What are Limitation Periods in B.C. Law?

In law, most legal matters have a limitation period attached to them as set out in the Limitation Act, SBC 2012 c 13 (the “Act”).

A limitation period is the length of time that a person has between discovering a legal claim and starting a court proceeding.

For example, say you slip on an icy store entrance and break your wrist. You generally have 2 years from the day you discover the claim to sue the property owner.

This limitation period begins the day you discover your claim. Note that if your 2-year limitation period as set out in the Act has expired, this means that your time to make a claim against the person you are suing has passed and you have likely forfeited your right to sue that person on that particular matter.

Questions About British Columbia’s Laws?

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