What is the term for the requirement to file a lawsuit within a specific time frame after an injury?

The requirement to file a lawsuit within a specific time frame after an injury is known as the statute of limitations. This legal term establishes the maximum time period that one can wait before initiating a lawsuit, thereby ensuring that cases are pursued in a timely manner and evidence is still fresh. Each state has its own statute of limitations that varies based on the type of claim, ensuring that parties do not wait indefinitely to seek remedies for their grievances.

The statute of repose, while related, specifically limits the time within which claims can be made based on when the act that caused the injury occurred, regardless of when the injury itself is discovered. The waiver of claim refers to a voluntary relinquishment of a known right or claim and is not directly related to the time restrictions for filing lawsuits. The filing period is a more general term and does not specifically denote the legal framework that defines the time limits for initiating a lawsuit, making it less precise in this context. Therefore, the statute of limitations is the correct term regarding the time frame for filing a lawsuit after an injury.