How long do you have to sue? Every state sets a different clock for each kind of civil claim, and missing it ends the claim outright — no defence, no appeal on the merits. The spread is wide and it moves: Florida cut its personal-injury period from four years to two in March 2023 (HB 837), Louisiana went the other way in July 2024, and a great many 'statute of limitations by state' tables still print the old figures. One record per state per type of claim — personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, written contract, oral contract, property damage, fraud, defamation, debt — each quoted verbatim from that state's own legislature or revisor, never from a law-firm summary or a code mirror. The period is recorded in the statute's own words ('two years', 'six years'), not converted, because the conversion is where these tables go wrong. Answers 'statute of limitations for personal injury in Ohio', 'how long to sue for breach of contract by state', 'medical malpractice filing deadline', 'defamation statute of limitations'. Adjacent to state-construction-defect-limitations-periods, mechanics-lien-deadlines-by-state and whistleblower-filing-deadlines. This is a deadline lookup, not legal advice: tolling, discovery rules, minority, and claims against government bodies all change the answer, and the record says so where the statute does.

Facts taken from US state statutes, each with a verbatim attributed quote and a link back to the publishing legislature or revisor. The text of a state statute is an edict of government and carries no copyright (a US-wide rule since Wheaton v. Peters, restated for annotations in Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 2020). No whole chapter is reproduced: each record carries one provision's operative phrase. No source used here carries a restrictive notice.

Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Medical malpractice

**State:** Arizona

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** causes of action for medical malpractice as defined in section 12-561

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 12-542

> 12-542. Injury to person; injury when death ensues; injury to property; conversion of property; forcible entry and forcible detainer; two year limitation Except as provided in section 12-551 there shall be commenced and prosecuted within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not afterward, the following actions: 1. For injuries done to the person of another including causes of action for medical malpractice as defined in section 12-561.

Source: <https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00542.htm>

Medical malpractice · Arizona — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Arizona

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** For injuries done to the person of another

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 12-542

> 12-542. Injury to person; injury when death ensues; injury to property; conversion of property; forcible entry and forcible detainer; two year limitation Except as provided in section 12-551 there shall be commenced and prosecuted within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not afterward, the following actions: 1. For injuries done to the person of another including causes of action for medical malpractice as defined in section 12-561.

Source: <https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00542.htm>

Personal injury · Arizona — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Arizona

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** For taking or carrying away the goods and chattels of another

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 12-542

> 12-542. Injury to person; injury when death ensues; injury to property; conversion of property; forcible entry and forcible detainer; two year limitation Except as provided in section 12-551 there shall be commenced and prosecuted within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not afterward, the following actions: 1. For injuries done to the person of another including causes of action for medical malpractice as defined in section 12-561. 2. For injuries done to the person of another when death ensues from such injuries, which action shall be considered as accruing at the death of the party injured. 3. For trespass for injury done to the estate or the property of another. 4. For taking or carrying away the goods and chattels of another.

Source: <https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00542.htm>

Property damage · Arizona — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Trespass to real property

**State:** Arizona

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** For trespass for injury done to the estate or the property of another

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 12-542

> 12-542. Injury to person; injury when death ensues; injury to property; conversion of property; forcible entry and forcible detainer; two year limitation Except as provided in section 12-551 there shall be commenced and prosecuted within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not afterward, the following actions: 1. For injuries done to the person of another including causes of action for medical malpractice as defined in section 12-561. 2. For injuries done to the person of another when death ensues from such injuries, which action shall be considered as accruing at the death of the party injured. 3. For trespass for injury done to the estate or the property of another.

Source: <https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00542.htm>

Trespass to real property · Arizona — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Wrongful death

**State:** Arizona

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** For injuries done to the person of another when death ensues from such injuries

**When the clock starts:** which action shall be considered as accruing at the death of the party injured

**Section:** 12-542

> 12-542. Injury to person; injury when death ensues; injury to property; conversion of property; forcible entry and forcible detainer; two year limitation Except as provided in section 12-551 there shall be commenced and prosecuted within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not afterward, the following actions: 1. For injuries done to the person of another including causes of action for medical malpractice as defined in section 12-561. 2. For injuries done to the person of another when death ensues from such injuries, which action shall be considered as accruing at the death of the party injured.

Source: <https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00542.htm>

Wrongful death · Arizona — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Assault or battery

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** Within two years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for assault, battery

**Section:** 335.1

> 335.1. Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Assault or battery · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** Within one year

**How the statute describes it:** An action for libel, slander, false imprisonment

**Section:** 340

> 340. Within one year: (a) An action upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture, if the action is given to an individual, or to an individual and the state, except if the statute imposing it prescribes a different limitation. (b) An action upon a statute for a forfeiture or penalty to the people of this state. (c) An action for libel, slander, false imprisonment, seduction of a person below the age of legal consent,

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Defamation · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Medical malpractice

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** three years after the date of injury or one year after the plaintiff discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, whichever occurs first

**How the statute describes it:** In an action for injury or death against a health care provider based upon such person’s alleged professional negligence

**Section:** 340.5

> 340.5. In an action for injury or death against a health care provider based upon such person’s alleged professional negligence, the time for the commencement of action shall be three years after the date of injury or one year after the plaintiff discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, whichever occurs first.

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Medical malpractice · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** Within two years

**How the statute describes it:** An action upon a contract, obligation or liability not founded upon an instrument of writing

**Section:** 339

> 339. Within two years: 1. An action upon a contract, obligation or liability not founded upon an instrument of writing, except as provided in Section 2725 of the Commercial Code or subdivision 2 of Section 337 of this code;

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Oral contract · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** Within two years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another

**Section:** 335.1

> 335.1. Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Personal injury · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** Within three years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for taking, detaining, or injuring goods or chattels, including an action for the specific recovery of personal property

**Section:** 338

> 338. Within three years: (a) An action upon a liability created by statute, other than a penalty or forfeiture. (b) An action for trespass upon or injury to real property. (c) (1) An action for taking, detaining, or injuring goods or chattels, including an action for the specific recovery of personal property.

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Property damage · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Statutory penalty

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** Within three years

**How the statute describes it:** An action upon a liability created by statute, other than a penalty or forfeiture

**Section:** 338

> 338. Within three years: (a) An action upon a liability created by statute, other than a penalty or forfeiture.

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Statutory penalty · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Trespass to real property

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** Within three years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for trespass upon or injury to real property

**Section:** 338

> 338. Within three years: (a) An action upon a liability created by statute, other than a penalty or forfeiture. (b) An action for trespass upon or injury to real property.

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Trespass to real property · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** Within four years

**How the statute describes it:** An action upon any contract, obligation or liability founded upon an instrument in writing

**Section:** 337

> 337. Within four years: (a) An action upon any contract, obligation or liability founded upon an instrument in writing, except as provided in Section 336a;

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Written contract · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Wrongful death

**State:** California

**Limitation period:** Within two years

**How the statute describes it:** injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another

**Section:** 335.1

> 335.1. Within two years: An action for assault, battery, or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&division=&title=2.&part=2&chapter=3&article=>

Wrongful death · California — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Assault or battery

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** one year

**How the statute describes it:** The following tort actions: Assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, libel, and slander

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-103

> 13-80-103. General limitation of actions - one year. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, shall be commenced within one year after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) The following tort actions: Assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, libel, and slander;

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Assault or battery · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** one year

**How the statute describes it:** The following tort actions: Assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, libel, and slander

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-103

> 13-80-103. General limitation of actions - one year. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, shall be commenced within one year after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) The following tort actions: Assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, libel, and slander;

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Defamation · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Fraud

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** three years

**How the statute describes it:** All actions for fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, or deceit

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-101

> 13-80-101. General limitation of actions - three years. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, shall be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) All contract actions, including personal contracts and actions under the "Uniform Commercial Code", except as otherwise provided in section 13-80-103.5; (b) Repealed. (c) All actions for fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, or deceit except those in section 13-80-102 (1)(j);

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Fraud · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** three years

**How the statute describes it:** All contract actions, including personal contracts

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-101

> 13-80-101. General limitation of actions - three years. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, shall be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) All contract actions, including personal contracts

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Oral contract · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** Tort actions, including but not limited to actions for negligence, trespass, malicious abuse of process, malicious prosecution, outrageous conduct, interference with relationships, and tortious breach of contract

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-102

> 13-80-102. General limitation of actions - two years. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, must be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) Tort actions, including but not limited to actions for negligence, trespass, malicious abuse of process, malicious prosecution, outrageous conduct, interference with relationships, and tortious breach of contract;

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Personal injury · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** three years

**How the statute describes it:** All actions of replevin or for taking, detaining, or converting goods or chattels

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-101

> 13-80-101. General limitation of actions - three years. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, shall be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) All contract actions, including personal contracts and actions under the "Uniform Commercial Code", except as otherwise provided in section 13-80-103.5; (b) Repealed. (c) All actions for fraud, misrepresentation, concealment, or deceit except those in section 13-80-102 (1)(j); (d) and (e) Repealed. (f) All actions for breach of trust or breach of fiduciary duty; (g) All claims under the "Uniform Consumer Credit Code", except section 5-5-201 (5), C.R.S.; (h) All actions of replevin or for taking, detaining, or converting goods or chattels, except as otherwise provided in section 13-80-103.5;

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Property damage · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Statutory penalty

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** one year

**How the statute describes it:** All actions for any penalty or forfeiture of any penal statutes

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-103

> 13-80-103. General limitation of actions - one year. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, shall be commenced within one year after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) The following tort actions: Assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, libel, and slander; (b) All actions for escape of prisoners; (c) All actions against sheriffs, coroners, police officers, firefighters, national guardsmen, or any other law enforcement authority; (d) All actions for any penalty or forfeiture of any penal statutes;

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Statutory penalty · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Trespass to real property

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** Tort actions, including but not limited to actions for negligence, trespass

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-102

> 13-80-102. General limitation of actions - two years. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, must be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) Tort actions, including but not limited to actions for negligence, trespass, malicious abuse of process, malicious prosecution, outrageous conduct, interference with relationships, and tortious breach of contract;

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Trespass to real property · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** three years

**How the statute describes it:** All contract actions, including personal contracts

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-101

> 13-80-101. General limitation of actions - three years. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, shall be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) All contract actions, including personal contracts

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Written contract · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Wrongful death

**State:** Colorado

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** All actions for wrongful death

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** 13-80-102

> 13-80-102. General limitation of actions - two years. (1) The following civil actions, regardless of the theory upon which suit is brought, or against whom suit is brought, must be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not thereafter: (a) Tort actions, including but not limited to actions for negligence, trespass, malicious abuse of process, malicious prosecution, outrageous conduct, interference with relationships, and tortious breach of contract; except that this paragraph (a) does not apply to any tort action arising out of the use or operation of a motor vehicle as set forth in section 13-80-101 (1)(n); (b) All actions for strict liability, absolute liability, or failure to instruct or warn; (c) All actions, regardless of the theory asserted, against any veterinarian; (d) All actions for wrongful death, except as described in subsection (2) of this section;

Source: <https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-13.pdf>

Wrongful death · Colorado — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Debt on account

**State:** Delaware

**Limitation period:** 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** no action to recover a debt not evidenced by a record or by an instrument under seal

**When the clock starts:** from the accruing of the cause of such action

**Section:** § 8106

> § 8106. Actions subject to 3-year limitation. (a) No action to recover damages for trespass, no action to regain possession of personal chattels, no action to recover damages for the detention of personal chattels, no action to recover a debt not evidenced by a record or by an instrument under seal, no action based on a detailed statement of the mutual demands in the nature of debit and credit between parties arising out of contractual or fiduciary relations, no action based on a promise, no action based on a statute, and no action to recover damages caused by an injury unaccompanied with force or resulting indirectly from the act of the defendant shall be brought after the expiration of 3 years from the accruing of the cause of such action;

Source: <https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html>

Debt on account · Delaware — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** Delaware

**Limitation period:** 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** no action based on a promise

**When the clock starts:** from the accruing of the cause of such action

**Section:** § 8106

> § 8106. Actions subject to 3-year limitation. (a) No action to recover damages for trespass, no action to regain possession of personal chattels, no action to recover damages for the detention of personal chattels, no action to recover a debt not evidenced by a record or by an instrument under seal, no action based on a detailed statement of the mutual demands in the nature of debit and credit between parties arising out of contractual or fiduciary relations, no action based on a promise, no action based on a statute, and no action to recover damages caused by an injury unaccompanied with force or resulting indirectly from the act of the defendant shall be brought after the expiration of 3 years from the accruing of the cause of such action;

Source: <https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html>

Oral contract · Delaware — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Delaware

**Limitation period:** 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** No action for the recovery of damages upon a claim for alleged personal injuries

**When the clock starts:** from the date upon which it is claimed that such alleged injuries were sustained

**Section:** § 8119

> § 8119. Personal injuries. No action for the recovery of damages upon a claim for alleged personal injuries shall be brought after the expiration of 2 years from the date upon which it is claimed that such alleged injuries were sustained; subject, however, to the provisions of § 8127 of this title.

Source: <https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html>

Personal injury · Delaware — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Delaware

**Limitation period:** 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** injury to personal property

**When the clock starts:** from the accruing of the cause of such action

**Section:** § 8107

> § 8107. Actions subject to 2-year limitation. No action to recover damages for wrongful death or for injury to personal property shall be brought after the expiration of 2 years from the accruing of the cause of such action.

Source: <https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html>

Property damage · Delaware — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Statutory penalty

**State:** Delaware

**Limitation period:** 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** no action based on a statute

**When the clock starts:** from the accruing of the cause of such action

**Section:** § 8106

> § 8106. Actions subject to 3-year limitation. (a) No action to recover damages for trespass, no action to regain possession of personal chattels, no action to recover damages for the detention of personal chattels, no action to recover a debt not evidenced by a record or by an instrument under seal, no action based on a detailed statement of the mutual demands in the nature of debit and credit between parties arising out of contractual or fiduciary relations, no action based on a promise, no action based on a statute, and no action to recover damages caused by an injury unaccompanied with force or resulting indirectly from the act of the defendant shall be brought after the expiration of 3 years from the accruing of the cause of such action;

Source: <https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html>

Statutory penalty · Delaware — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Trespass to real property

**State:** Delaware

**Limitation period:** 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** No action to recover damages for trespass

**When the clock starts:** from the accruing of the cause of such action

**Section:** § 8106

> § 8106. Actions subject to 3-year limitation. (a) No action to recover damages for trespass, no action to regain possession of personal chattels, no action to recover damages for the detention of personal chattels, no action to recover a debt not evidenced by a record or by an instrument under seal, no action based on a detailed statement of the mutual demands in the nature of debit and credit between parties arising out of contractual or fiduciary relations, no action based on a promise, no action based on a statute, and no action to recover damages caused by an injury unaccompanied with force or resulting indirectly from the act of the defendant shall be brought after the expiration of 3 years from the accruing of the cause of such action;

Source: <https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html>

Trespass to real property · Delaware — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Delaware

**Limitation period:** 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** no action based on a promise

**When the clock starts:** from the accruing of the cause of such action

**Section:** § 8106

> § 8106. Actions subject to 3-year limitation. (a) No action to recover damages for trespass, no action to regain possession of personal chattels, no action to recover damages for the detention of personal chattels, no action to recover a debt not evidenced by a record or by an instrument under seal, no action based on a detailed statement of the mutual demands in the nature of debit and credit between parties arising out of contractual or fiduciary relations, no action based on a promise, no action based on a statute, and no action to recover damages caused by an injury unaccompanied with force or resulting indirectly from the act of the defendant shall be brought after the expiration of 3 years from the accruing of the cause of such action;

Source: <https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html>

Written contract · Delaware — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Wrongful death

**State:** Delaware

**Limitation period:** 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** No action to recover damages for wrongful death

**When the clock starts:** from the accruing of the cause of such action

**Section:** § 8107

> § 8107. Actions subject to 2-year limitation. No action to recover damages for wrongful death or for injury to personal property shall be brought after the expiration of 2 years from the accruing of the cause of such action.

Source: <https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html>

Wrongful death · Delaware — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Assault or battery

**State:** District of Columbia

**Limitation period:** 1 year

**How the statute describes it:** for libel, slander, assault, battery, mayhem, wounding, malicious prosecution, false arrest or false imprisonment

**When the clock starts:** from the time the right to maintain the action accrues

**Section:** 12–301

> § 12–301. Limitation of time for bringing actions. [(a)] Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, actions for the following purposes may not be brought after the expiration of the period specified below from the time the right to maintain the action accrues: (1) for the recovery of lands, tenements, or hereditaments— 15 years; (2) for the recovery of personal property or damages for its unlawful detention— 3 years; (3) for the recovery of damages for an injury to real or personal property— 3 years; (4) for libel, slander, assault, battery, mayhem, wounding, malicious prosecution, false arrest or false imprisonment— 1 year;

Source: <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301>

Assault or battery · District of Columbia — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Catch-all (no other period fixed)

**State:** District of Columbia

**Limitation period:** 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** for which a limitation is not otherwise specially prescribed

**When the clock starts:** from the time the right to maintain the action accrues

**Section:** 12–301

> § 12–301. Limitation of time for bringing actions. [(a)] Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, actions for the following purposes may not be brought after the expiration of the period specified below from the time the right to maintain the action accrues: (1) for the recovery of lands, tenements, or hereditaments— 15 years; (2) for the recovery of personal property or damages for its unlawful detention— 3 years; (3) for the recovery of damages for an injury to real or personal property— 3 years; (4) for libel, slander, assault, battery, mayhem, wounding, malicious prosecution, false arrest or false imprisonment— 1 year; (5) for a statutory penalty or forfeiture— 1 year; (6) on an executor’s or administrator’s bond— 5 years; on any other bond or single bill, covenant, or other instrument under seal— 12 years; (7) on a simple contract, express or implied— 3 years; (8) for which a limitation is not otherwise specially prescribed— 3 years;

Source: <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301>

Catch-all (no other period fixed) · District of Columbia — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** District of Columbia

**Limitation period:** 1 year

**How the statute describes it:** for libel, slander, assault, battery, mayhem, wounding, malicious prosecution, false arrest or false imprisonment

**When the clock starts:** from the time the right to maintain the action accrues

**Section:** 12–301

> § 12–301. Limitation of time for bringing actions. [(a)] Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, actions for the following purposes may not be brought after the expiration of the period specified below from the time the right to maintain the action accrues: (1) for the recovery of lands, tenements, or hereditaments— 15 years; (2) for the recovery of personal property or damages for its unlawful detention— 3 years; (3) for the recovery of damages for an injury to real or personal property— 3 years; (4) for libel, slander, assault, battery, mayhem, wounding, malicious prosecution, false arrest or false imprisonment— 1 year;

Source: <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301>

Defamation · District of Columbia — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** District of Columbia

**Limitation period:** 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** on a simple contract, express or implied

**When the clock starts:** from the time the right to maintain the action accrues

**Section:** 12–301

> § 12–301. Limitation of time for bringing actions. [(a)] Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, actions for the following purposes may not be brought after the expiration of the period specified below from the time the right to maintain the action accrues: (1) for the recovery of lands, tenements, or hereditaments— 15 years; (2) for the recovery of personal property or damages for its unlawful detention— 3 years; (3) for the recovery of damages for an injury to real or personal property— 3 years; (4) for libel, slander, assault, battery, mayhem, wounding, malicious prosecution, false arrest or false imprisonment— 1 year; (5) for a statutory penalty or forfeiture— 1 year; (6) on an executor’s or administrator’s bond— 5 years; on any other bond or single bill, covenant, or other instrument under seal— 12 years; (7) on a simple contract, express or implied— 3 years;

Source: <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301>

Oral contract · District of Columbia — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** District of Columbia

**Limitation period:** 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** for the recovery of damages for an injury to real or personal property

**When the clock starts:** from the time the right to maintain the action accrues

**Section:** 12–301

> § 12–301. Limitation of time for bringing actions. [(a)] Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, actions for the following purposes may not be brought after the expiration of the period specified below from the time the right to maintain the action accrues: (1) for the recovery of lands, tenements, or hereditaments— 15 years; (2) for the recovery of personal property or damages for its unlawful detention— 3 years; (3) for the recovery of damages for an injury to real or personal property— 3 years;

Source: <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301>

Property damage · District of Columbia — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Recovery of real property

**State:** District of Columbia

**Limitation period:** 15 years

**How the statute describes it:** for the recovery of lands, tenements, or hereditaments

**When the clock starts:** from the time the right to maintain the action accrues

**Section:** 12–301

> § 12–301. Limitation of time for bringing actions. [(a)] Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, actions for the following purposes may not be brought after the expiration of the period specified below from the time the right to maintain the action accrues: (1) for the recovery of lands, tenements, or hereditaments— 15 years;

Source: <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301>

Recovery of real property · District of Columbia — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Statutory penalty

**State:** District of Columbia

**Limitation period:** 1 year

**How the statute describes it:** for a statutory penalty or forfeiture

**When the clock starts:** from the time the right to maintain the action accrues

**Section:** 12–301

> § 12–301. Limitation of time for bringing actions. [(a)] Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, actions for the following purposes may not be brought after the expiration of the period specified below from the time the right to maintain the action accrues: (1) for the recovery of lands, tenements, or hereditaments— 15 years; (2) for the recovery of personal property or damages for its unlawful detention— 3 years; (3) for the recovery of damages for an injury to real or personal property— 3 years; (4) for libel, slander, assault, battery, mayhem, wounding, malicious prosecution, false arrest or false imprisonment— 1 year; (5) for a statutory penalty or forfeiture— 1 year;

Source: <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301>

Statutory penalty · District of Columbia — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** District of Columbia

**Limitation period:** 12 years

**How the statute describes it:** on any other bond or single bill, covenant, or other instrument under seal

**When the clock starts:** from the time the right to maintain the action accrues

**Section:** 12–301

> § 12–301. Limitation of time for bringing actions. [(a)] Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, actions for the following purposes may not be brought after the expiration of the period specified below from the time the right to maintain the action accrues: (1) for the recovery of lands, tenements, or hereditaments— 15 years; (2) for the recovery of personal property or damages for its unlawful detention— 3 years; (3) for the recovery of damages for an injury to real or personal property— 3 years; (4) for libel, slander, assault, battery, mayhem, wounding, malicious prosecution, false arrest or false imprisonment— 1 year; (5) for a statutory penalty or forfeiture— 1 year; (6) on an executor’s or administrator’s bond— 5 years; on any other bond or single bill, covenant, or other instrument under seal— 12 years;

Source: <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301>

Written contract · District of Columbia — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Judgment

**State:** Florida

**Limitation period:** WITHIN TWENTY YEARS

**How the statute describes it:** An action on a judgment or decree of a court of record in this state

**Section:** 95.11

> 95.11 Limitations other than for the recovery of real property. — Actions other than for recovery of real property shall be commenced as follows: (1) WITHIN TWENTY YEARS.—An action on a judgment or decree of a court of record in this state.

Source: <https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/95.11>

Judgment · Florida — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Medical debt

**State:** Florida

**Limitation period:** WITHIN THREE YEARS

**How the statute describes it:** An action to collect medical debt for services rendered by a facility licensed under chapter 395

**When the clock starts:** from the date on which the facility refers the medical debt to a third party for collection

> (4) WITHIN THREE YEARS.—An action to collect medical debt for services rendered by a facility licensed under chapter 395, provided that the period of limitations shall run from the date on which the facility refers the medical debt to a third party for collection.

Source: <https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/95.11>

Medical debt · Florida — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Medical malpractice

**State:** Florida

**Limitation period:** within 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for medical malpractice

**When the clock starts:** from the time the incident giving rise to the action occurred

> (c) An action for medical malpractice shall be commenced within 2 years from the time the incident giving rise to the action occurred or within 2 years from the time the incident is discovered, or should have been discovered with the exercise of due diligence; however, in no event shall the action be commenced later than 4 years from the date of the incident or occurrence out of which the cause of action accrued, except that this 4-year period shall not bar an action brought on behalf of a minor on or before the child’s eighth birthday.

Source: <https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/95.11>

Medical malpractice · Florida — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Florida

**Limitation period:** WITHIN TWO YEARS

**How the statute describes it:** An action founded on negligence

> (5) WITHIN TWO YEARS.— (a) An action founded on negligence.

Source: <https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/95.11>

Personal injury · Florida — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Florida

**Limitation period:** WITHIN FIVE YEARS

**How the statute describes it:** A legal or equitable action on a contract, obligation, or liability founded on a written instrument

> (2) WITHIN FIVE YEARS.— (a) An action on a judgment or decree of any court, not of record, of this state or any court of the United States, any other state or territory in the United States, or a foreign country. (b) A legal or equitable action on a contract, obligation, or liability founded on a written instrument, except for an action to enforce a claim against a payment bond, which shall be governed by the applicable provisions of paragraph (6)(e), s. <https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/255.05> 255.05 (10), s. <https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/337.18> 337.18 (1), or s. <https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/713.23> 713.23 (1)(e), and except for an action for a deficiency judgment governed by paragraph (6)(g).

Source: <https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/95.11>

Written contract · Florida — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Hawaii

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** Actions for the recovery of compensation for damage or injury to persons or property

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrued

**Section:** 657-7

> §657-7 Damage to persons or property. Actions for the recovery of compensation for damage or injury to persons or property shall be instituted within two years after the cause of action accrued, and not after, except as provided in section 657-13.

Source: <https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0657/HRS_0657-0007.htm>

Personal injury · Hawaii — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Hawaii

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** Actions for the recovery of compensation for damage or injury to persons or property

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrued

**Section:** 657-7

> §657-7 Damage to persons or property. Actions for the recovery of compensation for damage or injury to persons or property shall be instituted within two years after the cause of action accrued, and not after, except as provided in section 657-13.

Source: <https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0657/HRS_0657-0007.htm>

Property damage · Hawaii — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Medical malpractice

**State:** Idaho

**Limitation period:** two (2) years

**How the statute describes it:** An action to recover damages for professional malpractice

**Section:** 5-219

> 5-219. Actions against officers, for penalties, on bonds, and for professional malpractice or for personal injuries. Within two (2) years: 1. An action against a sheriff, coroner or constable, upon the liability incurred by the doing of an act in his official capacity, and in virtue of his office, or by the omission of an official duty, including the nonpayment of money collected upon an execution. 2. An action upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture, where the action is given to an individual, or to an individual and the state, except when the statute imposing it prescribes a different limitation. 3. An action upon a statute or upon an undertaking in a criminal action for a forfeiture or penalty to a county or to the people of the state. 4. An action to recover damages for professional malpractice, or for an injury to the person, or for the death of one caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another, including any such action arising from breach of an implied warranty or implied covenant;

Source: <https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title5/T5CH2/SECT5-219/>

Medical malpractice · Idaho — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Idaho

**Limitation period:** two (2) years

**How the statute describes it:** An action to recover damages for professional malpractice, or for an injury to the person

**Section:** 5-219

> 5-219. Actions against officers, for penalties, on bonds, and for professional malpractice or for personal injuries. Within two (2) years: 1. An action against a sheriff, coroner or constable, upon the liability incurred by the doing of an act in his official capacity, and in virtue of his office, or by the omission of an official duty, including the nonpayment of money collected upon an execution. 2. An action upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture, where the action is given to an individual, or to an individual and the state, except when the statute imposing it prescribes a different limitation. 3. An action upon a statute or upon an undertaking in a criminal action for a forfeiture or penalty to a county or to the people of the state. 4. An action to recover damages for professional malpractice, or for an injury to the person, or for the death of one caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another, including any such action arising from breach of an implied warranty or implied covenant;

Source: <https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title5/T5CH2/SECT5-219/>

Personal injury · Idaho — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Statutory penalty

**State:** Idaho

**Limitation period:** two (2) years

**How the statute describes it:** An action upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture, where the action is given to an individual, or to an individual and the state

**Section:** 5-219

> 5-219. Actions against officers, for penalties, on bonds, and for professional malpractice or for personal injuries. Within two (2) years: 1. An action against a sheriff, coroner or constable, upon the liability incurred by the doing of an act in his official capacity, and in virtue of his office, or by the omission of an official duty, including the nonpayment of money collected upon an execution. 2. An action upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture, where the action is given to an individual, or to an individual and the state, except when the statute imposing it prescribes a different limitation.

Source: <https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title5/T5CH2/SECT5-219/>

Statutory penalty · Idaho — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Wrongful death

**State:** Idaho

**Limitation period:** two (2) years

**How the statute describes it:** for the death of one caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another

**Section:** 5-219

> 5-219. Actions against officers, for penalties, on bonds, and for professional malpractice or for personal injuries. Within two (2) years: 1. An action against a sheriff, coroner or constable, upon the liability incurred by the doing of an act in his official capacity, and in virtue of his office, or by the omission of an official duty, including the nonpayment of money collected upon an execution. 2. An action upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture, where the action is given to an individual, or to an individual and the state, except when the statute imposing it prescribes a different limitation. 3. An action upon a statute or upon an undertaking in a criminal action for a forfeiture or penalty to a county or to the people of the state. 4. An action to recover damages for professional malpractice, or for an injury to the person, or for the death of one caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another, including any such action arising from breach of an implied warranty or implied covenant;

Source: <https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title5/T5CH2/SECT5-219/>

Wrongful death · Idaho — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Catch-all (no other period fixed)

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within five years

**How the statute describes it:** all other actions not otherwise provided for in this respect

> 4. Unwritten contracts — injuries to property — fraud — other actions. Those founded on unwritten contracts, those brought for injuries to property, or for relief on the ground of fraud in cases heretofore solely cognizable in a court of chancery, and all other actions not otherwise provided for in this respect, within five years, except as provided by subsections 8 and 10.

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Catch-all (no other period fixed) · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within two years

**How the statute describes it:** Those founded on injuries to the person or reputation, including injuries to relative rights, whether based on contract or tort

**When the clock starts:** after their causes accrue

**Section:** 614.1

> 614.1 Period. Actions may be brought within the times limited as follows, respectively, after their causes accrue, and not afterwards, except when otherwise specially declared: 1. Penalties or forfeitures under ordinance. Those to enforce the payment of a penalty or forfeiture under an ordinance, within one year. 2. Injuries to person or reputation — relative rights — statute penalty. Those founded on injuries to the person or reputation, including injuries to relative rights, whether based on contract or tort, or for a statute penalty, within two years.

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Defamation · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Fraud

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within five years

**How the statute describes it:** or for relief on the ground of fraud in cases heretofore solely cognizable in a court of chancery

> 4. Unwritten contracts — injuries to property — fraud — other actions. Those founded on unwritten contracts, those brought for injuries to property, or for relief on the ground of fraud in cases heretofore solely cognizable in a court of chancery, and all other actions not otherwise provided for in this respect, within five years, except as provided by subsections 8 and 10.

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Fraud · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Judgment

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within twenty years

**How the statute describes it:** Those founded on a judgment of a court of record, whether of this or of any other of the United States, or of the federal courts of the United States

> 6. Judgments of courts of record. Those founded on a judgment of a court of record, whether of this or of any other of the United States, or of the federal courts of the United States, within twenty years,

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Judgment · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within five years

**How the statute describes it:** Those founded on unwritten contracts

> 4. Unwritten contracts — injuries to property — fraud — other actions. Those founded on unwritten contracts, those brought for injuries to property, or for relief on the ground of fraud in cases heretofore solely cognizable in a court of chancery, and all other actions not otherwise provided for in this respect, within five years, except as provided by subsections 8 and 10.

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Oral contract · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within two years

**How the statute describes it:** Those founded on injuries to the person or reputation, including injuries to relative rights, whether based on contract or tort

**When the clock starts:** after their causes accrue

**Section:** 614.1

> 614.1 Period. Actions may be brought within the times limited as follows, respectively, after their causes accrue, and not afterwards, except when otherwise specially declared: 1. Penalties or forfeitures under ordinance. Those to enforce the payment of a penalty or forfeiture under an ordinance, within one year. 2. Injuries to person or reputation — relative rights — statute penalty. Those founded on injuries to the person or reputation, including injuries to relative rights, whether based on contract or tort, or for a statute penalty, within two years.

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Personal injury · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within five years

**How the statute describes it:** those brought for injuries to property

> 4. Unwritten contracts — injuries to property — fraud — other actions. Those founded on unwritten contracts, those brought for injuries to property, or for relief on the ground of fraud in cases heretofore solely cognizable in a court of chancery, and all other actions not otherwise provided for in this respect, within five years, except as provided by subsections 8 and 10.

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Property damage · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Recovery of real property

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within ten years

**How the statute describes it:** those brought for the recovery of real property

> 5. Written contracts — judgments of courts not of record — recovery of real property and rent. a. Except as provided in paragraph “b”, those founded on written contracts, or on judgments of any courts except those provided for in subsection 6, and those brought for the recovery of real property, within ten years.

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Recovery of real property · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Statutory penalty

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within two years

**How the statute describes it:** or for a statute penalty, within two years

**When the clock starts:** after their causes accrue

**Section:** 614.1

> 614.1 Period. Actions may be brought within the times limited as follows, respectively, after their causes accrue, and not afterwards, except when otherwise specially declared: 1. Penalties or forfeitures under ordinance. Those to enforce the payment of a penalty or forfeiture under an ordinance, within one year. 2. Injuries to person or reputation — relative rights — statute penalty. Those founded on injuries to the person or reputation, including injuries to relative rights, whether based on contract or tort, or for a statute penalty, within two years.

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Statutory penalty · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Iowa

**Limitation period:** within ten years

**How the statute describes it:** those founded on written contracts, or on judgments of any courts except those provided for in subsection 6, and those brought for the recovery of real property

> 5. Written contracts — judgments of courts not of record — recovery of real property and rent. a. Except as provided in paragraph “b”, those founded on written contracts, or on judgments of any courts except those provided for in subsection 6, and those brought for the recovery of real property, within ten years.

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.pdf>

Written contract · Iowa — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Assault or battery

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** one year

**How the statute describes it:** An action for assault, battery, malicious prosecution, or false imprisonment

**Section:** 60-514

> 60-514. Actions limited to one year. The following actions shall be brought within one year: (a) An action for libel or slander. (b) An action for assault, battery, malicious prosecution, or false imprisonment.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0014.html>

Assault or battery · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** one year

**How the statute describes it:** An action for libel or slander

**Section:** 60-514

> 60-514. Actions limited to one year. The following actions shall be brought within one year: (a) An action for libel or slander.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0014.html>

Defamation · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Fraud

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for relief on the ground of fraud

**When the clock starts:** the cause of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the fraud is discovered

**Section:** 60-513

> 60-513. Actions limited to two years. (a) The following actions shall be brought within two years: (1) An action for trespass upon real property. (2) An action for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof. (3) An action for relief on the ground of fraud, but the cause of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the fraud is discovered.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0013.html>

Fraud · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** three (3) years

**How the statute describes it:** All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities expressed or implied but not in writing

**Section:** 60-512

> 60-512. Actions limited to three years. The following actions shall be brought within three (3) years: (1) All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities expressed or implied but not in writing.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0012.html>

Oral contract · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for injury to the rights of another, not arising on contract, and not herein enumerated

**Section:** 60-513

> 60-513. Actions limited to two years. (a) The following actions shall be brought within two years: (1) An action for trespass upon real property. (2) An action for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof. (3) An action for relief on the ground of fraud, but the cause of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the fraud is discovered. (4) An action for injury to the rights of another, not arising on contract, and not herein enumerated.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0013.html>

Personal injury · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof

**Section:** 60-513

> 60-513. Actions limited to two years. (a) The following actions shall be brought within two years: (1) An action for trespass upon real property. (2) An action for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0013.html>

Property damage · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Statutory penalty

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** one year

**How the statute describes it:** An action upon statutory penalty or forfeiture

**Section:** 60-514

> 60-514. Actions limited to one year. The following actions shall be brought within one year: (a) An action for libel or slander. (b) An action for assault, battery, malicious prosecution, or false imprisonment. (c) An action upon statutory penalty or forfeiture.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0014.html>

Statutory penalty · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Trespass to real property

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for trespass upon real property

**Section:** 60-513

> 60-513. Actions limited to two years. (a) The following actions shall be brought within two years: (1) An action for trespass upon real property.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0013.html>

Trespass to real property · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** five (5) years

**How the statute describes it:** An action upon any agreement, contract or promise in writing

**Section:** 60-511

> 60-511. Actions limited to five years. The following actions shall be brought within five (5) years: (1) An action upon any agreement, contract or promise in writing.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0011.html>

Written contract · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Wrongful death

**State:** Kansas

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for wrongful death

**Section:** 60-513

> 60-513. Actions limited to two years. (a) The following actions shall be brought within two years: (1) An action for trespass upon real property. (2) An action for taking, detaining or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof. (3) An action for relief on the ground of fraud, but the cause of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the fraud is discovered. (4) An action for injury to the rights of another, not arising on contract, and not herein enumerated. (5) An action for wrongful death.

Source: <https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0013.html>

Wrongful death · Kansas — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Catch-all (no other period fixed)

**State:** Maine

**Limitation period:** 6 years

**How the statute describes it:** All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** §752

> §752. Six years All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues and not afterwards, except actions on a judgment or decree of any court of record of the United States, or of any state, or of a justice of the peace in this State, and except as otherwise specially provided.

Source: <https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec752.html>

Catch-all (no other period fixed) · Maine — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** Maine

**Limitation period:** 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** Actions for slander and libel

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** §753

> §753. Two years Actions for slander and libel must be commenced within 2 years after the cause of action accrues.

Source: <https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec753.html>

Defamation · Maine — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** Maine

**Limitation period:** 6 years

**How the statute describes it:** All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** §752

> §752. Six years All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues and not afterwards, except actions on a judgment or decree of any court of record of the United States, or of any state, or of a justice of the peace in this State, and except as otherwise specially provided.

Source: <https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec752.html>

Oral contract · Maine — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Maine

**Limitation period:** 6 years

**How the statute describes it:** All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** §752

> §752. Six years All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues and not afterwards, except actions on a judgment or decree of any court of record of the United States, or of any state, or of a justice of the peace in this State, and except as otherwise specially provided.

Source: <https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec752.html>

Personal injury · Maine — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Maine

**Limitation period:** 6 years

**How the statute describes it:** All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** §752

> §752. Six years All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues and not afterwards, except actions on a judgment or decree of any court of record of the United States, or of any state, or of a justice of the peace in this State, and except as otherwise specially provided.

Source: <https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec752.html>

Property damage · Maine — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Maine

**Limitation period:** 6 years

**How the statute describes it:** All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues

**When the clock starts:** after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** §752

> §752. Six years All civil actions shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues and not afterwards, except actions on a judgment or decree of any court of record of the United States, or of any state, or of a justice of the peace in this State, and except as otherwise specially provided.

Source: <https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec752.html>

Written contract · Maine — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Catch-all (no other period fixed)

**State:** Maryland

**Limitation period:** three years

**How the statute describes it:** A civil action at law shall be filed within three years from the date it accrues unless another provision of the Code provides a different period of time

**When the clock starts:** from the date it accrues

**Section:** 5–101

> §5–101. A civil action at law shall be filed within three years from the date it accrues unless another provision of the Code provides a different period of time within which an action shall be commenced.

Source: <https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj&section=5-101>

Catch-all (no other period fixed) · Maryland — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** Massachusetts

**Limitation period:** six years

**How the statute describes it:** Actions of contract, other than those to recover for personal injuries, founded upon contracts or liabilities, express or implied

**When the clock starts:** next after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** Section 2

> Section 2: Contract actions; actions upon judgments or decrees of courts of record Section 2. Actions of contract, other than those to recover for personal injuries, founded upon contracts or liabilities, express or implied, except actions limited by section one or actions upon judgments or decrees of courts of record of the United States or of this or of any other state of the United States, shall, except as otherwise provided, be commenced only within six years next after the cause of action accrues.

Source: <https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Section2>

Oral contract · Massachusetts — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Massachusetts

**Limitation period:** three years

**How the statute describes it:** actions of tort, actions of contract to recover for personal injuries, and actions of replevin

**When the clock starts:** next after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** Section 2A

> Section 2A: Tort, contract to recover for personal injuries, and replevin actions Section 2A. Except as otherwise provided, actions of tort, actions of contract to recover for personal injuries, and actions of replevin, shall be commenced only within three years next after the cause of action accrues.

Source: <https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Section2A>

Personal injury · Massachusetts — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Massachusetts

**Limitation period:** six years

**How the statute describes it:** Actions of contract, other than those to recover for personal injuries, founded upon contracts or liabilities, express or implied

**When the clock starts:** next after the cause of action accrues

**Section:** Section 2

> Section 2: Contract actions; actions upon judgments or decrees of courts of record Section 2. Actions of contract, other than those to recover for personal injuries, founded upon contracts or liabilities, express or implied, except actions limited by section one or actions upon judgments or decrees of courts of record of the United States or of this or of any other state of the United States, shall, except as otherwise provided, be commenced only within six years next after the cause of action accrues.

Source: <https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Section2>

Written contract · Massachusetts — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Assault or battery

**State:** Minnesota

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or other tort resulting in personal injury

> otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within two years: (1) for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or other tort resulting in personal injury,

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.07>

Assault or battery · Minnesota — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** Minnesota

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or other tort resulting in personal injury

> otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within two years: (1) for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or other tort resulting in personal injury,

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.07>

Defamation · Minnesota — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Fraud

**State:** Minnesota

**Limitation period:** six years

**How the statute describes it:** for relief on the ground of fraud

**When the clock starts:** the cause of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party of the facts constituting the fraud

> Except where the Uniform Commercial Code otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within six years: (1) upon a contract or other obligation, express or implied, as to which no other limitation is expressly prescribed; (2) upon a liability created by statute, other than those arising upon a penalty or forfeiture or where a shorter period is provided by section <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/541.07> 541.07 ; (3) for a trespass upon real estate; (4) for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof; (5) for criminal conversation, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract, and not hereinafter enumerated; (6) for relief on the ground of fraud, in which case the cause of action shall not be deemed to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party of the facts constituting the fraud;

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.05>

Fraud · Minnesota — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** Minnesota

**Limitation period:** six years

**How the statute describes it:** upon a contract or other obligation, express or implied, as to which no other limitation is expressly prescribed

> Except where the Uniform Commercial Code otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within six years: (1) upon a contract or other obligation, express or implied, as to which no other limitation is expressly prescribed;

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.05>

Oral contract · Minnesota — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Minnesota

**Limitation period:** six years

**How the statute describes it:** for criminal conversation, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract, and not hereinafter enumerated

> Except where the Uniform Commercial Code otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within six years: (1) upon a contract or other obligation, express or implied, as to which no other limitation is expressly prescribed; (2) upon a liability created by statute, other than those arising upon a penalty or forfeiture or where a shorter period is provided by section <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/541.07> 541.07 ; (3) for a trespass upon real estate; (4) for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof; (5) for criminal conversation, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract, and not hereinafter enumerated;

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.05>

Personal injury · Minnesota — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Minnesota

**Limitation period:** six years

**How the statute describes it:** for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof

> Except where the Uniform Commercial Code otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within six years: (1) upon a contract or other obligation, express or implied, as to which no other limitation is expressly prescribed; (2) upon a liability created by statute, other than those arising upon a penalty or forfeiture or where a shorter period is provided by section <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/541.07> 541.07 ; (3) for a trespass upon real estate; (4) for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including actions for the specific recovery thereof;

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.05>

Property damage · Minnesota — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Statutory penalty

**State:** Minnesota

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture

> otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within two years: (1) for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or other tort resulting in personal injury, and all actions against veterinarians as defined in chapter 156, for malpractice, error, mistake, or failure to cure, whether based on contract or tort; provided a counterclaim may be pleaded as a defense to any action for services brought by a veterinarian after the limitations period if it was the property of the party pleading it at the time it became barred and was not barred at the time the claim sued on originated, but no judgment thereof except for costs can be rendered in favor of the party so pleading it; (2) upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture,

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.07>

Statutory penalty · Minnesota — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Trespass to real property

**State:** Minnesota

**Limitation period:** six years

**How the statute describes it:** for a trespass upon real estate

> Except where the Uniform Commercial Code otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within six years: (1) upon a contract or other obligation, express or implied, as to which no other limitation is expressly prescribed; (2) upon a liability created by statute, other than those arising upon a penalty or forfeiture or where a shorter period is provided by section <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/541.07> 541.07 ; (3) for a trespass upon real estate;

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.05>

Trespass to real property · Minnesota — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Minnesota

**Limitation period:** six years

**How the statute describes it:** upon a contract or other obligation, express or implied, as to which no other limitation is expressly prescribed

> Except where the Uniform Commercial Code otherwise prescribes, the following actions shall be commenced within six years: (1) upon a contract or other obligation, express or implied, as to which no other limitation is expressly prescribed;

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.05>

Written contract · Minnesota — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Assault or battery

**State:** Missouri

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** an action for libel, slander, injurious falsehood, assault, battery, false imprisonment

**Section:** 516.140

> 516.140. What actions within two years. — Within two years: an action for libel, slander, injurious falsehood, assault, battery, false imprisonment, criminal conversation, malicious prosecution or actions brought under section

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.140>

Assault or battery · Missouri — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** Missouri

**Limitation period:** two years

**How the statute describes it:** an action for libel, slander, injurious falsehood, assault, battery, false imprisonment, criminal conversation, malicious prosecution

**Section:** 516.140

> 516.140. What actions within two years. — Within two years: an action for libel, slander, injurious falsehood, assault, battery, false imprisonment, criminal conversation, malicious prosecution or actions brought under section

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.140>

Defamation · Missouri — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Fraud

**State:** Missouri

**Limitation period:** five years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for relief on the ground of fraud

**When the clock starts:** the cause of action in such case to be deemed not to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party, at any time within ten years, of the facts constituting the fraud

**Section:** 516.120

> 516.120. What actions within five years. — Within five years: (1) All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.110> 516.110 , and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited; (2) An action upon a liability created by a statute other than a penalty or forfeiture; (3) An action for trespass on real estate; (4) An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated; (5) An action for relief on the ground of fraud, the cause of action in such case to be deemed not to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party, at any time within ten years, of the facts constituting the fraud.

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.120>

Fraud · Missouri — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** Missouri

**Limitation period:** five years

**How the statute describes it:** All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied

**Section:** 516.120

> 516.120. What actions within five years. — Within five years: (1) All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.110> 516.110 , and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited;

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.120>

Oral contract · Missouri — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Missouri

**Limitation period:** five years

**How the statute describes it:** for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated

**Section:** 516.120

> 516.120. What actions within five years. — Within five years: (1) All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.110> 516.110 , and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited; (2) An action upon a liability created by a statute other than a penalty or forfeiture; (3) An action for trespass on real estate; (4) An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated;

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.120>

Personal injury · Missouri — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Missouri

**Limitation period:** five years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property

**Section:** 516.120

> 516.120. What actions within five years. — Within five years: (1) All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.110> 516.110 , and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited; (2) An action upon a liability created by a statute other than a penalty or forfeiture; (3) An action for trespass on real estate; (4) An action for taking, detaining or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the recovery of specific personal property, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another, not arising on contract and not herein otherwise enumerated;

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.120>

Property damage · Missouri — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Statutory penalty

**State:** Missouri

**Limitation period:** three years

**How the statute describes it:** An action upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture, where the action is given to the party aggrieved, or to such party and the state

**Section:** 516.130

> 516.130. What actions within three years. — Within three years: (1) An action against a sheriff, coroner or other officer, upon a liability incurred by the doing of an act in his official capacity and in virtue of his office, or by the omission of an official duty, including the nonpayment of money collected upon an execution or otherwise; (2) An action upon a statute for a penalty or forfeiture, where the action is given to the party aggrieved, or to such party and the state;

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.130>

Statutory penalty · Missouri — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Trespass to real property

**State:** Missouri

**Limitation period:** five years

**How the statute describes it:** An action for trespass on real estate

**Section:** 516.120

> 516.120. What actions within five years. — Within five years: (1) All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.110> 516.110 , and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited; (2) An action upon a liability created by a statute other than a penalty or forfeiture; (3) An action for trespass on real estate;

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.120>

Trespass to real property · Missouri — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Missouri

**Limitation period:** five years

**How the statute describes it:** All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied

**Section:** 516.120

> 516.120. What actions within five years. — Within five years: (1) All actions upon contracts, obligations or liabilities, express or implied, except those mentioned in section <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.110> 516.110 , and except upon judgments or decrees of a court of record, and except where a different time is herein limited;

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.120>

Written contract · Missouri — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Assault or battery

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** within 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** an action for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or seduction

> (3) The period prescribed for the commencement of an action for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or seduction is within 2 years.

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0040/0270-0020-0020-0040.html>

Assault or battery · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** within 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** an action for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or seduction

> (3) The period prescribed for the commencement of an action for libel, slander, assault, battery, false imprisonment, or seduction is within 2 years.

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0040/0270-0020-0020-0040.html>

Defamation · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Fraud

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** within 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** an action for relief on the ground of fraud or mistake

**When the clock starts:** not to be deemed to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party of the facts constituting the fraud or mistake

**Section:** 27-2-203

> 27-2-203. Actions for relief on ground of fraud or mistake. The period prescribed for the commencement of an action for relief on the ground of fraud or mistake is within 2 years, the cause of action in such case not to be deemed to have accrued until the discovery by the aggrieved party of the facts constituting the fraud or mistake.

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0030/0270-0020-0020-0030.html>

Fraud · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Legal malpractice

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** within 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** An action against an attorney licensed to practice law in Montana or a paralegal assistant or a legal intern employed by an attorney based upon the person's alleged professional negligent act or for error or omission in the person's practice

**When the clock starts:** after the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered the act, error, or omission, whichever occurs last

**Section:** 27-2-206

> 27-2-206. Actions for legal malpractice. An action against an attorney licensed to practice law in Montana or a paralegal assistant or a legal intern employed by an attorney based upon the person's alleged professional negligent act or for error or omission in the person's practice must be commenced within 3 years after the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered the act, error, or omission, whichever occurs last, but in no case may the action be commenced after 10 years from the date of the act, error, or omission.

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0060/0270-0020-0020-0060.html>

Legal malpractice · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Medical malpractice

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** within 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** based upon alleged professional negligence or for rendering professional services without consent or for an act, error, or omission

**When the clock starts:** after the date of injury or within 2 years after the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered the injury, whichever occurs last

> based upon alleged professional negligence or for rendering professional services without consent or for an act, error, or omission, must, except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), be commenced within 2 years after the date of injury or within 2 years after the plaintiff discovers or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered the injury, whichever occurs last, but in no case may an action be commenced after 5 years from the date of injury.

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0050/0270-0020-0020-0050.html>

Medical malpractice · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Oral contract

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** within 5 years

**How the statute describes it:** an action on a contract, account, or promise not founded on an instrument in writing

**Section:** 27-2-202

> 27-2-202. Actions based on contract or other obligation. (1) The period prescribed for the commencement of an action on any contract, covenant, obligation, or liability founded on an instrument in writing is within 6 years. (2) The period prescribed for the commencement of an action on a contract, account, or promise not founded on an instrument in writing is within 5 years.

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0020/0270-0020-0020-0020.html>

Oral contract · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Personal injury

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** within 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** an action upon a liability not founded upon an instrument in writing

> the period prescribed for the commencement of an action upon a liability not founded upon an instrument in writing is within 3 years.

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0040/0270-0020-0020-0040.html>

Personal injury · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Property damage

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** Within 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** taking, detaining, or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the specific recovery of personal property

**Section:** 27-2-207

> 27-2-207. Injuries involving property. Within 2 years is the period prescribed for the commencement of an action for: (1) injury to or waste or trespass on real or personal property; (2) taking, detaining, or injuring any goods or chattels, including actions for the specific recovery of personal property;

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0070/0270-0020-0020-0070.html>

Property damage · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Trespass to real property

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** Within 2 years

**How the statute describes it:** injury to or waste or trespass on real or personal property

**Section:** 27-2-207

> 27-2-207. Injuries involving property. Within 2 years is the period prescribed for the commencement of an action for: (1) injury to or waste or trespass on real or personal property;

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0070/0270-0020-0020-0070.html>

Trespass to real property · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Written contract

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** within 6 years

**How the statute describes it:** an action on any contract, covenant, obligation, or liability founded on an instrument in writing

**Section:** 27-2-202

> 27-2-202. Actions based on contract or other obligation. (1) The period prescribed for the commencement of an action on any contract, covenant, obligation, or liability founded on an instrument in writing is within 6 years.

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0020/0270-0020-0020-0020.html>

Written contract · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Wrongful death

**State:** Montana

**Limitation period:** within 3 years

**How the statute describes it:** an action to recover damages for the death of one caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another

> (2) The period prescribed for the commencement of an action to recover damages for the death of one caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another is within 3 years, except when the wrongful death is the result of a homicide, in which case the period is within 10 years.

Source: <https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0040/0270-0020-0020-0040.html>

Wrongful death · Montana — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim


**Type of claim:** Defamation

**State:** Nebraska

**Limitation period:** one year

**How the statute describes it:** an action for libel or slander

**Section:** 25-208

> 25-208. Actions for libel, slander, malpractice, and recovery of tax. The following actions can only be brought within the periods stated in this section: Within one year, an action for libel or slander;

Source: <https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=25-208>

Defamation · Nebraska — Civil statute of limitations by state and type of claim