Refer to the various statutes of limitations set out in this chapter (see Exhibit 3–4 and Exhibit 3–5). Consider the following cases. What would be the last date on which the complaint could be filed?

a. On February 15, 2007, Jeffers and Holmes, both California residents, enter into an oral agreement whereby Holmes agrees to loan Jeffers money, which is due and payable on February 15, 2008. On February 15, 2008, Jeffers does not repay the money. Holmes wants to sue.

b. Ruiz hires Baines and Baines, Attorneys at Law, to represent him in a lawsuit for personal injuries resulting from an automobile accident. Unfortunately, the attorneys miss the statute of limitations for the action and Ruiz’s claim is barred. The complaint should have been filed March 1, 2007. On March 10, 2007, Ruiz calls the attorneys and asks about his case. They tell him that everything is going along and that he should be patient because lawsuits take a long time. After hearing nothing for four months, on July 12, 2007, Ruiz again calls the attorneys. This time he talks to a paralegal in the firm, who checks the file and tells him that she does not see any record of a complaint being filed. On July 20, 2007, Ruiz contacts another lawyer, who calls Baines and Baines. Finally, on July 30, 2007, Gerald Baines, one of the partners of Baines and Baines, admits that a complaint was never filed. Ruiz wants to sue Baines and Baines for malpractice. Apply California law (Exhibit 3–5).

c. Pedersen and her 12-year-old daughter are injured in a motor vehicle accident with a United States postal truck on March 15, 2007. They wish to sue the United States government for their injuries. By what date must a claim be filed? (See Exhibit 3–6.)