial gain. Because fraud is often concealed, many states apply the discovery rule, starting the clock when the victim discovers or should have discovered the fraud.
Types of Fraud:
Securities fraud and investment schemes
Real estate fraud
Consumer fraud and false advertising
Insurance fraud
Identity theft and financial fraud
Fraudulent concealment
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims have unique rules in most states, including shorter limitation periods, mandatory pre-suit requirements, and damage caps. Many states also have separate rules for when the statute begins to run.
Special Medical Malpractice Rules
Many states require expert certification before filing, mandatory mediation or arbitration, notice to the healthcare provider, or certificates of merit. These requirements can affect your timeline, so consult an attorney immediately if you suspect malpractice.
Medical Malpractice Examples:
Surgical errors and wrong-site surgery
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Medication errors
Birth injuries
Failure to obtain informed consent
Hospital negligence
Employment Claims
Employment claims often involve multiple potential deadlines because some claims require administrative filing before a lawsuit can be brought.
Key Employment Deadlines:
EEOC Complaints: 180 or 300 days for federal discrimination claims
State Agency Complaints: Varies by state (often 180-365 days)
Wrongful Termination: State statute of limitations applies
Wage Claims: Often 2-3 years, sometimes longer for willful violations
FMLA Claims: 2 years (3 years for willful violations)
Property Damage
Property damage claims cover harm to real estate or personal property. These can arise from negligence, intentional acts, or breach of contract.
Examples:
Vehicle damage from accidents
Property damage from construction defects
Trespass and encroachment
Vandalism and malicious destruction
Damage from defective products
Defamation
Defamation claims (libel for written statements, slander for spoken) typically have very short limitation periods, often just 1-2 years. This reflects the fleeting nature of reputational harm and the importance of timely correction.
Defamation is Time-Sensitive
If you believe you've been defamed, act quickly. With limitation periods often just 1-2 years (or even shorter in some states), you may have less time than you think. Evidence like social media posts can also disappear quickly.
Statute of Limitations by State: A Comprehensive Reference
Every state sets its own statutes of limitations for civil claims. The differences can be dramatic - a personal injury claim might have a 6-year deadline in Maine but only a 1-year deadline in Louisiana. Understanding your state's specific rules is essential.
Why State Laws Differ
Each state's legislature decides what limitation periods are appropriate based on policy considerations, historical practice, and local legal culture. Some states favor plaintiffs with longer deadlines, while others favor defendants with shorter ones. There's no federal standard for most civil claims.
Which State's Law Applies?
Generally, the statute of limitations of the state where the incident occurred applies. However, "choice of law" issues can arise when:
The incident occurred in one state but the plaintiff lives in another
The defendant is located in a different state
A contract specifies which state's law governs
The harm was suffered in multiple states
Borrowing Statutes
Many states have "borrowing statutes" that may apply another state's shorter limitation period in certain circumstances. This is designed to prevent forum shopping by plaintiffs seeking longer deadlines.
State-by-State Personal Injury Deadlines
State
Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Written Contract
Alabama
2 years
2 years
6 years
Alaska
2 years
2 years
3 years
Arizona
2 years
2 years
6 years
Arkansas
3 years
2 years
5 years
California
2 years
3 years
4 years
Colorado
2 years
2 years
6 years
Connecticut
2 years
2 years
6 years
Delaware
2 years
2 years
3 years
Florida
4 years
2 years
5 years
Georgia
2 years
2 years
6 years
Hawaii
2 years
2 years
6 years
Idaho
2 years
2 years
5 years
Illinois
2 years
2 years
10 years
Indiana
2 years
2 years
10 years
Iowa
2 years
2 years
10 years
Kansas
2 years
2 years
5 years
Kentucky
1 year
1 year
15 years
Louisiana
1 year
1 year
10 years
Maine
6 years
3 years
6 years
Maryland
3 years
5 years
3 years
Massachusetts
3 years
3 years
6 years
Michigan
3 years
2 years
6 years
Minnesota
2 years
4 years
6 years
Mississippi
3 years
2 years
3 years
Missouri
5 years
2 years
10 years
Montana
3 years
3 years
8 years
Nebraska
4 years
2 years
5 years
Nevada
2 years
3 years
6 years
New Hampshire
3 years
2 years
3 years
New Jersey
2 years
2 years
6 years
New Mexico
3 years
3 years
6 years
New York
3 years
2.5 years
6 years
North Carolina
3 years
3 years
3 years
North Dakota
6 years
2 years
6 years
Ohio
2 years
1 year
8 years
Oklahoma
2 years
2 years
5 years
Oregon
2 years
2 years
6 years
Pennsylvania
2 years
2 years
4 years
Rhode Island
3 years
3 years
10 years
South Carolina
3 years
3 years
3 years
South Dakota
3 years
2 years
6 years
Tennessee
1 year
1 year
6 years
Texas
2 years
2 years
4 years
Utah
4 years
2 years
6 years
Vermont
3 years
3 years
6 years
Virginia
2 years
2 years
5 years
Washington
3 years
3 years
6 years
West Virginia
2 years
2 years
10 years
Wisconsin
3 years
3 years
6 years
Wyoming
4 years
2 years
10 years
D.C.
3 years
3 years
3 years
States with Shortest Deadlines
If your incident occurred in one of these states, time is especially critical:
Kentucky: Only 1 year for personal injury and medical malpractice
Louisiana: Only 1 year for most tort claims
Tennessee: Only 1 year for personal injury
Ohio: Only 1 year for medical malpractice
States with Longest Deadlines
These states provide more time to file:
Maine: 6 years for personal injury
North Dakota: 6 years for personal injury
Missouri: 5 years for personal injury
Kentucky: 15 years for written contracts (despite short injury deadline)
Tolling: When the Statute of Limitations Clock Stops
Tolling refers to the legal suspension or pausing of the statute of limitations period. Under certain circumstances, the clock stops running, giving the plaintiff additional time to file suit. Understanding tolling rules can mean the difference between preserving and losing your claim.
Common Tolling Situations
1. Plaintiff is a Minor
In almost every state, the statute of limitations is tolled while the plaintiff is a minor (under 18). The clock typically doesn't start running until the person turns 18. This recognizes that minors cannot bring lawsuits on their own behalf and may not understand their legal rights.
Minor Tolling Example
If a 10-year-old is injured in a state with a 2-year personal injury statute, the deadline wouldn't be 2 years from the accident. Instead, the clock would start on the child's 18th birthday, giving them until age 20 to file suit.
Important Exceptions:
Many states have absolute deadlines (statutes of repose) that cannot be extended
Medical malpractice claims often have special rules for minors
Claims against government entities may have shorter, non-tollable deadlines
Some states limit how long tolling can extend the deadline
2. Mental Incapacity
If the plaintiff is mentally incapacitated at the time of the injury, most states will toll the statute until:
The incapacity is removed (the person regains capacity)
A guardian or conservator is appointed
The person dies (allowing the estate to pursue the claim)
The definition of "mental incapacity" varies by state but generally means the person is unable to manage their own affairs or understand the nature of legal proceedings.
3. Defendant Absence from State
Many states toll the statute of limitations while the defendant is absent from the state. This prevents defendants from evading liability by simply leaving the jurisdiction.
Requirements typically include:
The defendant must have actually left the state
The plaintiff must have been unable to serve the defendant
Modern long-arm statutes may limit this tolling
4. Fraudulent Concealment
If the defendant actively conceals their wrongdoing, many states will toll the statute until the plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the fraud. This prevents wrongdoers from benefiting from their own deception.
Fraudulent Concealment Requirements
To invoke fraudulent concealment tolling, you typically must show: (1) the defendant actively concealed facts, (2) the plaintiff exercised reasonable diligence, and (3) the plaintiff did not know or could not have known about the claim.
5. Continuing Violation
When wrongful conduct continues over time, the statute may not begin until the last act of the violation. This is common in:
Employment discrimination (ongoing hostile work environment)
Nuisance claims (continuing interference with property)
6. Equitable Tolling
Courts sometimes apply equitable tolling when strict enforcement of the deadline would be unjust. This is rare and typically requires:
Extraordinary circumstances beyond the plaintiff's control
Due diligence in pursuing the claim
No prejudice to the defendant
When Tolling Doesn't Apply
Tolling provisions have limits. They typically do NOT apply when:
The plaintiff simply didn't know about the deadline
The plaintiff was too busy or didn't have money for an attorney
An absolute statute of repose has expired
The claim is against a government entity with non-tollable deadlines
The defendant was available for service despite absence
Proving Tolling
The burden is usually on the plaintiff to prove that tolling applies. This may require:
Medical records (for mental incapacity)
Birth certificates (for minority)
Evidence of defendant's absence (for absence tolling)
Evidence of concealment (for fraudulent concealment)
The Discovery Rule: When the Clock Really Starts
The discovery rule is one of the most important exceptions to traditional statute of limitations analysis. It delays the start of the limitations period until the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury and its cause.
Why the Discovery Rule Exists
The traditional rule was that the statute began running when the wrongful act occurred or when the injury happened, regardless of whether the plaintiff knew about it. This created harsh results in cases where:
The injury wasn't immediately apparent (latent diseases, slow-developing conditions)
The cause wasn't obvious (defective products, medical errors)
The wrongdoing was concealed (fraud, fiduciary breaches)
The discovery rule addresses these situations by starting the clock when the plaintiff has enough information to know they may have a claim.
How the Discovery Rule Works
The Two-Part Test
Most states apply a two-part inquiry:
Discovery of Injury: When did the plaintiff discover (or should have discovered) that they were injured?
Discovery of Cause: When did the plaintiff discover (or should have discovered) what caused the injury?
The statute typically begins when both elements are known or should have been known.
Discovery Rule Example
A patient has surgery in 2020. In 2022, they develop complications and learn a surgical tool was left inside them. Even though the negligent act occurred in 2020, the discovery rule may start the clock in 2022 when the patient learned about the injury and its cause.
Claims Where Discovery Rule Commonly Applies
Medical Malpractice
Medical errors often aren't immediately apparent. A misdiagnosis might not be discovered until years later when a second opinion is sought. The discovery rule is widely applied in these cases.
Fraud Claims
By its nature, fraud involves concealment. It would be unfair to start the clock while the defendant is actively hiding their misconduct. Most states apply the discovery rule to fraud claims.
Product Liability (Latent Defects)
Defective products may not cause harm for years. Asbestos exposure, for example, can take decades to cause disease. The discovery rule protects plaintiffs in these cases.
Environmental Contamination
Pollution and toxic exposure cases often involve injuries that develop slowly over time. The discovery rule allows claims for injuries that weren't immediately apparent.
Legal Malpractice
Clients may not realize their attorney made an error until the underlying case is resolved or they consult another lawyer. The discovery rule is often applied.
The "Should Have Discovered" Standard
The discovery rule isn't unlimited. It incorporates an objective standard: the clock starts when the plaintiff knew OR reasonably should have known about the injury and its cause. This means:
Plaintiffs cannot bury their heads in the sand
Obvious warning signs trigger the duty to investigate
Information that would lead a reasonable person to investigate starts the clock
Willful ignorance or unreasonable delay is not protected
States Without Discovery Rule
While most states recognize the discovery rule in some form, application varies:
Some states apply it only to certain claim types
Some states have codified it by statute while others apply it through case law
Some states have strict occurrence rules for certain claims
Statutes of Repose
Even with the discovery rule, many states have "statutes of repose" that create absolute deadlines regardless of when discovery occurs. For example, a state might allow the discovery rule but impose a 10-year absolute deadline from the date of the act.
Discovery Rule vs. Statute of Repose
The discovery rule delays the start of the limitations period. A statute of repose creates an absolute deadline that cannot be extended regardless of discovery. Both may apply to the same claim, and the plaintiff must file before either deadline expires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Statutes of Limitations
Get answers to the most common questions about legal filing deadlines and how they affect your right to sue.
If you miss the statute of limitations deadline, you generally lose your right to sue forever. The defendant can raise the expired statute as an affirmative defense, and the court will dismiss your case without considering its merits. There are very limited exceptions, such as tolling provisions or equitable estoppel, but these are difficult to prove and rarely successful. This is why it's critical to act promptly and consult an attorney early.
Yes, in certain circumstances. The statute may be "tolled" (paused) for reasons like: the plaintiff being a minor or mentally incapacitated, the defendant being absent from the state, fraudulent concealment by the defendant, or the discovery rule applying to delay the start date. However, many states have absolute deadlines (statutes of repose) that cannot be extended under any circumstances. The availability and scope of these extensions varies significantly by state and claim type.
Generally, the statute of limitations of the state where the incident occurred applies. However, "choice of law" issues can arise when multiple states are involved (e.g., the plaintiff lives in one state, the defendant in another, and the incident occurred in a third). Many states also have "borrowing statutes" that may apply another state's shorter limitation period. Contract cases may be governed by the state specified in the contract. These issues can be complex and often require attorney analysis.
Claims against government entities often have much shorter deadlines and additional requirements. Many states require filing a notice of claim within 30-180 days before you can sue. Federal claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act have a 2-year statute of limitations but require administrative exhaustion first. These deadlines are often strictly enforced and tolling provisions may not apply. If your claim involves a government entity, consult an attorney immediately.
The discovery rule delays the start of the statute of limitations until the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury and its cause. This is particularly important in cases where the harm isn't immediately apparent, such as medical malpractice, fraud, or latent product defects. Most states recognize some form of the discovery rule, but its application varies. Note that the rule includes an objective component - it starts when you "should have" discovered the harm, not just when you actually did.
In most states, the statute of limitations is tolled (paused) while the plaintiff is a minor. The clock typically starts running when the person turns 18. For example, if a child is injured at age 10 in a state with a 2-year personal injury statute, they would generally have until age 20 to file suit. However, many states have absolute deadlines that apply regardless of age, and claims against government entities may have non-tollable deadlines. A parent or guardian can file on behalf of a minor at any time during the minority.
When a defendant files for bankruptcy, an automatic stay goes into effect that temporarily prevents most lawsuits against them. The statute of limitations is typically tolled during this period. However, you may need to file a proof of claim in the bankruptcy proceeding to preserve your rights. The interaction between bankruptcy law and state statutes of limitations can be complex, so consult an attorney if your potential defendant has filed for bankruptcy.
No. Sending a demand letter, beginning settlement negotiations, or even hiring an attorney does NOT stop or pause the statute of limitations. The clock keeps running until you actually file your lawsuit with the court (and in some jurisdictions, serve the defendant). Many people mistakenly believe that taking preliminary steps buys them time, but this is not the case. Don't wait until the last minute to file, as unexpected delays can cause you to miss the deadline.
In many states, contracts can include provisions that shorten (but usually not eliminate) the statute of limitations for claims arising under the contract. These provisions are generally enforceable if reasonable. However, some states prohibit or limit such provisions, particularly in consumer contracts. The enforceability depends on state law, the type of contract, and whether the shortened period is reasonable. Read your contracts carefully for any limitation of actions clauses.
A statute of limitations sets a deadline that begins when the cause of action accrues (usually when the injury occurs or is discovered). Tolling provisions can extend this deadline. A statute of repose sets an absolute deadline measured from a specific event (like the date of a product's manufacture or the completion of construction), regardless of when the injury occurs or is discovered. Statutes of repose cannot be tolled and create a complete bar even if the plaintiff hasn't yet been injured.
Employment discrimination claims have multiple deadlines. For federal claims (Title VII, ADA, ADEA), you must first file with the EEOC within 180 days (or 300 days if your state has a fair employment agency). After receiving a right-to-sue letter, you have 90 days to file in federal court. State discrimination claims have their own deadlines. Wage and hour claims under the FLSA have a 2-year statute (3 years for willful violations). These overlapping deadlines make it essential to act quickly and consult an employment attorney.
Yes, but criminal statutes of limitations are separate from civil ones. This calculator addresses civil claims only. Criminal limitations periods vary by offense severity, with many serious felonies having no statute of limitations at all. A criminal prosecution being time-barred does not affect your ability to bring a civil lawsuit for the same conduct, and vice versa. The two proceed independently under different deadlines.
The discovery rule may help. Many states start the statute of limitations when you discover (or should discover) the injury and its cause, not when the product was used or purchased. However, many states also have statutes of repose that create absolute deadlines regardless of when symptoms appear. For example, a state might have a 2-year statute of limitations with a 10-year statute of repose - so if symptoms appear 12 years after purchase, the claim is barred. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.
Yes, you can often sue in a different state if you have personal jurisdiction over the defendant there. However, which state's statute of limitations applies depends on choice of law rules. If you're a resident of State A injured in State B by a defendant from State C, multiple statutes might potentially apply. Courts use various tests to determine which state's law governs. Additionally, some states have borrowing statutes that apply another state's shorter deadline. This analysis requires legal expertise.
If your deadline is approaching, take immediate action: (1) Contact an attorney TODAY - many offer consultations and can act quickly if needed. (2) Gather all documentation you have (photos, medical records, contracts, communications). (3) Identify potential defendants and witnesses. (4) Be prepared for the possibility that suit may need to be filed quickly, even before investigation is complete. (5) Don't wait or assume you have more time than you do.
Generally, engaging in mediation or arbitration does NOT automatically toll the statute of limitations unless there's a specific agreement or statute providing for tolling. Some contracts require arbitration before litigation and may toll the limitations period during arbitration. If you're in dispute resolution proceedings as your deadline approaches, you should either file a protective lawsuit or get a written agreement from the other side to toll the statute. Don't assume the clock has stopped.
Unfortunately, ignorance of your legal rights generally does not toll the statute of limitations. The law expects people to be aware of their rights and to investigate potential claims. The discovery rule may help if you didn't know about the injury or its cause, but simply not knowing you could sue for a known injury is not grounds for extension. This is why it's important to consult an attorney early if you've been harmed, even if you're unsure whether you have a valid claim.
This calculator provides general estimates based on standard statutes of limitations for common claim types. However, it cannot account for all variables that may affect your specific deadline, including: special rules for certain defendants (government entities, healthcare providers), specific procedural requirements, choice of law issues, all possible tolling provisions, recent changes in law, or factual nuances of your case. Always verify your deadline with a licensed attorney before relying on it. Use this calculator as a starting point, not a definitive answer.
Preserve everything potentially relevant to your claim: photographs, videos, documents, contracts, communications (emails, texts, letters), medical records, receipts, witness contact information, and any physical evidence. As time passes, evidence disappears and memories fade. Even if you're unsure whether something is relevant, keep it. Create a timeline of events. If electronic evidence is involved, make sure it's backed up. Evidence preservation can be as important as meeting the deadline itself.
Yes, a defendant can waive the statute of limitations defense, but this is rare. A defendant might agree in writing to extend the deadline (a "tolling agreement") during settlement negotiations. However, the defendant has no obligation to agree, and verbal promises are difficult to enforce. If you need more time, get any extension agreement in writing. Note that a defendant who doesn't raise the statute of limitations defense in their answer may waive it, but this is usually caught by defense attorneys.
Schedule a Legal Consultation
Calculating your statute of limitations deadline is just the first step. To fully understand your legal rights and options, you should consult with a qualified attorney who can:
Verify the exact deadline for your specific situation
Identify all applicable tolling provisions
Evaluate the strength of your potential claim
Explain any special requirements or procedures
Advise on evidence preservation and investigation
Discuss settlement possibilities and litigation strategy
Why Consult Early?
The sooner you consult an attorney, the more options you have. Early consultation allows time for proper investigation, evidence preservation, and strategic planning. Don't wait until your deadline is approaching - by then, important opportunities may have been lost.
Book Your 30-Minute Consultation
Speak with an experienced attorney about your potential claim. No obligation, completely confidential.
What to Prepare for Your Consultation
To make the most of your consultation, gather the following information beforehand:
Timeline: Dates of key events (incident, discovery of harm, communications)
Documentation: Any relevant documents, photos, or records
Parties: Names and contact information for potential defendants and witnesses
Damages: Information about your injuries, losses, and expenses
Prior Actions: Any steps already taken (demand letters, reports, insurance claims)
Questions: List of specific questions you want answered
Confidentiality
Communications with an attorney during a consultation are protected by attorney-client privilege. You can speak freely about your situation without worrying that your statements will be used against you. The attorney cannot share what you discuss without your permission.
What Happens After the Consultation
After your consultation, the attorney will typically:
Provide an assessment of your potential claim
Explain your legal options and recommended next steps
Discuss fee arrangements if you decide to proceed
Answer any follow-up questions you may have
There's no obligation to hire the attorney after the consultation. You're free to seek other opinions or decide not to proceed. However, if your deadline is approaching, make sure to factor that into your decision timeline.
Related Demand Letters
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