Limitation Periods Definition

A limitation period is a law that sets a maximum amount of time that can pass from the occurrence of an event before a claim relating to that event can no longer be made. After the limitation period has expired, the claim is said to be ‘statute-barred’.

There are different types of limitation periods, and they can vary depending on the type of claim being made. For example, in some jurisdictions there may be a different limitation period for personal injury claims than for contract disputes. The concept of a limitation period is based on the idea that there should be a limit to the amount of time that someone has to pursue a legal claim. This ensures that claims are dealt with in a timely manner and gives certainty to defendants who may otherwise have to defend against stale claims.

It is important to note that the running of a limitation period can be suspended in certain circumstances, such as where the claimant is under 18 years of age or suffers from mental illness. In addition, the courts have discretion to extend or shorten limitation periods in certain cases.