What is Statute of Repose?
A law that bars lawsuits after a fixed period from a specific event (like product manufacture or construction completion), regardless of when injury occurs.
Understanding Statute of Repose
Unlike statutes of limitations (which run from injury discovery), statutes of repose run from the defendant's act and can expire before injury even occurs. They commonly apply in product liability and construction defect cases, providing certainty for manufacturers and builders.
Examples
- 1Construction defect claim barred after 10 years
- 2Product liability repose period from manufacture date
- 3Medical device case dismissed due to repose
Related Terms
Statute of Limitations
A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once the statute of limitations expires, the claim is typically barred forever.
Product Liability
Legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers for injuries caused by defective products. Claims may be based on design defects, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.
Settlement
An agreement between parties to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial. Settlements typically involve the defendant paying the plaintiff an agreed-upon sum in exchange for dropping the lawsuit.
Discovery
The pre-trial phase in a lawsuit where each party can obtain evidence from the opposing party through various methods including interrogatories, depositions, and requests for documents.
Deposition
Sworn, out-of-court testimony given by a witness or party that is recorded for later use in court proceedings. Depositions are a key part of the discovery process.
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