Maybe your back is still sore from when you got rear-ended on I-65 a year ago. Or maybe you just found out that the repair shop didn’t replace your bumper properly. Could you have a legal case for damages against the other driver? What about against the auto shop? As it turns out, even if you have a case there a deadline for filing in court, or the issue could be moot. This is an introduction to civil statutes of limitation in Alabama.
Civil Statutes of Limitation
All states have statutes of limitations that set a final deadline for filing lawsuits and other civil actions. Depending on the type of case, the statute of limitations laws in the Yellowhammer State range from six months to 20 years. This “statutory clock†starts ticking on the date of the incident or the discovery of the harm.
Statutes of Limitation in Alabama
Civil statutes of limitations in Alabama are highlighted in the table below.
| Code Provisions | Alabama Code 6-2-1, et. seq: Limitation of Actions, General Provisions and Time Provisions |
| Injury to Person | Under a contract: 6 yrs.; In general 2 yrs. |
| Libel/Slander | 2 yrs. |
| Fraud | 2 yrs. from accrual of action (discovery) |
| Injury to Personal Property | Negligence: 2 yrs; Trespass: 6 yrs. |
| Professional Malpractice | Alabama Code 6-5-482: Medical Liability: 2 yrs. |
| Trespass | 6 yrs. |
| Collection of Rents | 6 yrs. |
| Contracts | Written: 10 yrs. if under seal; 6 yrs. if not; Oral: 6 yrs. |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 yrs. stated liquidated account; 3 yrs. open unliquidated account |
| Judgments | 20 yrs. |
Statute of limitations laws are in place create as much fairness and practicability as possible when it comes to filing lawsuits. They are designed so that a person doesn’t have an unfinished legal matter hanging over his or her head indefinitely. Meanwhile, the injured party is given a specific amount of time to decide whether or not to file a legal claim in order to recover for their damages. Statutes of limitation are the legal system’s attempt to create a definitive deadline for every legal conflict so that all parties involved can plan accordingly.
Related Resources for Alabama Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
Even a good case could be barred from court if it is filed past the legal deadline. You can contact an Alabama personal injury attorney if you would like legal assistance with a possible lawsuit or statute of limitations matter. You can also visit FindLaw’s statute of limitations section for additional articles and information on this topic.
Don't Miss Important Filing Deadlines: Contact an Attorney Today
Even the best injury cases must be filed before the legal deadline. While you only have a specific amount of time to decide, you don't have to sort through the legal red tape by yourself. If you have a personal injury or business matter that deserves compensation, you should contact an Alabama litigation attorney today to protect your rights to restitution through the legal process.
