This Article analyzes the issues that arise from the various time limits imposed by differing statutes of limitations involved in civil claims. The Author asserts that the current state of the law revolving around the various statutes of limitations risks the rejection of otherwise legitimate claims by allowing arbitrary time limits to be imposed across many different civil claims. The Author posits a number of solutions that might provide relief for individuals affected by varying statutes of limitations.
The Author advocates abandoning the current system of law that allows for varying statutes of limitations and replacing it With a single limitations period for the majority of civil claims. Additionally, the Author advocates abrogating the current view that failure to bring a claim within the statutorily defined time period results in an absolute bar from recovery and replacing it with a presumption of untimeliness, which may be overcome upon a showing of good cause.