Limitation period
Also called: Time limit, prescription
The time the law allows for starting a claim. Once it ends, the claim can usually be defeated.
Definition
A limitation period is the window of time within which a legal claim must be started. If you issue a claim after the period has expired, the defendant can apply to have it struck out as time-barred — even if your claim would otherwise succeed. Different types of claim have different periods: contract claims are usually 6 years, personal injury 3 years, and some specialist claims shorter.
In practice
If the period is counted from the day you learned of the problem, write that date down and do not delay in taking advice.