This depends on the legal deadlines, called statutes of limitations, which
might apply to your potential case. These statutes are complex, they depend
on the kind of case you are pursuing, and they vary from state to state.
It is prudent to contact an attorney as soon as possible because once your
statute has expired or “run out,” you are forever barred from
pursuing your claim. By doing this you’ll know how much time you
have to make up your mind about what you want to do.