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Missouri House commerce committee hears arguments to shorten personal-injury statute of limitations from five to two years
Summary
Representative Matthew Overcast told the House Committee on Commerce he is sponsoring House Bill 68 to lower Missouri's statute of limitations for many personal-injury claims from five years to two, arguing the change will reduce litigation costs and insurance premiums. Opponents, including veteran personal-injury lawyers and consumer advocates, said a two-year limit would bar legitimate claims that surface after years and would harm injured Missourians.
Representative Matthew Overcast, sponsor of House Bill 68, told the House Committee on Commerce that the bill would reduce the statute of limitations for many personal-injury claims from five years to two.
"When I would counsel businesses about coming into states, one of the first things we would talk about is their liability exposure," Rep. Matthew Overcast said. "By implementing a two-year statute of limitations, it incentivizes individuals to bring their claims earlier."
Why it matters: Supporters argued shortening the filing window would make Missouri more attractive to businesses, reduce insurance reserves and lower costs for employers and hospitals. Opponents, including long-practicing personal-injury lawyers and consumer advocates, said a two-year limit would cut off valid…
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