Statute of Limitations by State
How long do you have to file a lawsuit? Look it up by state and claim type across all 50 states and DC, with the official statute citation for every period.
50 states + DC
8 claim types
Official citations
This tool provides estimates for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Limitation periods depend on discovery rules, tolling, statutes of repose, and the specific facts. Always verify against the cited statute or consult an attorney.
Browse by state
Pick your state and the lookup above runs with it preselected. Every period links to its official statute.
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDCFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
What is a statute of limitations?
A statute of limitations is the legal deadline for starting a lawsuit. The clock usually starts when the claim "accrues", often the date of the injury or breach, or, under a discovery rule, when the harm reasonably should have been discovered. Once the period runs out, the claim is normally barred no matter how strong it is.
Two things commonly change the math: tolling (the clock pauses, for example, while the injured person is a minor or the defendant is out of state) and a statute of repose (an absolute outer cutoff that runs regardless of discovery). Periods vary by state and by the type of claim, which is why the lookup above asks for both.
State-by-state statute of limitations chart
Every verified limitation period we publish, by state and claim type, each linked to its official statute. Open a state below, or use the lookup above to check a specific date.
Alabama
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | Ala. Code § 6-2-38 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years | Ala. Code § 6-2-38 |
| Written contract | 6 years (simple contract (written or oral)) | Ala. Code § 6-2-34(9) |
| Oral contract | 6 years (simple contract) | Ala. Code § 6-2-34(9) |
| Property damage | 2 years (injury to personal property; 2 years) | Ala. Code § 6-2-38(l) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs; 6-month discovery; 4-year repose) | Ala. Code § 6-5-482 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years (libel and slander; 2 years) | Ala. Code § 6-2-38(k) |
| Debt collection | 3 years (open account; written contract debt is 6 yrs (§ 6-2-34)) | Ala. Code § 6-2-37 |
Alaska
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2-year tort period (action under AS 09.55.580)) | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070 |
| Written contract | 3 years | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.053 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.053 |
| Property damage | 2 years | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from accrual/discovery; 10-year repose) | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years (libel and slander; 2 years) | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070 |
| Debt collection | 3 years | Alaska Stat. § 09.10.053 |
Arizona
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years; § 12-542 covers personal injury and medical malpractice causing death) | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Written contract | 6 years | A.R.S. § 12-548 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | A.R.S. § 12-543 |
| Property damage | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs; § 12-542(1) expressly includes medical malpractice) | A.R.S. § 12-542 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | A.R.S. § 12-541 |
| Debt collection | 6 years (written; open account 3 yrs (§ 12-543)) | A.R.S. § 12-548 |
Arkansas
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years (injury to the person; 3 years) | Ark. Code § 16-56-105 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 years after the death) | Ark. Code § 16-62-102 |
| Written contract | 5 years | Ark. Code § 16-56-111 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | Ark. Code § 16-56-105 |
| Property damage | 3 years | Ark. Code § 16-56-105 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from the act; limited discovery for foreign objects) | Ark. Code § 16-114-203 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year (slander; 1 year (libel is 3 yrs under § 16-56-105)) | Ark. Code § 16-56-104 |
| Debt collection | 5 years | Ark. Code § 16-56-111 |
California
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | CCP § 335.1 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years | CCP § 335.1 |
| Written contract | 4 years | CCP § 337 |
| Oral contract | 2 years | CCP § 339 |
| Property damage | 3 years | CCP § 338 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 years from injury OR 1 year after discovery, whichever is first) | CCP § 340.5 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | CCP § 340(c) |
| Debt collection | 4 years | CCP § 337 (written agreement) |
Colorado
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-102 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (vehicular homicide cases: 4 yrs) | C.R.S. § 13-80-102 |
| Written contract | 3 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-101 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-101 |
| Property damage | 2 years | C.R.S. § 13-80-102 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from discovery; 3-year repose) | C.R.S. § 13-80-102.5 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | C.R.S. § 13-80-103 |
| Debt collection | 6 years (6 yrs for a liquidated debt/contract (credit cards, loans, accounts)) | C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5 |
Connecticut
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years (negligence; intentional torts 3 yrs (§ 52-577)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 yrs from death; 5-year repose from the act/omission) | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555 |
| Written contract | 6 years | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-581 |
| Property damage | 2 years | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from discovery; 3-year repose) | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-597 |
| Debt collection | 6 years | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-576 |
Delaware
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | 10 Del. C. § 8119 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from death) | 10 Del. C. § 8107 |
| Written contract | 3 years | 10 Del. C. § 8106 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | 10 Del. C. § 8106 |
| Property damage | 2 years (injury to personal property; 2 years) | 10 Del. C. § 8107 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from the injury; up to 3 yrs if not reasonably discoverable) | 18 Del. C. § 6856 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | 10 Del. C. § 8119 |
| Debt collection | 3 years | 10 Del. C. § 8106 |
District of Columbia
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years (residual 3-year period) | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years after the death (raised from 1 yr by D.C. Law 19-177)) | D.C. Code § 16-2702 |
| Written contract | 3 years (simple contract; under seal 12 yrs) | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(7) |
| Oral contract | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(7) |
| Property damage | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(3) |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(4) |
| Debt collection | 3 years | D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(7) |
Florida
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years (negligence; 2-year period per 2023 reform (HB 837)) | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(a) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(e) |
| Written contract | 5 years | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b) |
| Oral contract | 4 years | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(j) |
| Property damage | 4 years | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(g) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 years from discovery; 4-year outer limit) | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(c) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(h) |
| Debt collection | 5 years (on a written instrument; open accounts 4 yrs) | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b) |
Georgia
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (injury to the person; 2 yrs (estate-administration tolling may apply)) | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 |
| Written contract | 6 years (simple written contract) | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24 |
| Oral contract | 4 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26 |
| Property damage | 4 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year (injuries to reputation) | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 |
| Debt collection | 6 years (written; open account 4 yrs (§ 9-3-25)) | O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24 |
Hawaii
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | HRS § 657-7 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from date of death) | HRS § 663-3 |
| Written contract | 6 years | HRS § 657-1 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | HRS § 657-1 |
| Property damage | 2 years | HRS § 657-7 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from discovery; 6-year repose) | HRS § 657-7.3 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years (libel and slander; 2 years) | HRS § 657-4 |
| Debt collection | 6 years | HRS § 657-1 |
Idaho
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | Idaho Code § 5-219 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2-year personal-injury period applies to the wrongful-death action under Idaho Code § 5-311) | Idaho Code § 5-219(4) |
| Written contract | 5 years | Idaho Code § 5-216 |
| Oral contract | 4 years | Idaho Code § 5-217 |
| Property damage | 2 years | Idaho Code § 5-219 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years | Idaho Code § 5-219(4) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | Idaho Code § 5-219(5) |
| Debt collection | 5 years (written; oral 4 yrs (§ 5-217)) | Idaho Code § 5-216 |
Illinois
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | 735 ILCS 5/13-202 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from death; 5 years if violent intentional conduct) | 740 ILCS 180/2 |
| Written contract | 10 years | 735 ILCS 5/13-206 |
| Oral contract | 5 years | 735 ILCS 5/13-205 |
| Property damage | 5 years | 735 ILCS 5/13-205 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from discovery; 4-year repose) | 735 ILCS 5/13-212 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | 735 ILCS 5/13-201 |
| Debt collection | 10 years (written; oral/account 5 yrs (§ 13-205)) | 735 ILCS 5/13-206 |
Indiana
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from death) | Ind. Code § 34-23-1-1 |
| Written contract | 10 years | Ind. Code § 34-11-2-11 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | Ind. Code § 34-11-2-9 |
| Property damage | 2 years | Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from the act (occurrence-based; tolled during medical-review-panel)) | Ind. Code § 34-18-7-1 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4 |
| Debt collection | 10 years | Ind. Code § 34-11-2-11 |
Iowa
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(2) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2-year injury/death period) | Iowa Code § 614.1(2) |
| Written contract | 10 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(5) |
| Oral contract | 5 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(4) |
| Property damage | 5 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(4) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from knowledge of injury; 6-year repose) | Iowa Code § 614.1(9) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(2) |
| Debt collection | 10 years | Iowa Code § 614.1(5) |
Kansas
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | K.S.A. 60-513 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 yrs; discovery rule; 10-year repose) | K.S.A. 60-513(a)(5) |
| Written contract | 5 years (written agreement; oral 3 yrs (§ 60-512)) | K.S.A. 60-511 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | K.S.A. 60-512 |
| Property damage | 2 years | K.S.A. 60-513 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years | K.S.A. 60-513 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | K.S.A. 60-514 |
| Debt collection | 3 years (oral/account; written contract 5 yrs (§ 60-511)) | K.S.A. 60-512 |
Kentucky
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 1 year | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140 |
| Wrongful death | 1 year (1 yr; runs from appointment of the personal representative (KRS 413.180), capped at 2 yrs from death) | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140(1)(a) |
| Written contract | 15 years | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.090 |
| Oral contract | 5 years | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.120 |
| Property damage | 2 years (injury to personal property; 2 years) | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.125 |
| Medical malpractice | 1 year (1 yr from act or discovery; 5-year repose (§ 413.140(2))) | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140(1)(e) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140 |
| Debt collection | 15 years (written; oral/unwritten 5 yrs (§ 413.120)) | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.090 |
Louisiana
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years (delictual action; 2 yrs from injury (Act 423, eff. 7/1/2024). Injuries before 7/1/2024 had a 1-year period.) | La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (1 year from death OR 2 years from the day injury/damage is sustained, whichever is longer) | La. Civ. Code art. 2315.2 |
| Written contract | 10 years (personal action; general 10-year liberative prescription) | La. Civ. Code art. 3499 |
| Oral contract | 10 years | La. Civ. Code art. 3499 |
| Property damage | 2 years (delictual action; 2 yrs from when damage is sustained (Act 423, eff. 7/1/2024)) | La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 |
| Medical malpractice | 1 year (1 yr from the act or from discovery, but in all events within a 3-year repose from the act) | La. R.S. 9:5628 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years (defamation is a delictual action; 2 yrs (Act 423, eff. 7/1/2024)) | La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1 |
| Debt collection | 10 years | La. Civ. Code art. 3499 |
Maine
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 6 years (general 6-year period; assault/battery/slander 2 yrs (§ 753)) | 14 M.R.S. § 752 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 years from death (raised from 2 by P.L. 2023, c. 390)) | 18-C M.R.S. § 2-807 |
| Written contract | 6 years | 14 M.R.S. § 752 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | 14 M.R.S. § 752 |
| Property damage | 6 years | 14 M.R.S. § 752 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 yrs after the act or omission (Maine Health Security Act)) | 24 M.R.S. § 2902 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | 14 M.R.S. § 753 |
| Debt collection | 6 years | 14 M.R.S. § 752 |
Maryland
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 years from death) | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904(g) |
| Written contract | 3 years (ordinary contract; under seal 12 yrs (§ 5-102)) | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 |
| Property damage | 3 years | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 |
| Medical malpractice | 5 years (earlier of 5 yrs from injury or 3 yrs from discovery) | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-109 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-105 |
| Debt collection | 3 years | Md. Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101 |
Massachusetts
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | M.G.L. c.260 § 2A |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 yrs from death or from when the personal representative knew/should have known the basis (discovery)) | M.G.L. c.229 § 2 |
| Written contract | 6 years | M.G.L. c.260 § 2 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | M.G.L. c.260 § 2 |
| Property damage | 3 years | M.G.L. c.260 § 2A |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (7-year statute of repose) | M.G.L. c.260 § 4 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 3 years | M.G.L. c.260 § 2A |
| Debt collection | 6 years | M.G.L. c.260 § 2 |
Michigan
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years (negligence; assault/battery 2 yrs) | MCL § 600.5805 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 yrs from death/injury (wrongful death under MCL 600.2922 borrows this period)) | MCL § 600.5805(2) |
| Written contract | 6 years | MCL § 600.5807(9) |
| Oral contract | 6 years | MCL § 600.5807(9) |
| Property damage | 3 years | MCL § 600.5805 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs; 6-month discovery rule; 6-year repose (MCL 600.5838a)) | MCL § 600.5805(8) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year (libel or slander) | MCL § 600.5805(11) |
| Debt collection | 6 years | MCL § 600.5807(9) |
Minnesota
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 6 years (negligence-based; intentional torts (assault, battery, libel/slander) are 2 yrs under § 541.07) | Minn. Stat. § 541.05(1) |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 yrs from death; 6-year outer limit from the act; no limit if death by murder) | Minn. Stat. § 573.02 |
| Written contract | 6 years | Minn. Stat. § 541.05(1) |
| Oral contract | 6 years | Minn. Stat. § 541.05(1) |
| Property damage | 6 years | Minn. Stat. § 541.05(1) |
| Medical malpractice | 4 years | Minn. Stat. § 541.076 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | Minn. Stat. § 541.07 |
| Debt collection | 6 years | Minn. Stat. § 541.05(1) |
Mississippi
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (general 3-year period applies to wrongful death) | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 |
| Written contract | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 |
| Property damage | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from when known/discoverable; 7-year repose) | Miss. Code § 15-1-36 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | Miss. Code § 15-1-35 |
| Debt collection | 3 years | Miss. Code § 15-1-49 |
Missouri
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 5 years | RSMo § 516.120 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 years from death) | RSMo § 537.100 |
| Written contract | 10 years | RSMo § 516.110 |
| Oral contract | 5 years | RSMo § 516.120 |
| Property damage | 5 years | RSMo § 516.120 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from the act; 10-year outer repose) | RSMo § 516.105 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | RSMo § 516.140 |
| Debt collection | 10 years (on a writing for payment of money; oral/open account 5 yrs (§ 516.120)) | RSMo § 516.110 |
Montana
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | MCA § 27-2-204 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years | MCA § 27-2-204(2) |
| Written contract | 8 years (written contract; 8 years) | MCA § 27-2-202(1) |
| Oral contract | 5 years | MCA § 27-2-202(2) |
| Property damage | 2 years | MCA § 27-2-207 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from act or discovery; 5-year repose) | MCA § 27-2-205 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years (libel and slander) | MCA § 27-2-204(3) |
| Debt collection | 8 years (written; open account 5 yrs (§ 27-2-202(2))) | MCA § 27-2-202(1) |
Nebraska
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 4 years | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years after the death) | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-810 |
| Written contract | 5 years | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-205 |
| Oral contract | 4 years | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-206 |
| Property damage | 4 years | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-208 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-208 |
| Debt collection | 5 years (written; oral 4 yrs (§ 25-206)) | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-205 |
Nevada
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | NRS § 11.190(4)(e) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years) | NRS § 11.190(4)(e) |
| Written contract | 6 years | NRS § 11.190(1)(b) |
| Oral contract | 4 years | NRS § 11.190(2)(c) |
| Property damage | 3 years | NRS § 11.190(3)(b) |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 yrs from injury or 2 yrs from discovery, whichever first (per 2023 amendment)) | NRS § 41A.097 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | NRS § 11.190(4)(c) |
| Debt collection | 6 years (written; open account 4 yrs) | NRS § 11.190(1)(b) |
New Hampshire
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years (all personal actions; 3-year discovery rule) | N.H. RSA 508:4 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (RSA 556:11 states a 6-year outer limit but is 'subject to RSA 508'; the 3-year personal-action period (RSA 508:4) is the operative deadline) | N.H. RSA 508:4 / 556:11 |
| Written contract | 3 years | N.H. RSA 508:4 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | N.H. RSA 508:4 |
| Property damage | 3 years | N.H. RSA 508:4 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 yrs; discovery rule applies) | N.H. RSA 508:4 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 3 years (slander/libel; 3 years) | N.H. RSA 508:4 |
| Debt collection | 3 years | N.H. RSA 508:4 |
New Jersey
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from date of death) | N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3 |
| Written contract | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Property damage | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs; discovery rule applies) | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-3 |
| Debt collection | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
New Mexico
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | N.M. Stat. § 37-1-8 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 years from death) | N.M. Stat. § 41-2-2 |
| Written contract | 6 years (written contract; oral 4 yrs (§ 37-1-4)) | N.M. Stat. § 37-1-3 |
| Oral contract | 4 years | N.M. Stat. § 37-1-4 |
| Property damage | 4 years | N.M. Stat. § 37-1-4 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 yrs from the act (occurrence-based; minors under 6 have until age 9)) | N.M. Stat. § 41-5-13 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 3 years | N.M. Stat. § 37-1-8 |
| Debt collection | 4 years | N.M. Stat. § 37-1-4 |
New York
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | CPLR § 214(5) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from date of death) | EPTL § 5-4.1 |
| Written contract | 6 years | CPLR § 213(2) |
| Oral contract | 6 years | CPLR § 213(2) |
| Property damage | 3 years | CPLR § 214(4) |
| Medical malpractice | 2.5 years (2 years 6 months) | CPLR § 214-a |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | CPLR § 215(3) |
| Debt collection | 6 years | CPLR § 213(2) |
North Carolina
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | N.C.G.S. § 1-52 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from date of death) | N.C.G.S. § 1-53(4) |
| Written contract | 3 years | N.C.G.S. § 1-52 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | N.C.G.S. § 1-52 |
| Property damage | 3 years | N.C.G.S. § 1-52 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 yrs; 1-year discovery extension; 4-year repose) | N.C.G.S. § 1-15(c) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | N.C.G.S. § 1-54 |
| Debt collection | 3 years | N.C.G.S. § 1-52 |
North Dakota
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 6 years | N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(5) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from death) | N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18(4) |
| Written contract | 6 years | N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(1) |
| Oral contract | 6 years | N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(1) |
| Property damage | 6 years | N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(3)-(4) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years | N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18(3) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18(1) |
| Debt collection | 6 years | N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(1) |
Ohio
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | ORC § 2305.10 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from date of death) | ORC § 2125.02(D) |
| Written contract | 6 years | ORC § 2305.06 |
| Oral contract | 4 years | ORC § 2305.07 |
| Property damage | 4 years | ORC § 2305.09 |
| Medical malpractice | 1 year (1 yr; up to 4-year repose) | ORC § 2305.113 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | ORC § 2305.11 |
| Debt collection | 6 years (on a written instrument; oral/account 4 yrs (§ 2305.07)) | ORC § 2305.06 |
Oklahoma
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | 12 Okla. Stat. § 95(3) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from death) | 12 Okla. Stat. § 1053 |
| Written contract | 5 years | 12 Okla. Stat. § 95(1) |
| Oral contract | 3 years | 12 Okla. Stat. § 95(2) |
| Property damage | 2 years | 12 Okla. Stat. § 95(3) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from when the injury is known or should have been known) | 76 Okla. Stat. § 18 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year (libel and slander; 1 year) | 12 Okla. Stat. § 95(4) |
| Debt collection | 5 years (written; oral/implied 3 yrs (§ 95(2))) | 12 Okla. Stat. § 95(1) |
Oregon
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | ORS § 12.110 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 yrs from the injury causing death (or its discovery)) | ORS § 30.020 |
| Written contract | 6 years | ORS § 12.080 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | ORS § 12.080 |
| Property damage | 6 years | ORS § 12.080 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from discovery; 5-year outer limit) | ORS § 12.110(4) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | ORS § 12.120(2) |
| Debt collection | 6 years | ORS § 12.080 |
Pennsylvania
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from date of death) | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524 |
| Written contract | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525 |
| Oral contract | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525 |
| Property damage | 2 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (from injury or discovery; MCARE 7-year repose) | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year (libel/slander; 1 year) | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5523(1) |
| Debt collection | 4 years | 42 Pa.C.S. § 5525 |
Rhode Island
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b) |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 yrs from death (or discovery of the wrongful act)) | R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-2 |
| Written contract | 10 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13 |
| Oral contract | 10 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13 |
| Property damage | 10 years (falls under the 10-year general civil limitation (no shorter property-specific period)) | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 yrs; discovery rule applies) | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.1 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year (slander 1 yr; libel see § 9-1-14.1) | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(a) |
| Debt collection | 10 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13 |
South Carolina
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5) |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 years from death (2 yrs if against a government entity under the SC Tort Claims Act)) | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(6) |
| Written contract | 3 years | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(1) |
| Oral contract | 3 years | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(1) |
| Property damage | 3 years | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 yrs from act or discovery; 6-year repose) | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-545 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-550 |
| Debt collection | 3 years | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(1) |
South Dakota
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | SDCL § 15-2-14 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 years from death) | SDCL § 21-5-3 |
| Written contract | 6 years | SDCL § 15-2-13 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | SDCL § 15-2-13 |
| Property damage | 3 years | SDCL § 15-2-14 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years | SDCL § 15-2-14.1 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years (libel and slander; 2 years) | SDCL § 15-2-15(3) |
| Debt collection | 6 years | SDCL § 15-2-13 |
Tennessee
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 1 year | Tenn. Code § 28-3-104 |
| Wrongful death | 1 year (1 year (runs from the injury causing death)) | Tenn. Code § 28-3-104 |
| Written contract | 6 years | Tenn. Code § 28-3-109 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | Tenn. Code § 28-3-109 |
| Property damage | 3 years | Tenn. Code § 28-3-105 |
| Medical malpractice | 1 year (1 yr from act or discovery; 3-year repose) | Tenn. Code § 29-26-116 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | Tenn. Code § 28-3-104 |
| Debt collection | 6 years | Tenn. Code § 28-3-109 |
Texas
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | CPRC § 16.003 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (accrues on the death of the injured person) | CPRC § 16.003(b) |
| Written contract | 4 years | CPRC § 16.051 |
| Oral contract | 4 years | CPRC § 16.051 (residual) |
| Property damage | 2 years | CPRC § 16.003 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (from the breach or completion of treatment; 10-year statute of repose) | CPRC § 74.251 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | CPRC § 16.002 |
| Debt collection | 4 years | CPRC § 16.004 (debt) |
Utah
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 4 years | Utah Code § 78B-2-307 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from death) | Utah Code § 78B-2-304 |
| Written contract | 6 years | Utah Code § 78B-2-309 |
| Oral contract | 4 years | Utah Code § 78B-2-307 |
| Property damage | 3 years (injury to / taking of personal property) | Utah Code § 78B-2-305 |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from discovery; 4-year repose) | Utah Code § 78B-3-404 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | Utah Code § 78B-2-302 |
| Debt collection | 6 years | Utah Code § 78B-2-309 |
Vermont
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | 12 V.S.A. § 512 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from death) | 14 V.S.A. § 1492(a) |
| Written contract | 6 years | 12 V.S.A. § 511 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | 12 V.S.A. § 511 |
| Property damage | 3 years | 12 V.S.A. § 512 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 yrs from the act or 2 yrs from discovery; 7-year repose) | 12 V.S.A. § 521 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 3 years (slander and libel) | 12 V.S.A. § 512(3) |
| Debt collection | 6 years | 12 V.S.A. § 511 |
Virginia
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | Va. Code § 8.01-243(A) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from date of death) | Va. Code § 8.01-244(B) |
| Written contract | 5 years (signed writing) | Va. Code § 8.01-246(2) |
| Oral contract | 3 years (unwritten / unsigned) | Va. Code § 8.01-246(4) |
| Property damage | 5 years | Va. Code § 8.01-243(B) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs; limited discovery extensions (§ 8.01-243(C))) | Va. Code § 8.01-243(A) |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | Va. Code § 8.01-247.1 |
| Debt collection | 5 years (written; unwritten 3 yrs) | Va. Code § 8.01-246(2) |
Washington
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | RCW 4.16.080 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3-year limit (RCW 4.20.010 action), per RCW 4.16.080(2)) | RCW 4.16.080(2) |
| Written contract | 6 years | RCW 4.16.040 |
| Oral contract | 3 years | RCW 4.16.080 |
| Property damage | 3 years | RCW 4.16.080 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 years from act, or 1 year from discovery; 8-year repose) | RCW 4.16.350 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 2 years | RCW 4.16.100 |
| Debt collection | 6 years (written agreement; open account 3 yrs) | RCW 4.16.040 |
West Virginia
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(b) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years from death) | W. Va. Code § 55-7-6(d) |
| Written contract | 10 years (signed writing; any other contract 5 yrs) | W. Va. Code § 55-2-6 |
| Oral contract | 5 years | W. Va. Code § 55-2-6 |
| Property damage | 2 years | W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(a) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs from injury or discovery; 10-year repose) | W. Va. Code § 55-7B-4 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(c) |
| Debt collection | 10 years (signed writing; oral 5 yrs) | W. Va. Code § 55-2-6 |
Wisconsin
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years | Wis. Stat. § 893.54 |
| Wrongful death | 3 years (3 yrs; but 2 yrs if death arose from a motor-vehicle accident) | Wis. Stat. § 893.54 |
| Written contract | 6 years | Wis. Stat. § 893.43 |
| Oral contract | 6 years | Wis. Stat. § 893.43 |
| Property damage | 6 years | Wis. Stat. § 893.52 |
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (3 yrs, or 1 yr from discovery; 5-year repose) | Wis. Stat. § 893.55 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 3 years | Wis. Stat. § 893.57 |
| Debt collection | 6 years | Wis. Stat. § 893.43 |
Wyoming
| Claim type | Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 4 years | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years (2 years after the death) | Wyo. Stat. § 1-38-102(d) |
| Written contract | 10 years | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(i) |
| Oral contract | 8 years | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(ii) |
| Property damage | 4 years | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv) |
| Medical malpractice | 2 years (2 yrs for acts in rendering professional services; limited discovery extensions) | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-107 |
| Defamation (libel/slander) | 1 year | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(v) |
| Debt collection | 10 years | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(i) |
Statute of limitations on debt
Debt is usually treated as a contract claim, so the period tracks written vs. oral/account contracts in your state, anywhere from about 3 to 10+ years. Two things to know:
- In many states, making a payment or acknowledging the debt in writing can restart the clock, so be careful before doing either on an old debt.
- If a debt is past the statute of limitations, it's "time-barred": a collector generally can't win a lawsuit to force payment, though the debt may still appear on your record. You can respond with a debt-validation or dispute letter. Build any document with FormsPal →
Crimes with no statute of limitations
This lookup covers civil limitation periods. Criminal limitations are separate and set by each state's penal code. As a general matter, murder has no statute of limitations in nearly every state, and many states have eliminated or extended the period for serious offenses, including certain sexual offenses, especially against children. Check your state's criminal code for specifics.
Need a filing deadline instead?
Once you know a claim is timely, the next question is usually how to count a specific deadline, like 30 days to answer a complaint or a court-day filing window. Our deadline calculator handles calendar, business, and court days, with state court holidays built in.
Open the deadline calculator →Frequently asked questions
What is a statute of limitations?
It's the legal deadline for starting a lawsuit. The clock generally starts when the claim accrues, often the injury or breach date, or when the harm reasonably should have been discovered. Once it expires, the claim is usually barred.
What happens if the statute of limitations runs out?
If you file after it expires, the defendant can move to dismiss and the court will normally bar the claim regardless of its merits. Some periods can be paused (tolled), for example while the plaintiff is a minor or the defendant has left the state.
Does the statute of limitations on debt restart?
In many states, making a payment or acknowledging the debt in writing can restart or extend the clock. Check your state's rule (and the cited statute) before doing either on an old debt.
What crimes have no statute of limitations?
In most states murder has none, and many states have eliminated or extended limitations for serious offenses such as certain sexual offenses against children. Criminal limitations are separate from the civil periods in this lookup.
Is this legal advice?
No. It provides general informational estimates with a link to the official statute. Periods are affected by discovery rules, tolling, and statutes of repose, and they change. Always confirm with the cited statute or a licensed attorney.
Filing something? Get the document.
FormsPal has 16,000+ free, ready-to-fill legal templates: complaints, answers, demand letters, and more.