In the days, weeks and months following the loss of a friend or family member, it can feel like nothing makes sense to those who are affected by the death. Problems that once seemed important may now feel trivial; time can pass more slowly; addressing complicated or upsetting matters may be all but impossible.
This is undoubtedly a difficult situation and one that will not be resolved overnight. Time and support will be critical in the time after the death of a loved one. However, you need to understand that if you are considering legal action, there is a clock ticking on your options.
Statutes of limitations are in place to establish the length of time people have to take legal action after a particular incident. These limits vary between states and depend on the nature of the legal claims being made. For instance, the statute of limitations can be different for claims in Georgia stemming from medical malpractice, product liability or an incident like a car accident; you could have five years or you could have just two years.
Further, it can be confusing to calculate when the clock actually starts ticking on these limits. Depending on the specific situation, the amount of time you have to file a legal claim may start from the day a person dies or from when the cause of death has been determined.
Considering the fact that all these factors can change and will depend on the details of a specific situation, it will be crucial that you discuss your case with an attorney. Of course people need time to grieve and cope with a loss; however, taking legal action can be a part of your recovery process. It will also be crucial that you do so sooner, rather than later, so that you do not find yourself in a situation where you miss out on legal remedies.
