Civil Statutes of Limitations: 50-State Survey

A civil statute of limitations is simply a deadline for filing a lawsuit. If the person or entity bringing the case (known as the plaintiff) does not file within the deadline, the defendant can ask the court to dismiss the case. This is true regardless of how strong a case the plaintiff may have and how much harm they may have incurred. Therefore, anyone considering bringing a claim should make sure that they know and comply with the statute of limitations.

Each state sets out different statutes of limitations for different types of claims. This survey presents the sections of the code in each state (and the District of Columbia) that contain the main statutes of limitations. It highlights the deadlines for two especially common types of lawsuits: personal injury claims and contract disputes. Each entry also discusses the statutes of limitations for a few other types of lawsuits, although it does not list all possible deadlines.

The Discovery Rule

The statute of limitations usually starts running when the events giving rise to the claim happened. In some cases, though, a “discovery rule” may provide that the clock starts running only when the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known that they had a claim. Or a discovery rule may provide a different time period than the main statute of limitations.

Note that the general “personal injury statute of limitations” does not necessarily cover every situation in which someone is injured. States often provide separate deadlines for claims based on assault, battery, and other situations in which someone is injured due to a criminal act or other intentional wrongdoing. Separate deadlines also may apply to sophisticated types of personal injury cases, such as medical malpractice or products liability.

The general “contracts statute of limitations” also may not cover every potential claim arising from a contract. For example, each state has adopted at least part of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which contains a four-year statute of limitations for actions based on contracts for the sale of goods. Most but not all states have adopted this UCC provision.

Thus, this survey only presents an overview of the topic with some basic information. You should make sure to research the laws provided here or ideally talk to an attorney about the statutes of limitations that may apply to your case. An attorney also may identify another type of claim that you may have, to which a different deadline may apply.

Alabama Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Alabama statute of limitations for libel, slander, and wage claims is two years. Assault and battery, trespass, and false imprisonment are subject to a six-year statute of limitations. A 20-year period applies to actions based on a judgment.

Alaska Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Alaska statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to assault, battery, and false imprisonment, as well as damage to personal property. The statute of limitations for trespass is six years, and an action based on a judgment must be brought within 10 years.

Arizona Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Arizona statute of limitations for libel, slander, false imprisonment, and wrongful termination is one year. A two-year period applies to property damage actions. Fraud actions must be brought within three years, and an action based on a judgment from outside the state must be brought within four years.

Arkansas Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Arkansas statute of limitations for assault and battery, false imprisonment, and slander is one year. A three-year period applies to libel, trespass, damage to personal property, and most actions based on arrearages of rent. There is a 10-year period for an action based on a judgment.

California Civil Statutes of Limitations

The California statute of limitations for libel, slander, and false imprisonment is one year. Trespass, property damage, and fraud actions must be brought within three years. An action based on a judgment of a federal or state court must be brought within 10 years.

Colorado Civil Statutes of Limitations

  • Key laws: Colorado Code Section 13-80-101 et seq.
  • Personal injury: 2 years (but 3 years for car accidents)
  • Contracts: 3 years (but 6 years for various debts and arrears of rent)

The Colorado statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. The same period applies to assault, battery, false imprisonment, and false arrest. Most actions for fraud or misrepresentation must be brought within three years, as well as all actions for breach of trust or breach of fiduciary duty.

Connecticut Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Connecticut statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period generally applies to property damage claims. Specific deadlines apply to cases such as chemical exposure, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, malicious prosecution, and claims against architects and engineers.

Delaware Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Delaware statute of limitations for claims for wages, salary, or overtime is one year. A claim for damage to personal property must be brought within two years, while a three-year period applies to trespass cases. An action based on a written contract involving at least $100,000 may be brought within a period specified by the contract, but no more than 20 years after the cause of action accrues.

Florida Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Florida statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to actions to recover wages or overtime pay. A four-year period applies to assault, battery, false imprisonment, trespass, fraud, and damage to personal property. An action to enforce an in-state judgment must be brought within 20 years, while the period is five years for out-of-state judgments.

Georgia Civil Statutes of Limitations

  • Key laws: Georgia Code Section 9-3-1 et seq.
  • Personal injury: 2 years
  • Contracts: 4 years for oral contracts; 6 years for written contracts

The Georgia statute of limitations for “injuries to reputation” (like libel and slander) is one year. A four-year period applies to trespass and property damage actions, as well as to actions based on an implied promise or undertaking. A five-year period applies to actions based on judgments obtained outside the state.

Hawaii Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Hawaii statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to property damage claims. A six-year period applies to actions based on judgments in out-of-state courts. The statute of limitations for an action based on an in-state judgment is 10 years.

Idaho Civil Statutes of Limitations

  • Key laws: Idaho Code Section 5-201 et seq.
  • Personal injury: 2 years
  • Contracts: 4 years for oral contracts; 5 years for written contracts

The Idaho statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to assault, battery, and false imprisonment. A three-year period applies to actions based on trespass, fraud, or damage to personal property. An 11-year period applies to an action upon a judgment.

Illinois Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Illinois statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year, while it is two years for false imprisonment. A five-year period applies to actions based on property damage. A petition to revive a judgment may be filed within 20 years of when the judgment was entered.

Indiana Civil Statutes of Limitations

  • Key laws: Indiana Code Section 34-11-1-1 et seq.
  • Personal injury: 2 years
  • Contracts: 6 years for oral contracts; 10 years for written contracts (6 years for written contracts for payment of money)

The Indiana statute of limitations for cases involving an “injury to character” (libel and slander) and for most employment-related actions is two years. The same period applies to actions based on damage to personal property, while a six-year period applies to actions based on damage to other property and to fraud actions. A judgment will be considered satisfied after 20 years have passed.

Iowa Civil Statutes of Limitations

  • Key laws: Iowa Code Section 614.1 et seq.
  • Personal injury: 2 years
  • Contracts: 5 years for oral contracts; 10 years for written contracts (5 years for claims for rent)

The Iowa statute of limitations for “injuries to reputation” (libel and slander) and claims for wages is two years. A fraud action or a property damage claim must be brought within five years. An action based on a judgment of a court of record generally must be brought within 20 years, except for some family law judgments.

Kansas Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Kansas statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. The same period applies to assault, battery, and false imprisonment. A two-year period applies to trespass and fraud actions, as well as claims for damage to personal property. (The period for fraud does not start running until the fraud is discovered.)

Kentucky Civil Statutes of Limitations

  • Key laws: Kentucky Revised Statutes Section 413.010 et seq.
  • Personal injury: 1 year (but 2 years for car accidents)
  • Contracts: 5 years for oral contracts; 10 or 15 years for written contracts (see below)

The Kentucky statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. A five-year period applies to actions based on trespass and fraud, while a two-year period applies to claims of damage to personal property. An action on a judgment has a 15-year statute of limitations. The 10-year statute of limitations for written contracts applies to contracts executed after July 15, 2014, while the 15-year statute of limitations applies to contracts executed on or before that date.

Louisiana Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Louisiana statute of limitations for actions based on money lent, arrearages of rent, and the recovery of compensation for services rendered is three years. An action based on a judgment must be brought within 10 years. The same period applies to construction defect cases.

Maine Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Maine statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. Specific statutes of limitations apply to actions against people such as design professionals, land surveyors, and attorneys. A judgment of a federal or state court is presumed to be paid and satisfied after 20 years.

Maryland Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Maryland statute of limitations is three years unless a specific provision of the law states otherwise. For example, an action based on assault, libel, or slander must be filed within one year. A 12-year period applies to an action based on a judgment.

Massachusetts Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Massachusetts statute of limitations for libel and slander is three years. The same period applies to assault and battery and false imprisonment claims. Actions based on violations of consumer protection laws must be brought within four years. There is a presumption that a judgment by a state or federal court is paid and satisfied 20 years after it was rendered.

Michigan Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Michigan statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. A two-year period generally applies to actions alleging assault, battery, or false imprisonment. A property damage claim must be brought within three years. A 10-year period applies to an action based on a judgment in a court of record.

Minnesota Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Minnesota statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to assault, battery, false imprisonment, and other intentional torts. Fraud and trespass actions must be pursued within six years. The same period applies to claims for damage to personal property. An action based on a judgment must be brought within 10 years.

Mississippi Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Mississippi statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. The same period applies to assault, assault and battery, and false imprisonment. An action based on a judgment must be brought within seven years.

Missouri Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Missouri statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to assault, battery, and false imprisonment. A five-year period applies to trespass and fraud actions, as well as claims for damage to personal property. With some exceptions, judgments are presumed to be paid and satisfied after 10 years.

Montana Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Montana statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to fraud, trespass, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and property damage. A 10-year period generally applies to an action based on a judgment in a federal or state court.

Nebraska Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Nebraska statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. A four-year period applies to trespass and fraud actions, as well as claims for damage to personal property. A five-year period applies to an action based on a judgment from an out-of-state court.

Nevada Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Nevada statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to assault, battery, and false imprisonment actions. Fraud and trespass actions must be brought within three years, as well as claims for damage to personal property. An action based on a judgment generally must be brought within six years.

New Hampshire Civil Statutes of Limitations

The New Hampshire statute of limitations for libel and slander is three years. An action of debt upon a judgment or contract under seal must be brought within 20 years. Distinctive rules apply to claims involving sexual assault or damages from construction.

New Jersey Civil Statutes of Limitations

The New Jersey statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. Trespass and property damage actions must be brought within six years. An action for rent or arrears of rent based on a lease under seal must be brought within 16 years. An action based on a judgment must be brought within 20 years.

New Mexico Civil Statutes of Limitations

The New Mexico statute of limitations for “injuries to reputation” (libel and slander) is three years. Fraud and property damage actions must be brought within four years. An action based on a judgment of a New Mexico court must be brought within 14 years.

New York Civil Statutes of Limitations

The New York statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. The same period applies to assault, battery, false imprisonment, and violations of the right of privacy. A three-year period applies to property damage. A fraud action must be brought within six years. A money judgment is presumed to be paid and satisfied after the expiration of 20 years from when the party recovering it was first entitled to enforce it.

North Carolina Civil Statutes of Limitations

The North Carolina statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. Trespass and fraud actions must be brought within three years, as well as claims based on damage to personal property. An action based on a judgment must be brought within 10 years.

North Dakota Civil Statutes of Limitations

The North Dakota statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Fraud and trespass actions must be brought within six years, as well as claims for damage to personal property. An action based on a judgment in a federal or state court must be brought within 10 years.

Ohio Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Ohio statute of limitations for libel, slander, and false imprisonment is one year. The same period applies to most assault and battery claims. A two-year period applies to actions by employees for unpaid minimum wages and unpaid overtime, as well as claims for damage to personal property. Fraud and trespass actions generally must be brought within four years.

Oklahoma Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Oklahoma statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. The same period applies to assault, battery, and false imprisonment claims. Trespass and fraud actions must be brought within two years, as well as claims for damage to personal property. An action based on a judgment by an out-of-state court must be brought within three years.

Oregon Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Oregon statute of limitations for assault, battery, and false imprisonment is two years. The same period applies to an action for overtime pay. A six-year period applies to trespass actions and claims for damage to personal property. An action arising under a rental agreement must be brought within one year. An action based on a judgment must be brought within 10 years.

Pennsylvania Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Pennsylvania statute of limitations for libel, slander, and invasion of privacy is one year. Claims for trespass, fraud, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or false arrest must be brought within two years, as well as claims for damage to personal property. An action based on a judgment in a federal or state court must be brought within four years.

Rhode Island Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Rhode Island statute of limitations for “words spoken” (slander) is one year. An action based on a judgment of a state or federal court must be brought within 20 years. Distinctive provisions apply to malpractice actions against various professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and real estate agents.

South Carolina Civil Statutes of Limitations

The South Carolina statute of limitations for libel, slander, and false imprisonment is two years. Trespass, property damage, assault, battery, and fraud actions must be brought within three years. An action based on a sealed instrument generally must be brought within 20 years.

South Dakota Civil Statutes of Limitations

The South Dakota statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Trespass and fraud actions must be brought within six years, as well as claims for damage to personal property. An action based on a judgment by a South Dakota court must be brought within 20 years, while an action based on a judgment by any other state court or a federal court must be brought within 10 years.

Tennessee Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Tennessee statute of limitations for slander is six months, while the statute of limitations for libel and false imprisonment is one year. A three-year period applies to actions for damage to personal or real property. An action for rent must be brought within six years. An action based on a judgment must be brought within 10 years.

Texas Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Texas statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. A two-year period applies to property damage claims. Actions based on debt, fraud, or breach of fiduciary duty must be brought within four years. Distinctive statutes apply to claims against professionals such as architects, engineers, surveyors, and real estate appraisers.

Utah Civil Statutes of Limitations

  • Key laws: Utah Code Section 78B-2-101 et seq.
  • Personal injury: 4 years
  • Contracts: 4 years for oral contracts; 6 years for written contracts

The Utah statute of limitations for libel, slander, and false imprisonment is one year. Trespass, fraud, and property damage actions must be brought within three years. An action based on a judgment in a federal or state court must be brought within eight years.

Vermont Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Vermont statute of limitations for libel and slander is three years. The same period applies to assault, battery, false imprisonment, and damage to personal property. An action brought for a violation of state anti-discrimination laws must be brought within six years. An action based on a judgment must be brought within eight years.

Virginia Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Virginia statute of limitations for libel, slander, and defamation is one year. The period for property damage claims is five years, while the period for fraud is two years. An action based on a judgment before July 1, 2021 must be brought within 20 years, while an action based on a judgment on or after July 1, 2021 must be brought within 10 years.

Washington Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Washington statute of limitations for libel and slander is two years. The same period applies to assault, assault and battery, and false imprisonment. Trespass and fraud actions must be brought within three years, as well as claims for damage to personal property. An action for rent must be brought within six years. An action based on a judgment must be brought within 10 years.

Washington, D.C. Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Washington, D.C. statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. The same period applies to assault, battery, false arrest, and false imprisonment. A three-year period applies to property damage claims. Specific provisions apply to claims based on sexual abuse or damage to real estate caused by toxic substances.

West Virginia Civil Statutes of Limitations

The West Virginia statute of limitations for property damage is generally two years. Complex rules apply to actions based on foreign judgments and decrees, as well as actions based on surveys or improvements to real property and bonds of personal representatives and fiduciaries.

Wisconsin Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Wisconsin statute of limitations for libel and slander is three years. The same period applies to assault, battery, invasion of privacy, and false imprisonment, as well as fraud. A property damage claim generally must be brought within six years, although the period is three years for property damage caused by car accidents. An action based on a judgment in a state or federal court of record must be brought within 20 years.

Wyoming Civil Statutes of Limitations

The Wyoming statute of limitations for libel and slander is one year. The same period applies to assault, battery, and false imprisonment. Trespass and fraud actions must be brought within four years, as well as claims for damage to personal property. An action based on a foreign claim, judgment, or contract contracted or incurred and accrued before the debtor became a resident of Wyoming must be brought within five years after the debtor becomes a resident there.

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