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Last Updated: February 18, 2026 7:39 am
by Aaron Winston

Lawsuit Filed

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A civil lawsuit is officially filed if a settlement is not reached.

Once settlement negotiations stall, a civil lawsuit is officially “filed” with the court to initiate the formal litigation process. This step is critical in personal injury cases because strict filing deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, apply. Missing these deadlines can bar you from ever recovering compensation for your injuries. Thinking about the costs associated with filing a lawsuit? Read our guide on litigation expenses to learn more about the financial burdens of pursuing civil justice.

Significance: Strict filing deadlines apply.


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