If the Statute of Limitations expires, what happens to a case?

• A. The case cannot be heard
• B. The case is automatically dismissed with prejudice
• C. The case can be heard if the defendant consents
• D. The case is extended by court order

Answer: (A)

A statute of limitations sets a deadline to file a lawsuit, and once that deadline expires, the claim is barred from being heard. This means the court generally cannot hear the case because the right to sue on that claim has expired. The purpose is to bring timely resolution and provide finality.

There are tolling rules that can pause the clock in specific situations (for example, when the plaintiff is a minor or when discovery rules apply, or the defendant is temporarily unavailable). But when the tolling period ends, the original time limit resumes, and a new filing would be required if the claim is to proceed.

Consent from the defendant or a court order to extend the deadline does not normally override the expiration date. The claim remains time-barred unless a valid tolling rule applies.