Statute of Limitations Calculator

Calculate legal filing deadlines across jurisdictions. Determine statute of limitations for civil, criminal, and contract cases.

Statute of Limitations Definition: A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.

Note: This calculator provides estimates based on general statutory periods. Actual deadlines may vary based on specific circumstances, exceptions, and recent legal changes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice.
Select the legal jurisdiction where the claim will be filed
Select the type of legal claim or cause of action
Date when the incident occurred or claim accrued
Date when injury/harm was discovered (for discovery rule jurisdictions)
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Understanding Statutes of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. These laws vary by jurisdiction and by the type of claim or offense.

Purpose of Statutes of Limitations:

  • Ensure claims are brought while evidence is still fresh and available
  • Protect defendants from having to defend against stale claims
  • Provide finality and certainty in legal matters
  • Encourage prompt resolution of disputes

Common Claim Types and Typical Time Limits

Claim Type Typical Time Limit Notes
Personal Injury 1-3 years Usually runs from date of injury or discovery
Written Contract 3-6 years From date of breach
Oral Contract 2-4 years From date of breach
Property Damage 2-4 years From date damage occurred or discovered
Medical Malpractice 1-3 years Often with discovery rule exceptions
Fraud 2-6 years Usually from discovery of fraud
Defamation 1-3 years From date of publication

Tolling and Exceptions

Common Tolling Circumstances
  • Plaintiff is a minor
  • Plaintiff is mentally incapacitated
  • Defendant is out of jurisdiction
  • War or natural disaster
  • Fraudulent concealment by defendant
Discovery Rule

In many jurisdictions, the statute of limitations doesn't begin to run until the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury or harm.

Jurisdiction-Specific Rules

  • Personal Injury: 2 years (CCP § 335.1)
  • Medical Malpractice: 3 years from injury or 1 year from discovery, whichever occurs first (CCP § 340.5)
  • Written Contract: 4 years (CCP § 337)
  • Oral Contract: 2 years (CCP § 339)
  • Property Damage: 3 years (CCP § 338)
  • Fraud: 3 years from discovery (CCP § 338)

  • Personal Injury: 3 years (CPLR § 214)
  • Medical Malpractice: 2.5 years (CPLR § 214-a)
  • Written Contract: 6 years (CPLR § 213)
  • Oral Contract: 6 years (CPLR § 213)
  • Property Damage: 3 years (CPLR § 214)
  • Fraud: 6 years from commission or 2 years from discovery (CPLR § 213)
Important Legal Disclaimer

This calculator provides general information about statutes of limitations for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Statutes of limitations are complex and subject to change, with many exceptions and variations. Always consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for legal advice regarding your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can raise this as an affirmative defense. In most cases, the court will dismiss the case, and you will lose your right to sue for that claim. There are very few exceptions to this rule.

Yes, in certain circumstances the statute of limitations can be "tolled" (paused). Common tolling circumstances include when the plaintiff is a minor, mentally incapacitated, or when the defendant is out of the jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions also have a "discovery rule" that delays the start of the limitation period until the injury is discovered or should have been discovered.

Yes, but criminal statutes of limitations work differently than civil ones. For serious crimes like murder, there may be no statute of limitations. For other crimes, the time limits vary based on the severity of the offense. This calculator focuses on civil statutes of limitations.

Determining the proper jurisdiction can be complex and depends on factors such as where the incident occurred, where the parties reside, and where the contract was formed or performed. This is a matter of "choice of law" that should be discussed with an attorney. When in doubt, use the shortest applicable statute of limitations to be safe.