Statute of limitations by state
Most states give two to three years to sue for a personal injury and three to ten years for a broken written contract. Deadlines vary by state and claim, and they have exceptions. Pick a state and a claim type below to see the deadline, the statute it comes from and a link to the official text.
Last checked · Plain-text version
General information, not legal advice. Deadlines have exceptions. Talk to a lawyer licensed in your state.
Full table: 50 states and DC
220 deadlines are confirmed against official sources; 86 cells say “Check the statute”. Every row has its own link: add #state-name to this page’s address.
| State | Personal injury | Medical malpractice | Wrongful death | Property damage | Written contract | Oral contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| Alaska | 2 years Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a)(2) | Check the statute | 2 years Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a)(2) | 2 years Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a)(3) For personal property; waste or trespass on real property has 6 years under § 09.10.050. | 3 years Alaska Stat. § 09.10.053 | 3 years Alaska Stat. § 09.10.053 |
| Arizona | 2 years Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542(1) | 2 years Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542(1) | 2 years Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542(2) | 2 years Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542(3) | 6 years Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-548 The statute covers actions for debt founded on a written contract. | 3 years Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-543 The statute covers debt not evidenced by a written contract. |
| Arkansas | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| California | 2 years Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 | 1 year Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 340.5 1 year from when the injury was or should have been known, or 3 years from the injury, whichever is earlier. 90 days’ notice is required before filing. | 2 years Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 | 3 years Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338 | 4 years Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 337 | 2 years Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 339 |
| Colorado | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| Connecticut | 2 years Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 Runs from when the injury is sustained or discovered; no more than 3 years from the act. | 2 years Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 Runs from when the injury is sustained or discovered; no more than 3 years from the act. | 2 years Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555 Runs from the date of death; no more than 5 years from the act. | 2 years Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 For damage caused by negligence or reckless misconduct. | 6 years Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576 | 3 years Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-581 |
| Delaware | 2 years Del. Code tit. 10, § 8119 | Check the statute | 2 years Del. Code tit. 10, § 8107 | 2 years Del. Code tit. 10, § 8107 The 2-year period is for injury to personal property; trespass actions have 3 years under § 8106. | 3 years Del. Code tit. 10, § 8106 Applies to actions based on a promise; instruments under seal can have a longer period. | 3 years Del. Code tit. 10, § 8106 |
| District of Columbia | 3 years D.C. Code § 12-301(8) Personal injury is not listed separately, so the general 3-year period applies. | 3 years D.C. Code § 12-301(8) Not listed separately, so the general 3-year period applies. | 2 years D.C. Code § 16-2702 Runs from the date of death. | 3 years D.C. Code § 12-301(3) | 3 years D.C. Code § 12-301(7) Simple contracts; instruments under seal have 12 years. | 3 years D.C. Code § 12-301(7) |
| Florida | 2 years Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(a) Negligence actions; the period was shortened from 4 years for causes of action accruing after March 24, 2023. | 2 years Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(c) From the incident or its discovery; no more than 4 years from the incident, with exceptions. | 2 years Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(e) | 2 years Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(a) For property damage caused by negligence; other property claims can have 4 years under § 95.11(3). | 5 years Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b) | 4 years Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(j) |
| Georgia | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| Hawaii | 2 years Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 | 2 years Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7.3 From discovery of the injury; no more than 6 years from the act. | 2 years Haw. Rev. Stat. § 663-3 Runs from the date of death. | 2 years Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 | 6 years Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1) | 6 years Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-1(1) |
| Idaho | 2 years Idaho Code § 5-219(4) | 2 years Idaho Code § 5-219(4) Special accrual rules apply to foreign objects and fraudulent concealment. | 2 years Idaho Code § 5-219(4) | 3 years Idaho Code § 5-218(2)-(3) Trespass on real property and injury to goods or chattels. | 5 years Idaho Code § 5-216 | 4 years Idaho Code § 5-217 |
| Illinois | 2 years 735 ILCS 5/13-202 | 2 years 735 ILCS 5/13-212(a) From when the injury or death was known or should have been known; no more than 4 years from the act, with exceptions. | 2 years 740 ILCS 180/2 Runs from the date of death, with exceptions. | 5 years 735 ILCS 5/13-205 | 10 years 735 ILCS 5/13-206 | 5 years 735 ILCS 5/13-205 |
| Indiana | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| Iowa | 2 years Iowa Code § 614.1(2) | 2 years Iowa Code § 614.1(9) From when the injury was known or should have been known; no more than 6 years from the act, with exceptions. | Check the statute | 5 years Iowa Code § 614.1(4) | 10 years Iowa Code § 614.1(5) Claims for rent have 5 years. | 5 years Iowa Code § 614.1(4) |
| Kansas | 2 years Kan. Stat. § 60-513(a)(4) | 2 years Kan. Stat. § 60-513(a)(7) Special accrual rules and outer limits apply under § 60-513(c). | 2 years Kan. Stat. § 60-513(a)(5) | 2 years Kan. Stat. § 60-513(a)(1)-(2) | 5 years Kan. Stat. § 60-511(1) | 3 years Kan. Stat. § 60-512(1) |
| Kentucky | 1 year Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140(1)(a) Motor vehicle accident claims under the no-fault law can have a different period. | 1 year Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140(1)(e) Accrues when the injury is discovered or should have been discovered. | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | 5 years Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.120(1) |
| Louisiana | 2 years La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 Two years for delictual actions arising on or after July 1, 2024; one year before that. | Check the statute | Check the statute | 2 years La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 Two years for delictual actions arising on or after July 1, 2024; one year before that. | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| Maine | 6 years Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 The general 6-year period for civil actions applies. | Check the statute | 3 years Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 18-C, § 2-807 Runs from the date of death; 6 years in homicide cases. | 6 years Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 The general 6-year period for civil actions applies. | 6 years Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 The general 6-year period for civil actions applies. | 6 years Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 The general 6-year period for civil actions applies. |
| Maryland | 3 years Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 The general 3-year period for civil actions at law applies. | 3 years Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-109(a) The earlier of 3 years from discovery or 5 years from the injury. | 3 years Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904(g) Runs from the date of death. | 3 years Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 The general 3-year period for civil actions at law applies. | 3 years Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 The general 3-year period applies; contracts under seal have 12 years. | 3 years Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 The general 3-year period for civil actions at law applies. |
| Massachusetts | 3 years Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A | 3 years Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 4 No more than 7 years after the act or omission, with exceptions. | 3 years Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2 Runs from the date of death or from when the cause was or should have been discovered. | 3 years Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A Actions of tort. | 6 years Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2 | 6 years Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2 |
| Michigan | 3 years Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805(2) | 2 years Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805(8) Separate discovery and notice rules apply. | 3 years Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805(2) | 3 years Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805(2) | 6 years Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5807(9) | 6 years Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5807(9) |
| Minnesota | 6 years Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5) Negligence claims; intentional torts such as assault have shorter periods under § 541.07. | 4 years Minn. Stat. § 541.076(b) | 3 years Minn. Stat. § 573.02, subd. 1 Runs from the date of death, with an outer limit tied to the act. | 6 years Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(3)-(4) | 6 years Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(1) | 6 years Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(1) |
| Mississippi | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| Missouri | 5 years Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4) | 2 years Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.105 From the act of neglect, with exceptions for foreign objects and minors. | 3 years Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100 | 5 years Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(3)-(4) | 10 years Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.110(1) For writings promising payment of money or property; other contracts have 5 years under § 516.120(1). | 5 years Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(1) |
| Montana | 3 years Mont. Code § 27-2-204(1) | 2 years Mont. Code § 27-2-205(1) From the injury or its discovery, whichever is later; no more than 5 years from the injury. | 3 years Mont. Code § 27-2-204(2) 10 years when the death results from a homicide. | 2 years Mont. Code § 27-2-207 | 6 years Mont. Code § 27-2-202(1) | 5 years Mont. Code § 27-2-202(2) |
| Nebraska | 4 years Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207(3) | 2 years Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-222 Professional negligence; a discovery rule and a 10-year outer limit apply. | 2 years Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-810 Runs from the date of death. | 4 years Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207(1)-(2) | 5 years Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-205(1) | 4 years Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-206 |
| Nevada | 2 years Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e) | Check the statute | 2 years Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e) | 3 years Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(3)(b)-(c) | 6 years Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(1)(b) | 4 years Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(2)(c) |
| New Hampshire | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| New Jersey | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| New Mexico | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| New York | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| North Carolina | 3 years N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(5), (16) | 3 years N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-15(c) Accrues at the last act of the defendant; special discovery rules and a 4-year outer limit apply. | 2 years N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-53(4) Runs from the date of death. | 3 years N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(4), (16) | 3 years N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1) Contracts under seal can have 10 years under § 1-47. | 3 years N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1) |
| North Dakota | 6 years N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(5) Libel, slander, assault, battery and false imprisonment have 2 years under § 28-01-18(1). | 2 years N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-18(3) No more than 6 years from the act for physicians and hospitals, with exceptions. | 2 years N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-18(4) Accrues at death. | 6 years N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(3)-(4) | 6 years N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(1) | 6 years N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(1) |
| Ohio | 2 years Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10(A) | 1 year Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.113(A) Can be extended by 180 days with written notice under § 2305.113(B); outer limits apply. | 2 years Ohio Rev. Code § 2125.02(F)(1) Runs from the date of death. | 2 years Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10(A) For injury to personal property. | 6 years Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.06 | 4 years Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.07(A) |
| Oklahoma | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| Oregon | 2 years Or. Rev. Stat. § 12.110(1) | 2 years Or. Rev. Stat. § 12.110(4) From discovery of the injury, with a 5-year outer limit. | 3 years Or. Rev. Stat. § 30.020(1) From discovery of the injury causing death, with an outer limit. | 6 years Or. Rev. Stat. § 12.080(3)-(4) | 6 years Or. Rev. Stat. § 12.080(1) | 6 years Or. Rev. Stat. § 12.080(1) |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2) | 2 years 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2) A separate 7-year outer limit applies under the MCARE Act, with exceptions. | 2 years 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2) | 2 years 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(3), (4), (7) | 4 years 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5525(a)(8) | 4 years 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5525(a)(3) |
| Rhode Island | 3 years R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b) | 3 years R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.1 A discovery rule applies. | 3 years R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-2 | 10 years R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) The general 10-year period for civil actions applies. | 10 years R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) The general 10-year period for civil actions applies. | 10 years R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) The general 10-year period for civil actions applies. |
| South Carolina | 3 years S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5) | 3 years S.C. Code § 15-3-545(A) From the treatment or its discovery, with a 6-year outer limit. | 3 years S.C. Code § 15-3-530(6) Runs from the date of death. | 3 years S.C. Code § 15-3-530(3)-(4) | 3 years S.C. Code § 15-3-530(1) Sealed instruments can have 20 years under § 15-3-520. | 3 years S.C. Code § 15-3-530(1) |
| South Dakota | 3 years S.D. Codified Laws § 15-2-14(3) | 2 years S.D. Codified Laws § 15-2-14.1 Runs from the act; a counterclaim exception applies. | 3 years S.D. Codified Laws § 21-5-3 Runs from the date of death. | 6 years S.D. Codified Laws § 15-2-13(3)-(4) | 6 years S.D. Codified Laws § 15-2-13(1) | 6 years S.D. Codified Laws § 15-2-13(1) |
| Tennessee | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute | Check the statute |
| Texas | 2 years Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a) | 2 years Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 74.251(a) From the breach or the end of the treatment; a 10-year outer limit applies. | 2 years Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(b) Accrues on the date of death. | 2 years Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a) | 4 years Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 16.004(a)(3), 16.051 Suits on a debt have 4 years; actions with no express period fall under the 4-year residual period. | 4 years Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 16.004(a)(3), 16.051 Suits on a debt have 4 years; actions with no express period fall under the 4-year residual period. |
| Utah | 4 years Utah Code § 78B-2-307(4) Falls under the 4-year period for relief not otherwise provided for by law. | 2 years Utah Code § 78B-3-404(1) From discovery of the injury; no more than 4 years from the act, with exceptions. | 2 years Utah Code § 78B-2-304(3) | 3 years Utah Code § 78B-2-305(1)(a) | 6 years Utah Code § 78B-2-309(1)(b) | 4 years Utah Code § 78B-2-307(1)(a) |
| Vermont | 3 years Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 512(4) Accrues on discovery of the injury. | 3 years Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 521 3 years from the incident or 2 years from discovery, whichever is later; no more than 7 years. | Check the statute | 3 years Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 512(5) For damage to personal property. | 6 years Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 511 The general 6-year period for civil actions applies. | 6 years Vt. Stat. tit. 12, § 511 The general 6-year period for civil actions applies. |
| Virginia | 2 years Va. Code § 8.01-243(A) | 2 years Va. Code § 8.01-243(A) Personal injury actions whatever the theory of recovery; special accrual rules apply under § 8.01-243(C). | 2 years Va. Code § 8.01-244(B) Runs from the date of death. | 5 years Va. Code § 8.01-243(B) | 5 years Va. Code § 8.01-246(2) For written contracts signed by the party to be charged. | 3 years Va. Code § 8.01-246(4) |
| Washington | 3 years Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080(2) | 3 years Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.350 Or 1 year from discovery, whichever is later; an 8-year outer limit applies. | Check the statute | 3 years Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080(1)-(2) | 6 years Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.040(1) | 3 years Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080(3) |
| West Virginia | 2 years W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(b) | 2 years W. Va. Code § 55-7B-4(a) From the injury or its discovery, whichever is later; no more than 10 years. | 2 years W. Va. Code § 55-7-6(d) | 2 years W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(a) | 10 years W. Va. Code § 55-2-6 For written contracts signed by the party to be charged. | 5 years W. Va. Code § 55-2-6 |
| Wisconsin | 3 years Wis. Stat. § 893.54(1m)(a) | 3 years Wis. Stat. § 893.55(1m) Or 1 year from discovery, whichever is later; no more than 5 years from the act. | 3 years Wis. Stat. § 893.54(1m)(b) Motor vehicle wrongful death claims have a different period under § 893.54(2m). | 6 years Wis. Stat. § 893.52(1) | 6 years Wis. Stat. § 893.43(1) | 6 years Wis. Stat. § 893.43(1) |
| Wyoming | 4 years Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(C) | 2 years Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-107(a)(i) From the act, or 2 years from discovery in some cases. | 2 years Wyo. Stat. § 1-38-102(d) Runs from the date of death. | 4 years Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(A)-(B) | 10 years Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(i) | 8 years Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(ii)(A) |
Frequently asked questions
- What is a statute of limitations?
- It is the deadline set by state law for filing a lawsuit. If you file after it runs out, the court will usually dismiss the case, however strong it is.
- When does the clock start?
- Usually when the injury or breach happens. Some states start it when the injury is discovered, and some pause it for minors or other reasons. The notes under each deadline flag the main rules in the statute itself.
- Why do some cells say “Check the statute”?
- We only show a deadline after reading it on the state’s official legislature or court site. 86 of 306 cells are not confirmed yet; those link to the state’s official code instead.
- Are claims against the government different?
- Yes. Claims against a state, city or county often require a written notice within months and have their own deadlines. They are not covered by this table.
Sources
Updated