If a plaintiff misses the permissible period to file a lawsuit, what is the consequence?

• A. The action can proceed
• B. Court will dismiss
• C. Time-barred
• D. Action is void

Answer: (C)

Missing the filing deadline means the claim is time-barred. The statute of limitations sets how long a plaintiff has to bring a lawsuit after the event or discovery of the event. When that period runs out, the court cannot hear the case, and the right to sue is extinguished. That’s why the correct consequence is that the action is time-barred.

The alternative that the action can proceed isn’t accurate because the deadline blocks pursuit of the claim. Saying the court will dismiss can happen in practice, but the essential outcome is the claim is barred by time. The action isn’t void—the claim still exists in theory, it’s just not capable of being heard in court due to the expired period.