In the court of law, there are limits placed on the time that can expire between the date an actionable event takes place and the date legal action is taken. These limits, known as statutes of limitations, are meant to protect defendants from being placed at a disadvantage by not being able to obtain evidence when a case finally comes to court. Statutes of limitations also recognize that evidence, for either side, can grow thinner with time, making it harder for the courts to decide on cases. In terms of personal injury cases, the statute of limitations can range widely, entirely depending on the state in which the event took place. Some states have set the limit at only 1 year, whereas others have a personal injury statute of limitation as high as 6 years. It is important to be wary of the statute of limitation in your state, as to not allow your case from becoming unactionable.