How many years does a person have to file a civil suit for damages after an injury occurrence?

In South Dakota, the statute of limitations for filing a civil suit for damages due to personal injury is two years from the date of the injury. This means that individuals have a time frame of two years in which they must initiate legal proceedings to seek compensation for damages resulting from the injury.

The two-year limit is established in the state’s legal framework to ensure that cases are brought to court while evidence is still fresh and witnesses are available, which helps in the fair adjudication of claims. If a plaintiff fails to file their lawsuit within this two-year period, they are typically barred from recovering damages for that particular injury.

Understanding this timeline is crucial for both injured parties and practitioners in the field, as it defines the legal window for pursuing claims and reinforces the importance of timely action in response to injuries.