What is Statute of Limitations?
Each state requires that a plaintiff file his or her legal malpractice lawsuit within a specific period of time. This time limit is the statute of limitations in most states. It varies from state to state. Failure to file the suit within that time period will mean that the case will be forever barred. For example, in Washington State, a plaintiff must file his or her lawsuit within three years of the attorneys negligence or within three years from the date the client reasonably should have discovered the attorneys negligence. The statue in other states may be as short as one or two years. If you believe you may have a meritorious claim, you must file your case within the statute of limitations.