§415 Limitations of Actions

Summary

People who want money from a carrier must start a lawsuit or file a complaint within set time limits. A carrier’s lawsuit to get lawful charges must start within two years after the claim begins. Complaints to the Commission for damages (not from overcharges) must be filed within two years after the claim begins. Claims for overcharges must be started or filed within two years after the claim begins. If the claimant gave the carrier a written overcharge claim within that two‑year time, the time limit extends to two years after the carrier sends a written denial. If, before those deadlines, the carrier sues for the same service or actually collects the charge, the deadline is extended to include 90 days after the carrier sued or collected. For a message, the clock starts when the carrier delivers or offers delivery. To enforce a Commission money order, a petition must be filed in district or state court within one year of the order. “Overcharges” means charges higher than the rates lawfully on file with the Commission.