A cause of action accrues under this chapter when a person who may recover has reason to know of the harm from illegal drug use that is the basis for the cause of action and has reason to know that the illegal drug use is the cause of the harm.

For a plaintiff, the statute of limitations under this section is tolled while any potential plaintiff is incapacitated by the use of an illegal drug to the extent that the potential plaintiff cannot reasonably be expected to seek recovery under this chapter or as otherwise provided by law. For a defendant, the statute of limitations under this section is tolled until six months after any potential defendant is convicted of a criminal drug offense or as otherwise provided by law.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 34-20C-18

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • Statute of limitations: A law that sets the time within which parties must take action to enforce their rights.

Source: SL 1997, ch 203, § 22.