equitable tolling doctrine (New Jersey) · Go Syfert
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equitable tolling doctrine in New Jersey

16 New Jersey opinions name it 2 courts 1997–2026 7 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by New Jersey courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (12)

CaseFollowedCited
F.H.U. v. A.C.U.green
njsuperctappdiv · 2012 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2020–2025
2 sentences

2025In Barron v. Gersten, we underscored the narrow scope and stringent standards of the equitable tolling doctrine, holding: A statute of limitations may be equitably tolled under very limited circumstances: "(1) [if] the defendant has actively misled the plaintiff, (2) if the plaintiff has 'in some extraordinary way' been prevented from asserting his [or her] rights, or (3) if the plaintiff has timely asserted his [or her] rights mistakenly in the wrong forum." F.H.U. v. A.C.U., 427 N.J.

2020"Equitable tolling is traditionally reserved for limited occasions ." F.H.U. v. A.C.U., 427 N.J.

22
Maltese v. Township of North Brunswickgreen
njsuperctappdiv · 2002 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026Plaintiff attempts to circumvent the plain statutory language by invoking the doctrine of equitable tolling, a remedy largely reserved for "very compelling circumstances, where the interest of justice, morality and common fairness dictate that course." Maltese v. Twp. of N. Brunswick, 353 N.J.

11
Bustamante v. Borough of Paramusgreen
njsuperctappdiv · 2010 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025It may be available 'when a plaintiff is misled . . . and as a A-2672-22 15 result fails to act within the prescribed time limit.'" Bustamante v. Borough of Paramus, 413 N.J.

11
Roa v. Roagreen
nj · 2010 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025The court also correctly denied plaintiff's motion to amend the complaint based on the doctrine of equitable tolling.4 Moreover, the continuing violation doctrine does not permit "the aggregation of discrete discriminatory acts for the purpose of reviving an untimely act of discrimination that the victim knew or should have known was actionable." Roa v. Roa, 200 N.J. 555, 569 (2010).

11
Lopez v. Swyergreen
nj · 1973 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024The court also considered whether plaintiff was entitled to relief under the discovery rule, which is "a rule of equity." Lopez v. Swyer, 62 N.J. 267, 273 (1973).

11
Rac v. Pjs, Jr.green
nj · 2007 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
1 sentence

2021We discern no basis in the evidence to support application of the doctrine of equitable tolling here. "[T]he doctrine of equitable tolling of limitations periods [is] applied only in narrowly-defined circumstances," R.A.C. v. P.J.S., Jr., 192 N.J. 81, 100 (2007), when "tolling of the statute of limitations is the fair and responsible result," Price v. N.J.

11
Philip J. Podobnik v. United States Postal Service National Rural Letter Carriers Association John E. Potter, Postmaster General of the United Statesgreen
ca3 · 2005 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
1 sentence

2008However, in Podobnik v. United States Postal Service, 409 F. 3d 584, 593 (3d Cir.2005), the Court recognized that the statute will be equitably tolled "only until the aggrieved person seeks out an attorney or acquires actual knowledge of his rights." In a similar vein, we have said that the doctrine of equitable tolling "requires the exercise of reasonable insight and diligence by a person seeking its protection." Villalobos v. Fava, 342 N.J.Super. 38, 52 , 775 A. 2d 700 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 170 N.J. 210 , 785 A. 2d 438 (2001).

11
Pobieglo v. Monsanto Co.green
mass · 1988 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
2 sentences

2001In Pobieglo v. Monsanto Co., 402 Mass. 112 , 521 N.E.2d 728, 730 (1988), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that the equitable tolling principle of the discovery rule may not be applied to the statute of limitations for claims under the wrongful-death statute, which provided that a claim for wrongful death must be brought within “three years from the date of death.” The court stated unequivocally: Here it is of no significance that the wrongful death claim has common law origins, since we are first concerned with the meaning of the [wrongful death statute], which limits the right to

2001In Pobieglo v. Monsanto Co., 402 Mass. 112 , 521 N.E.2d 728, 730 (1988), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that the equitable tolling principle of the discovery rule may not be applied to the statute of limitations for claims under the wrongful-death statute, which provided that a claim for wrongful death must be brought within “three years from the date of death.” The court stated unequivocally: Here it is of no significance that the wrongful death claim has common law origins, since we are first concerned with the meaning of the [wrongful death statute], which limits the right to

11
Gibbons v. First Fidelity Bank, N.A. (In Re Princeton-New York Investors, Inc.)green
njb · 1996 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997Accord In re Princeton — New York Investors, Inc., 199 B.R. 285 , 293 n. 4 (Bankr.D.N.J.1996) ("This Court finds that N.J.S.A. § 25:2-31 is a statute of repose because it embodies the most distinctive characteristic of a statute of repose, the barring of the right to bring an action rather than the remedy prescribed.”); First Southwestern Financial Services v. Pulliam, 121 N.M. 436 , 912 P.2d 828, 830 (App.1996) ("[T]he UFTA operates in the same manner as other statutes of repose that extinguish a cause of action as of a certain date rather than simply blocking the remedy.”); McMaster v. Farme

11
Selvage v. J.J. Johnson & Associatesgreen
utahctapp · 1996 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997Johnson & Assoc., 910 P.2d 1252, 1259 (Utah.Ct.App.1996) ("The 'transfer’ referred to in section [25:2-31(c)] is the same transfer which gives rise to a claim under section [25:2-27(b) ].

11
United States v. Vellalosgreen
hid · 1992 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997Accord In re Princeton — New York Investors, Inc., 199 B.R. 285 , 293 n. 4 (Bankr.D.N.J.1996) ("This Court finds that N.J.S.A. § 25:2-31 is a statute of repose because it embodies the most distinctive characteristic of a statute of repose, the barring of the right to bring an action rather than the remedy prescribed.”); First Southwestern Financial Services v. Pulliam, 121 N.M. 436 , 912 P.2d 828, 830 (App.1996) ("[T]he UFTA operates in the same manner as other statutes of repose that extinguish a cause of action as of a certain date rather than simply blocking the remedy.”); McMaster v. Farme

11
First Southwestern Financial Services v. Pulliamgreen
nmctapp · 1996 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
2 sentences

1997Accord In re Princeton — New York Investors, Inc., 199 B.R. 285 , 293 n. 4 (Bankr.D.N.J.1996) ("This Court finds that N.J.S.A. § 25:2-31 is a statute of repose because it embodies the most distinctive characteristic of a statute of repose, the barring of the right to bring an action rather than the remedy prescribed.”); First Southwestern Financial Services v. Pulliam, 121 N.M. 436 , 912 P.2d 828, 830 (App.1996) ("[T]he UFTA operates in the same manner as other statutes of repose that extinguish a cause of action as of a certain date rather than simply blocking the remedy.”); McMaster v. Farme

1997Accord In re Princeton — New York Investors, Inc., 199 B.R. 285 , 293 n. 4 (Bankr.D.N.J.1996) ("This Court finds that N.J.S.A. § 25:2-31 is a statute of repose because it embodies the most distinctive characteristic of a statute of repose, the barring of the right to bring an action rather than the remedy prescribed.”); First Southwestern Financial Services v. Pulliam, 121 N.M. 436 , 912 P.2d 828, 830 (App.1996) ("[T]he UFTA operates in the same manner as other statutes of repose that extinguish a cause of action as of a certain date rather than simply blocking the remedy.”); McMaster v. Farme

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in New Jersey. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (8)

CaseCitedYears
Villalobos v. Fava green
njsuperctappdiv · 2001
2 sentences

2008However, in Podobnik v. United States Postal Service, 409 F. 3d 584, 593 (3d Cir.2005), the Court recognized that the statute will be equitably tolled "only until the aggrieved person seeks out an attorney or acquires actual knowledge of his rights." In a similar vein, we have said that the doctrine of equitable tolling "requires the exercise of reasonable insight and diligence by a person seeking its protection." Villalobos v. Fava, 342 N.J.Super. 38, 52 , 775 A. 2d 700 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 170 N.J. 210 , 785 A. 2d 438 (2001).

2008However, in Podobnik v. United States Postal Service, 409 F. 3d 584, 593 (3d Cir.2005), the Court recognized that the statute will be equitably tolled "only until the aggrieved person seeks out an attorney or acquires actual knowledge of his rights." In a similar vein, we have said that the doctrine of equitable tolling "requires the exercise of reasonable insight and diligence by a person seeking its protection." Villalobos v. Fava, 342 N.J.Super. 38, 52 , 775 A. 2d 700 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 170 N.J. 210 , 785 A. 2d 438 (2001).

32008–2020
Dunn v. Borough of Mountainside green
njsuperctappdiv · 1997
2 sentences

2005Dunn, supra, 301 N.J.Super. at 280 , 693 A.2d 1248 .

2005Dunn, supra, 301 N.J.Super. at 280 , 693 A.2d 1248 .

22005–2005
Binder v. Price Waterhouse & Co., LLP green
njsuperctappdiv · 2007
1 sentence

2025Binder, 393 N.J.

12025–2025
Evernham v. Selected Risks Insurance Company green
njsuperctappdiv · 1978
2 sentences

2001The Presslaff court, quoting the extensive discussion in Evernham v. Selected Risks Insurance Co., 163 N.J.Super. 132, 136 , 394 A.2d 373 (App.Div.1978), properly noted that the equitable tolling principle set forth in the discovery rule is peculiar to statutes of limitations with “accrual” language.

2001The Presslaff court, quoting the extensive discussion in Evernham v. Selected Risks Insurance Co., 163 N.J.Super. 132, 136 , 394 A.2d 373 (App.Div.1978), properly noted that the equitable tolling principle set forth in the discovery rule is peculiar to statutes of limitations with “accrual” language.

12001–2001
Presslaff v. Robins green
njsuperctappdiv · 1979
2 sentences

2001Presslaff, supra, 168 N.J.Super. at 546-47 , 403 A.2d 939 .

2001Presslaff, supra, 168 N.J.Super. at 546-47 , 403 A.2d 939 .

12001–2001
Galligan v. Westfield Centre Service, Inc. green
nj · 1980
2 sentences

1998Whenever dismissal would not further the legislature's objectives in prescribing the limitations, the plaintiff should be given an opportunity to assert his claim. [ Zaccardi v. Becker, 88 N.J. 245, 256 , 440 A. 2d 1329 (1982)(quoting Galligan v. Westfield Centre Service, 82 N.J. 188, 193 , 412 A. 2d 122 (1980)) (citations omitted).] The above language expresses the doctrine of equitable tolling.

1998Whenever dismissal would not further the legislature's objectives in prescribing the limitations, the plaintiff should be given an opportunity to assert his claim. [ Zaccardi v. Becker, 88 N.J. 245, 256 , 440 A. 2d 1329 (1982)(quoting Galligan v. Westfield Centre Service, 82 N.J. 188, 193 , 412 A. 2d 122 (1980)) (citations omitted).] The above language expresses the doctrine of equitable tolling.

11998–1998
Zaccardi v. Becker green
nj · 1982
2 sentences

1998Whenever dismissal would not further the legislature's objectives in prescribing the limitations, the plaintiff should be given an opportunity to assert his claim. [ Zaccardi v. Becker, 88 N.J. 245, 256 , 440 A. 2d 1329 (1982)(quoting Galligan v. Westfield Centre Service, 82 N.J. 188, 193 , 412 A. 2d 122 (1980)) (citations omitted).] The above language expresses the doctrine of equitable tolling.

1998Whenever dismissal would not further the legislature's objectives in prescribing the limitations, the plaintiff should be given an opportunity to assert his claim. [ Zaccardi v. Becker, 88 N.J. 245, 256 , 440 A. 2d 1329 (1982)(quoting Galligan v. Westfield Centre Service, 82 N.J. 188, 193 , 412 A. 2d 122 (1980)) (citations omitted).] The above language expresses the doctrine of equitable tolling.

11998–1998
McMaster v. Farmer green
washctapp · 1994
1 sentence

1997Accord In re Princeton — New York Investors, Inc., 199 B.R. 285 , 293 n. 4 (Bankr.D.N.J.1996) ("This Court finds that N.J.S.A. § 25:2-31 is a statute of repose because it embodies the most distinctive characteristic of a statute of repose, the barring of the right to bring an action rather than the remedy prescribed.”); First Southwestern Financial Services v. Pulliam, 121 N.M. 436 , 912 P.2d 828, 830 (App.1996) ("[T]he UFTA operates in the same manner as other statutes of repose that extinguish a cause of action as of a certain date rather than simply blocking the remedy.”); McMaster v. Farme

11997–1997

Statutes the citing opinions construe

NJ § N.J. Stat. § 2A:14-1 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 139 (1978–2026) PA 119 (2000–2026) WA 33 (1994–2026) TX 32 (1990–2026) FL 23 (1986–2026) IL 22 (1989–2026) AL 20 (2007–2026) IA 19 (1998–2025) OH 17 (1998–2026) SC 16 (2008–2025) NJ 16 (1997–2026) MT 15 (1988–2025) DE 15 (2013–2026) ND 13 (1997–2023) DC 13 (1983–2025) CO 12 (1995–2025) MI 10 (2005–2024) CT 10 (1996–2019) NM 10 (1986–2015) AZ 8 (1985–2020) TN 8 (1996–2022) KY 8 (2005–2026) UT 8 (2001–2021) SD 6 (2000–2024) NV 6 (1983–2021) AR 5 (2003–2024) VI 5 (2009–2025) MS 5 (1991–2015) MA 4 (1999–2024) NY 4 (2007–2020) MN 4 (1981–2015) AK 4 (1989–2013) MD 4 (1993–2013) HI 4 (1998–2024) RI 3 (2002–2017) NE 3 (1996–2024) VA 2 (2004–2012) GA 2 (2009–2020) ME 2 (2017–2025) WV 2 (2021–2022) OK 2 (1986–1999) VT 2 (1999–2024) NC 2 (1994–2014) ID 2 (2007–2025)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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