The law requires that you file a lawsuit within a specified period of time depending on the nature of the claim and the entity that caused your injury. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. Failure to file suit within this time frame prevents you from filing suit at all. In some instances, there are various exceptions to the statutes of limitation that may extend or limit the limitation periods. There may be special claims presentation requirements for claims against state and local government. For these reasons, it is important to consult an attorney as early as possible to be sure you don't miss a crucial deadline.
In Rhode Island, most actions for personal injury must be brought within three years from the date when the cause of action accrues. In many cases, the cause of action accrues on the date of the incident, but there may be exceptions when the injury could not have reasonably been discovered until a later date. Wrongful death actions must be commenced within three years of the date of death. If, at the time of accrual of the cause of action, a claimant is under the age of eighteen, of unsound mind, imprisoned or out of the United States, the limitation period is tolled.
