Statute of Limitations Calculator
Find the statute of limitations deadline for personal injury, contract breach, fraud, or debt claims by US state. The legal deadline by which you must file a lawsuit or lose your right forever.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a legal time limit on filing a lawsuit. After the deadline, courts will dismiss the case regardless of merit. Each state sets its own period for each claim type. The clock typically starts when the injury occurs or is reasonably discovered (the discovery rule). Missing the deadline by even one day = forever barred.
Common Statute Periods by Claim Type
Personal Injury: 1-6 years (2-3 most common). Contract (written): 3-10 years (4-6 typical). Contract (oral): 2-5 years. Fraud: 2-6 years from discovery. Property damage: 2-6 years. Debt collection: 3-10 years (varies by debt type). Medical malpractice: 1-3 years often with discovery rule and notice requirements. Always verify with current state statute.
The Discovery Rule and Tolling
Discovery rule: clock starts when you discover (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury, not when it occurred. Critical in latent disease cases (asbestos, medical malpractice). Tolling: clock pauses for legal disability (minor, mental incapacity), defendant absence from state, or fraud concealment. Reset events: written acknowledgment of debt restarts the clock in most states.
What to Do If Deadline Is Near
If your deadline is within 6 months, contact an attorney IMMEDIATELY — not tomorrow. Filing a lawsuit even on the deadline day stops the clock. Some attorneys won't take cases with under 30 days remaining because of evidence gathering time. Don't wait until the last week. Note: this calculator estimates only — verify with a licensed attorney before relying.
Sources: State-specific civil procedure codes, American Bar Association. Last updated: May 2026. Not legal advice — verify with attorney.