Demand Letter Before Statute of Limitations

Send a demand letter before your statute of limitations expires. Don't lose your right to sue by waiting too long.

Create Your Pre-Statute of Limitations Demand

About Pre-Statute of Limitations Demands

Every legal claim has a deadline called the statute of limitations. Once it passes, you lose your right to sue. A demand letter sent before this deadline can preserve your rights and often motivates settlement.

Different claims have different deadlines - contract disputes often have 4-6 years, personal injury typically 2-3 years, and some consumer claims have just 1 year.

Typical Deadline: 14 days

Urgency Level: High

When to Use a Pre-Statute of Limitations Demand

  • Within months of your statute of limitations expiring
  • When you need to document your claim before deadline
  • To create a written record of the dispute
  • To encourage settlement before litigation
  • When you need to "toll" or pause the deadline
  • Before consulting with an attorney about filing suit

Key Elements to Include

  • Clear statement of when the claim arose
  • Reference to applicable statute of limitations
  • Statement that rights are being preserved
  • Firm deadline for response
  • Notice that legal action will follow
  • Documentation of all damages to date

Tips for Your Pre-Statute of Limitations Demand

  • Research your state's specific statute of limitations
  • Note that some actions can "toll" (pause) the deadline
  • Keep copies of everything with timestamps
  • Consider consulting an attorney if deadline is very close
  • Send certified mail to prove the date sent

Related Demand Letter Categories

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