The law of each state sets deadlines by which you must file your lawsuit. These are called Statutes of Limitations. For example, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits in Pennsylvania is two years. They are usually calculated either from the date of your injury or from the date you discovered an injury that was not immediately obvious. (They may also be extended for minors and people with certain disabilities.) Statutes of limitations are different in each state and often change according to the type of case you have, but all of them are strict deadlines. That is, if you wait too long, you will not be able to pursue your case, no matter how strong it is. One of the first things your lawyer will do after learning about your case is calculate the statute of limitations that applies, and take any action necessary to preserve your right to sue.

There are also legal deadlines that apply in certain specific circumstances. For example, if you plan to sue a government agency, you are frequently required to give that agency notice within a relatively short period of time, or file an administrative complaint, before you may sue. Because these deadlines can be as short as 30 days, and because missing them can take away your right to sue, it is essential to learn about them and take action as quickly as possible. This is one reason why personal injury lawyers prefer to meet you as soon as is practical after your accident.