If you’ve been injured by a defective product in Oklahoma, you may wonder how much time you have to take legal action. Understanding the time limits is crucial to protecting your rights. In Oklahoma, like in many other states, there are specific statutes of limitations that govern how long you can wait before filing a product liability claim.
What is the statute of limitations for product liability in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally two years from the date of injury or harm. This means you have two years from the moment you’re injured by a defective product to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your chance to seek compensation for your damages.
However, there are exceptions that could extend or shorten this timeframe depending on the specifics of your case, such as if the defect was not discovered until later. For example, if you didn’t realize a product caused harm right away, the two-year period may start from the date you discovered the injury.
Why is the statute of limitations important?
Understanding and adhering to the statute of limitations is essential because once it expires, your case may be dismissed, and you’ll likely be barred from seeking compensation. Oklahoma’s statute of limitations helps ensure that evidence is still fresh and witnesses are available, making the process fairer for both parties involved.
It’s also important to note that the clock starts ticking as soon as the injury occurs, not when the product was sold or manufactured. This means the actual injury date is the key factor in determining how long you have to file a claim.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations
While the standard timeframe is two years, there are certain circumstances in which the statute of limitations might be extended or tolled. For example, if the injured party is a minor or if the injury was not discovered right away, the timeline could be adjusted.
Being aware of these exceptions can help you better understand when your case might be affected by the statute of limitations.
If you’re unsure whether you still have time to file an injury claim or if you need more details on how it applies to your case, it’s best to get legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
