Did you know that even the strongest legal rights can be lost simply because too much time has passed without action?
Whether it’s a wage, professional fee, property claim, or even the right to file a lawsuit, failing to act within the legally defined period can mean losing your right altogether.
For example, in Lebanon:
- Lawyers and engineers who do not claim their fees within two years may lose the ability to enforce them.
- Manufacturing defect claims and other specific rights also have strict time limits.
- While the general statute of limitations is 10 years, many claims, such as receivables and service fees, expire in as little as 2 to 5 years.
The logic behind this principle is that when a creditor or rights holder delays too long, the law interprets it as if they have abandoned or waived their right. This can lead to serious consequences: the debtor may be discharged of their obligations, and the creditor is left without legal recourse.
That’s why it is essential for every rights holder, whether individual, professional, or business, to act promptly and avoid unnecessary delay. Otherwise, courts may consider silence or inaction as a waiver.
Of course, there are exceptions: the statute of limitations can be suspended or interrupted under certain circumstances. These details will be explored in a follow-up article.
At Issa-Mansour Law Firm, many people underestimate the risks of the statute of limitations. Legal advice at the right time can make the difference between protecting your rights and losing them forever.