Statute of Limitations FAQ
Common questions about legal filing deadlines by state.
General questions about how statutes of limitations work. For state-specific numbers, see the full 50-state table on the home page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a statute of limitations?
It is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit. Once the time runs out, a court will normally dismiss the case even if the claim is valid. The policy is that old disputes are hard to defend because witnesses and records fade.
When does the clock start?
Usually the date of the harmful event, but many claims use a discovery rule that starts the clock when the harm is discovered or should have been discovered. State law controls the trigger, and some claims accrue only when the injury is found.
Can the deadline be extended?
Sometimes. Minors, incapacitated people, or defendants who leave the state may get extra time through tolling. The rules vary by state and claim type, and a few outer dates cannot be extended at all.
How long do I have to sue for debt in California?
California allows four years on most written and open-account debt under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §337. The period generally runs from the last payment or default, not from when the account was opened, so a recent payment can matter.
What is the statute of limitations for credit card debt in Florida?
Florida allows four years on credit-card and open-account debt under Fla. Stat. §95.11(3). The clock usually starts from the last charge, last payment, or default on the account.
What is the personal injury limit in New York?
New York allows three years for personal injury under C.P.L.R. §214, measured from the date of the injury. Medical malpractice is shorter at two years and six months under §214-a, counted from the act or the end of treatment.
How long is the written contract limit in Texas?
Texas allows four years on written contracts under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.004, and the same four years on most oral contracts. The period runs from the breach, not from when the contract was signed, so a long relationship can still be enforced for years after it ends.
Is the deadline the same in every state?
No. Each state writes its own civil practice code, so the same claim can range from one year to fifteen depending on where it is filed. That state-by-state difference is why a single national number does not exist and a comparison table is the practical reference.
Does this table give legal advice?
No. StatuteLimits is a reference only. Confirm the current deadline with the state code or a licensed attorney before relying on any number, because local exceptions and court rules can change the answer.