Statute of Limitations by State: Complete 50-State Guide (2024)
15 min read • Court Procedures
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. If you miss the deadline, you permanently lose the right to sue — regardless of how strong your case is. This makes understanding the applicable statute of limitations one of the most critical aspects of any potential legal claim.
Statutes of limitations vary significantly by state and by the type of legal claim. For example, personal injury claims range from 1 year (Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee) to 6 years (Maine, North Dakota). Breach of written contract claims range from 3 years in many states to up to 15 years in Ohio. The clock typically starts running from the date of injury or the date the injury was discovered.
Some situations can 'toll' (pause) the statute of limitations. Common tolling events include: the defendant being a minor, the defendant leaving the state, the plaintiff being mentally incapacitated, or the defendant actively concealing the wrong. Courts apply tolling doctrines narrowly, so don't count on them without consulting an attorney.
Federal claims have their own statutes of limitations. For example, employment discrimination claims under Title VII must be filed with the EEOC within 180 or 300 days (depending on the state). Civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 borrow the personal injury statute of limitations from the state where the claim arose.
The discovery rule is an important exception: the clock doesn't start until the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known about the injury. This is especially important in medical malpractice cases and fraud claims where the harm may not be immediately apparent. However, even with the discovery rule, most states impose an absolute statute of repose (e.g., 10 years) beyond which no claim can be brought.
Key Takeaways
- Missing a statute of limitations means permanently losing the right to sue
- Deadlines vary by state and claim type — personal injury: 1-6 years depending on state
- The clock usually starts at injury, but the discovery rule may delay it
- Tolling can pause the clock in limited circumstances (minority, incapacity, concealment)
- Federal claims have their own deadlines; check both state and federal law
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