Statute of Limitations by State

Important: Statutes of limitations are strict deadlines. Once the clock runs out, courts will dismiss your case even if you have a valid claim. If you are near a deadline, consult an attorney immediately. Tolling rules (which pause the clock) vary by state.

What Is "Tolling"? (Clock Pauses)

Tolling temporarily suspends the statute of limitations, giving you extra time. Common tolling situations include:

Minor PlaintiffClock typically doesn't start until the injured person turns 18.

Mental IncapacityIf the plaintiff is mentally incompetent, the clock may be paused.

Defendant AbsentIf the defendant leaves the state, that time may not count.

Fraud or ConcealmentIf the defendant hid the injury or wrongdoing, the clock may start later.

Discovery RuleFor latent injuries (e.g. mesothelioma), the clock starts when you discover the harm.

Government ClaimsSuing a government entity usually requires a notice of claim within 60–180 days.

Understanding the 4 Main Case Types

Personal Injury

Covers car accidents, slip-and-falls, dog bites, assault, and other physical harm. The clock usually starts on the date of injury. Range: 1–6 years depending on state.

Medical Malpractice

Claims against doctors, hospitals, or healthcare providers for negligent care. Many states use a "discovery rule" — the clock starts when you knew or should have known about the injury. Range: 1–7 years.

Written Contracts

Covers breach of signed contracts — business disputes, loan agreements, leases. The clock typically starts at breach. Written contracts get longer limits than oral ones. Range: 3–10 years.

Debt Collection

Limits how long a creditor or debt collector can sue you to collect a debt. After this period, the debt is "time-barred" — they can't win in court, though they may still try to collect. Range: 3–10 years.

Statute of Limitations Lookup