Statute of Repose Reform
The prospect of real Statute of Repose reform in North Carolina is now tangible. Today the House Commerce Committee voted unanimously to extend North Carolina's Statute of Repose from 6 years to 12 years. This means if you are injured by a car manufactured in Japan as a result of a defect in the automobile, and the car is less than 12 years old, you will be able to bring your claim in North Carolina's courts. Previously, your car could only be six years old. With average vehicles lasting longer, many North Carolinians who were injured as a result of a defective product were unfairly barred from bringing their case with the most stringent statute of repose in the country. A harrowing tale of this unfair result can be found here. Please note this story is from 2007 and relates to a prior bill, not today's bill.
The measure changes no other aspects of North Carolina's products liability law and will become effective on October 1, 2009.
