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Waiting Too Long To File Suit May Bar Recovery

Malpractice Reported As A Leading Cause of Death in the United States

Frequently Asked Questions About Malpractice

Waiting Too Long To Pursue Your Claim Can Bar Your Recovery

If you have been injured due to the wrongful actions of another, beware! The clock is ticking. Generally speaking, a legal doctrine called "statute of limitations" provides that you must bring your claim (file a lawsuit) within a specified timeframe, or forever be barred from pursuing such claim. The time periods can vary significantly depending upon the jurisdiction, the type of case, the plaintiff, and other factors.

Many exceptions and caveats have developed over the years in certain jurisdictions which make the calculation of these time periods can be exceedingly complicated. Therefore, it is highly advisable to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to help you determine when the deadline is for you to file your lawsuit.

Beyond the "statute of limitations", many jurisdictions place additional deadlines on claims brought against certain types of entities. For instance, in a number of states, additional deadlines exist for persons seeking to assert a claim against a governmental unit. These deadlines require that the claimant put the government "on notice" of the claim much sooner than the statute of limitations requires that a lawsuit be filed (in some cases just a matter of months after the incident giving rise to the claim). If notice is not given, the claim is barred. This example illustrates the importance of acting quickly to obtain competent legal counsel to guide you through this legal minefield.

Besides the consequences of missing a filing deadline, there are other important reasons not to delay in pursuing a personal injury claim. The sooner an attorney is hired, the soon he or she can begin investigating the facts, interviewing witnesses, and otherwise set about obtaining and preserving important evidence to be used in pursing your case. Otherwise, witnesses' memories tend to fade and crucial evidence can be lost or destroyed.



		*Facts and Figures*
	▪ 1 out of 9 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. ▪ Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death for all women and the leading cause of death in women ages 40-55. ▪ About 85% of women whose breast cancer is detected before it has spread to the axillary nodes will survive at least 5 years. ▪ Delay in diagnosis of breast cancer is the #1 basis for medical malpractice lawsuits in the U.S.

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Indianapolis Office
(888)922-2889
(317)805-4787
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Indianapolis, IN 46240

Licensed by the Supreme Courts of Indiana and Texas. National representation may accomplished in association with local counsel, with no additional legal fees charged to you and upon approval of court, if suit is filed.

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