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What is a Statute of Limitations?

Robert Stahle • July 14, 2016
Statute Of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a law that designates the amount of time a person or entity has to bring a lawsuit or file a legal claim against another person or entity. Once the designated amount of time has passed (this varies from state to state as well as by type of case), the ability to file a claim or lawsuit also passes. As a general rule, most statutes of limitations range from one to six years depending upon the type of claim. Claims against the government (state and federal) are governed by a separate set of rules and procedures which are set forth in what is typically known as the Tort Claims Act . Each state, including the federal government, has its own specific Tort Claims Act that governs claims against the state government as well as local governmental entities (municipalities, counties and governmental subdivisions).

While most statutes of limitations refer to civil litigation cases, there is also a set time in which criminal charges can be filed. Most crimes (felonies and misdemeanors) are governed by a specific state mandated statute of limitation period but some crimes are so serious, such as homicide, that they can be prosecuted at any time.

The various categories of legal claims are very broad and the type of claim or suit you file will determine the specific amount of time you have to file a suit or legal claim. Some of the most common legal situations include:

  • Debts
  • Breach of contract
  • Medical malpractice
  • Sexual abuse of a child
  • Personal injury
  • Slander/Libel
  • Fraud or misrepresentation
  • Property damage

So, when does a statute of limitation period begin to run? While there are special cases in which the start date is different than the date of occurrence, in general, the clock starts ticking as soon as the incident in question takes place. This means if you or someone you know is in a serious accident as the result of someone else’s negligence, the date of the accident marks the start of the time period to file a claim or suit against the negligent party.

Understanding the statute of limitations for your specific legal matter and the rules of the state in which the event occurred is critical to making sure that your rights are protected. If you believe that you have a legal claim against another person, entity or the government, one of the first things you need to do is determine what the limitation period is for your specific case. Determining the amount of time you have to file suit or give notice of a claim is key to the success of your case. A good case can be lost if too much time passes before you bring suit or properly give notice of your claim.

If you are considering pursuing a legal claim in Iowa or Nebraska, contact the professionals at Fitch & Stahle.

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By Robert Stahle • December 5, 2025
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How to Protect Your Legal Rights After a Personal Injury Accident in Nebraska or Iowa

By Robert Stahle • December 2, 2025
Getting hurt in an accident is overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether it was a car crash, a slip-and-fall, a dog bite, or a workplace incident, one thing is certain: what you do next can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation . At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help injured people throughout South Sioux City , Sioux City , and the broader Nebraska-Iowa region understand their rights and take the right steps from day one. If you’ve been injured and suspect someone else is at fault, here’s how to protect yourself legally and financially. Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Right Away Even if your injuries seem minor, always get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. Why it matters: Some injuries (like whiplash or internal trauma) aren’t immediately obvious. Medical documentation is critical evidence in your personal injury case. Insurance companies will look at how soon you sought care to judge the severity of your injuries. Be sure to follow all treatment instructions and attend follow-up appointments. Gaps in care can be used against you later. Step 2: Report the Incident Whether it’s a car accident, workplace injury, or slip and fall, it’s important to officially report the incident: Car crash – Call the police and file a report. Workplace injury – Notify your employer in writing. Slip and fall or dog bite – Report it to the property owner or business manager. These reports create a verifiable timeline and paper trail that supports your claim. Step 3: Document Everything If you're able, gather as much evidence at the scene as possible, including: Photos of injuries, property damage, or the accident location Contact information for witnesses Notes on what happened, including time, date, and weather conditions Copies of any reports filed If you were too injured to document the scene, don’t worry—our legal team at Fitch & Stahle Law Firm can investigate on your behalf and gather evidence while it’s still fresh. Step 4: Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company Without Legal Advice Insurance adjusters might sound friendly—but their goal is to minimize payouts , not protect your interests. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Don’t take the bait. Before you sign anything or give a statement, speak with a qualified personal injury attorney . At Fitch & Stahle , we handle all communications with insurance companies so you don’t have to—and we won’t let them take advantage of your situation. Step 5: Know the Statute of Limitations in Your State Every state has a legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations : Nebraska: 4 years from the date of the injury Iowa: 2 years from the date of the injury Some exceptions apply for cases involving minors or certain types of claims, but the bottom line is this: The sooner you act, the stronger your case. Step 6: Don’t Post About Your Case on Social Media What you post online can and will be used against you by insurance companies and defense attorneys. A seemingly harmless photo or post could be twisted to suggest you’re not as injured as you claim. Until your case is resolved, avoid posting about: Your accident Your injuries Your physical activities or travel Conversations with doctors or attorneys Step 7: Call a Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust The most important thing you can do after an accident? Get legal help as soon as possible. A skilled attorney will: Investigate your case Prove fault and liability Calculate full damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.) Negotiate with the insurance company Represent you in court if necessary At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we treat your case with the care and urgency it deserves. We offer free consultations , and you pay nothing unless we win. Why Work with Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? ✅ Decades of experience helping injured people in Nebraska and Iowa ✅ Licensed in both NE and IA —we know the laws in both states ✅ Aggressive negotiators and trial-ready attorneys ✅ Personalized, compassionate service —you’re more than just a case file ✅ No legal fees unless we win We proudly serve clients throughout South Sioux City , Sioux City , and the surrounding Siouxland region. Whether you were injured on the road, on the job, or on someone else’s property—we’re here to help. Schedule Your Free Consultation Today If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to get the help you need. Let Fitch & Stahle Law Firm fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Visit us online at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Located in South Sioux City, Nebraska You only get one chance to recover the compensation you need— make it count with the right legal team on your side.