DOCTRINE OF CONTRA NON VALENTEM

doctrine  of  contra  non  valentem  (kon-tr<<schwa>>  non  v<<schwa>>-len-t<<schwa>>m).

The rule that a limitations or prescriptive period  does not begin to run against a plaintiff who is

unable to act, usu. because of the defendant’s culpable act, such as concealing material information

that  would  give  rise  to  the  plaintiff’s  claim.  —  Often  shortened  to  contra  non  valentem.  [Cases:

Limitation  of  Actions    43,  95.  C.J.S.  Employer–Employee  Relationship  §  87;  Limitations  of

Actions  §§  81–84,  87,  131,  138,  142,  164–165,  167–168,  170–173,  175–176,  183,  198–205;

Physicians, Surgeons, and  Other  Health-Care  Providers  §  108; RICO (Racketeer  Influenced  and

Corrupt Organizations) § 16.] [Blacks Law 8th]