The United States is a country founded on the principles of liberty and justice. Despite this, every year people’s civil rights are violated. Americans suffer harm due to sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful imprisonment, and unacceptable conditions in prisons and jails. Were your civil rights abused? Do you know how long you have to exercise your legal options? Below our civil rights attorneys discuss the statute of limitations for civil rights violations claims and how to seek help for your potential claim.

A statute of limitations determines how long parties involved have to initiate a lawsuit. Generally, the statute of limitations varies depending on the jurisdiction and type of claim.

Determining the statute of limitations can be complicated and depends on the specific civil rights violation and requirements of the claim.

Additionally, for certain types of claims, one may need to file a claim with a federal or state agency before a private lawsuit can be initiated. For example, in cases involving employment discrimination, one must typically file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days of the alleged offense before he or she can file a private lawsuit.

If you have decided to pursue a civil rights lawsuit against another person or entity, contact an attorney immediately.