Connecticut Statute of Limitations for Product Defects

If you’re hurt by a product, you have a limited time to file a civil lawsuit. Statutes of limitations on civil cases, such as product defects, create general fairness and reliability when it comes to filing lawsuits. Plaintiffs must decide whether to file a lawsuit or not in a timely matter.

It works the other way as well. Potential defendants should receive notice that they may have caused harm to another party. The limitation ensures they will not have a legal matter hanging over their head indefinitely.

Statute of Repose

A statute of repose and a statute of limitations both set time constraints on bringing a legal action. However, they function in different ways.

A statute of limitations starts counting down from the date of injury or harm. It is the period within which you must file a lawsuit after discovering your injury. In Connecticut, you typically have three years from the date of your injury to commence legal action for product liability claims. This rule applies as long as the product was bought or entered the stream of commerce within the last ten years.

In contrast, a statute of repose takes effect from a different triggering event. Instead of the date of the injury, it might start with the manufacture, sale, or delivery date. This means that even if you discover an injury later, you may be barred from bringing a lawsuit if the repose period has expired. Statutes of repose set a final deadline after which you cannot make a claim, regardless of when the injury occurred.

Connecticut Product Defect Statutes of Limitations

In the state of Connecticut, a product liability lawsuit must be filed with the court within three years. The statute of repose is 10 years after the manufacturer or seller has parted with the product. The time limit can be extended if there is an express written warranty stating that the product may be used for a period longer than 10 years.

Statutes of limitations and statutes of repose, however, apply in many types of lawsuits, including:

• Defective drug litigation
• Defective medical device lawsuits
• Personal injury claims
• Product liability claims
• Auto accident cases
• Wrongful death suits

The following table lists the main provisions of Connecticut’s statute of limitations for product liability laws, while additional background information follows. See FindLaw’s Product Liability section for more information.

Note: Because of how important it is to understand the specific statute of limitation in the state where a lawsuit may be filed, you’ll want to seek legal advice as soon as possible after suffering an injury from a defective or dangerous product. And while full legal representation always comes with a price, you can get started today with a free legal review of your potential claim. Contact a Connecticut product liability attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Connecticut Product Liability Laws: Related Resources

• Connecticut Code
• Connecticut Statutes of Limitations
• Defects in Design
• Manufacturing Defects

Get Legal Advice From a Connecticut Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured due to a defective product and are considering legal action in Connecticut, it’s a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer near you. They can provide expert advice on how the statute of limitations affects your product liability claim and guide you through the necessary steps within the appropriate timeframe. An experienced attorney will assist in dealing with insurance companies and other parties involved, advocating for your rights and increasing your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.