What type of time frame do I have to file an asbestos-related lawsuit?

In Virginia, most asbestos litigation is subject to the statute of limitations of two years from the date of diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness. This two-year period is known as the "discovery rule," which means that the two-year period begins to run from the date of diagnosis rather than from the date of exposure to the asbestos. In some cases, the two-year period may be extended if the injured person was unable to discover the cause of their injury until later. However, it is important to note that there is no standardized length to the extension and it is up to the court to decide on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the statute of limitations, Virginia has also adopted a law known as the "statute of repose," which requires that any asbestos-related lawsuit be filed within ten years of the date of the last known exposure to asbestos. The ten-year period starts from the date of the last known exposure, which means that it will not be extended if the victim is unable to discover the cause of their injury until later. Overall, if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, it is important to act quickly in filing a lawsuit. Depending on when the illness was discovered, the statute of limitations or the statute of repose could limit the time allowed to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for the injury suffered. It is strongly recommended that an experienced asbestos litigation attorney be consulted to obtain a clearer understanding of the applicable time frames in order to maximize the chances of a successful claim.

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