It depends. It is sometimes possible to "toll" or suspend the running of a statute of limitations, but those circumstances are a fairly narrow set. Illness and sickness generally will not do it.

In Alabama, when the injured party is a minor the limitations period begins to run on that minor's 19th birthday. This exception does not apply in medical malpractice or wrongful death cases, however. If an injured party is deemed to be mentally incompetent or insane, he or she will have 3 years (or less, depending on the type of action) after the termination of the disability to file his or her claim. No disability will extend the limitations period for more than 20 years from the time of the injury. If an injured party is both below the age of 19 and mentally incompetent at the time of the injury, the limitations period does not begin to run until both disabilities are removed.

That is about it. Presumably even the sick can hire an attorney to pursue a claim.

I know thats not the answer you wanted, but I hope this helps.

DCG

Only in cases like those described. If the statute expired while you were hospitalized in 2007, you could have possibly made a colorable argument that the court should extend it, but only if you had filed immediately after your release. This might not have been a winning argument, but it might have been worth a shot. Now, almost two and a half years later, there is likely little that can be done. Part of the reason is that you would have already had the period up until the limitations expired in 2007 (which would have probably included 2005 & 2006). To further extend it now and to such a degree absent the compelling circumstances I outlined above would likely violate the due process rights of the parties on the other side.

I wish I had a better answer. Best of luck to you.

DCG