Legal Definitions - liberative prescription

Definition: Liberative prescription is a legal term that refers to the time limit within which a person can file a lawsuit. It is essentially the civil-law equivalent of a statute of limitations. If a person fails to file a lawsuit within the prescribed time limit, they lose their right to sue.

Example: In Louisiana, the time limit for filing a lawsuit for personal injury is one year. If a person is injured in an accident and fails to file a lawsuit within one year, they lose their right to sue for damages.

This example illustrates how liberative prescription works. If a person fails to file a lawsuit within the prescribed time limit, they lose their right to sue. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury or other legal issue arises.