Does equitable tolling apply in the context of the statute of limitations?

Equitable tolling is sparingly applied; it is a judge-made doctrine that suspends or extends a statute of limitations otherwise applicable "occasionally and in special situations . . . ." (Addison v. State of California (1978) 21 Cal.3d 313, 316 (Addison).) Whether the doctrine of equitable tolling should be applied involves a balancing of the competing interests of preventing the assertion of stale claims and allowing good faith litigants their day in court. (See id. at p. 319.)