What You Need To Know About New Jersey’s Statutes of Limitations for Common Business Disputes
To preserve your legal rights and claims, it is imperative to commence a business litigation within the applicable statute of limitations. Each state has enacted statutes prescribing a period of limitation for the bringing of certain types of legal action, with the goal of putting adversaries on notice and encouraging the resolution of legal claims within a reasonable amount of time. Absent legal authority, courts are unable to extend the time for filing suit, often leaving tardy plaintiffs with limited legal remedies.
Negligence: Two years for personal injury claims and six years for property claims.
Trade Secret Misappropriation: Six years.
The statute of limitations begins to run from the time when the plaintiff’s cause of action accrues, typically when the act or omission giving rise to the claim occurred. However, New Jersey has adopted the discovery rule, an equitable rule that delays the accrual of certain actions until the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, facts that form the basis of a cause of action or provide a basis for an actionable claim.
The legal doctrine known as “tolling” allows for the pausing or delaying of the running of the statute of limitations period until a specified legal event occurs. For example, when the claimant is a minor, certain statutes of limitations may be tolled until he or she reaches the age of majority. Parties can also agree to enter into a tolling agreement to delay the running of the statute of limitations.
Determining statutes of limitations that apply can be a complex task. Because time is of the essence when pursuing legal claims, it is advisable to contact an experienced attorney as soon as you suspect you may have a claim. Further, an experienced attorney should be consulted before entering into a tolling agreement relating to relevant claims.
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Bringing on outside investors can provide the capital and strategic support a business needs to grow. However, raising capital also introduces important legal, financial, and operational considerations. Before bringing on investors, businesses should address key legal issues to reduce risk, streamline investor due diligence, and position the company for long-term success. Early preparation signals that […]
How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
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