How Long Do You Have to File?
Last reviewed: January 2026
A statute of limitations calculator determines the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit or criminal charge based on your state and the type of claim or offense. Missing this deadline typically means losing the right to pursue legal action, making timely awareness critical.
A statute of limitations sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings can be initiated. Once the deadline passes, the claim is time-barred and courts will dismiss it regardless of merit — making awareness of these deadlines critical for anyone considering legal action.[1] Time limits vary dramatically by state and claim type: personal injury ranges from 1 year (Kentucky, Louisiana) to 6 years (Maine, North Dakota), while written contract claims range from 3 to 10 years depending on the state.[2] The clock typically starts on the date of the incident, but the discovery rule can extend the deadline in cases where the injury or harm was not immediately apparent — medical malpractice and toxic exposure cases often benefit from discovery-based tolling.[3] Use the Date Calculator to count the days remaining before a deadline.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer: Statutes of limitations are complex and change. This is an educational estimate. If you may have a legal claim, consult an attorney immediately — do not rely on this calculator.
| Case Type | Typical Range | CA | NY | TX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 1–6 years | 2 yrs | 3 yrs | 2 yrs |
| Written contract | 3–10 years | 4 yrs | 6 yrs | 4 yrs |
| Property damage | 2–6 years | 3 yrs | 3 yrs | 2 yrs |
| Medical malpractice | 1–6 years | 1–3 yrs | 2.5 yrs | 2 yrs |
| Debt collection | 3–10 years | 4 yrs | 6 yrs | 4 yrs |
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once the statutory period expires, the claim is "time-barred" — the defendant can raise the expiration as an affirmative defense, and courts will generally dismiss the case regardless of its merits. Statutes of limitations exist in virtually every area of law, including criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, medical malpractice, and debt collection. The specific time periods vary by jurisdiction (state or country), type of legal action, and sometimes by the severity of the alleged offense.
The policy rationale for statutes of limitations rests on several principles. Evidence deteriorates over time — witnesses' memories fade, documents are lost or destroyed, and physical evidence degrades. Defendants deserve eventual certainty that they will not face claims arising from distant past events. Plaintiffs are encouraged to pursue legitimate claims promptly rather than sitting on their rights. And judicial resources are better spent on claims where evidence is fresh and resolution is meaningful. However, these policies are balanced against the recognition that some wrongs — particularly severe crimes and claims involving vulnerable victims — may justify extended or eliminated time limits.
Criminal statutes of limitations vary dramatically by offense severity and jurisdiction. Most serious felonies have longer limitation periods than misdemeanors. Murder has no statute of limitations in any U.S. state — a homicide can be prosecuted regardless of when it occurred. Other serious crimes like kidnapping, arson, and certain sexual offenses have been excluded from limitation periods in many jurisdictions, particularly following advances in DNA evidence technology that have enabled prosecution of decades-old cases.
General felony limitation periods typically range from 3-10 years, while misdemeanors usually have 1-3 year limitations. Federal crimes generally carry a 5-year statute of limitations unless specifically designated otherwise. Some states have enacted "DNA exception" laws that toll (pause) or extend the limitation period when DNA evidence is available but no suspect has been identified. War crimes and crimes against humanity have no statute of limitations under international law, reflecting the international community's judgment that the most serious offenses against human dignity should never become time-barred.
Civil statutes of limitations vary by the type of claim and the state in which the claim arises. Personal injury claims (auto accidents, slip-and-fall, assault) typically have 2-3 year limitations in most states, though some states allow up to 6 years. Medical malpractice claims generally have 2-3 year limitations, often with a "discovery rule" that starts the clock when the patient knew or should have known about the injury rather than when the treatment occurred. Breach of written contract claims typically have 4-6 year limitations, while oral contracts may have shorter periods (2-4 years). Property damage claims generally mirror personal injury timelines at 2-3 years.
Debt collection statutes of limitations are particularly important for consumers. The limitation period for credit card debt, medical debt, and other consumer obligations ranges from 3-10 years depending on the state and whether the debt is based on a written contract, oral agreement, or open account. After the statute of limitations expires on a debt, collectors may still contact you, but they cannot successfully sue to collect — and in many states, making a payment on a time-barred debt can restart the limitation period, a trap that catches many uninformed consumers. Understanding your state's debt limitation periods is essential for responding appropriately to collection attempts on old debts.
Several legal doctrines can extend or pause (toll) statutes of limitations. The discovery rule starts the clock when the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered the injury, rather than when the injury actually occurred. This is crucial in cases involving hidden defects, medical errors not immediately apparent, fraud where concealment delays discovery, and environmental contamination with latent health effects. Tolling for minors typically pauses the limitation period until the minor reaches the age of majority (usually 18), meaning a child injured at age 5 might have until age 20 or 21 to file suit depending on the applicable limitation period.
Other tolling circumstances include the defendant's absence from the jurisdiction (if the defendant leaves the state, the clock may pause), the plaintiff's mental incapacity, pending bankruptcy proceedings, and active concealment or fraud by the defendant. Some states also toll limitations during the filing and pendency of a related claim or during mandatory pre-suit notice periods. Military service members receive tolling protection under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act during active duty deployment. The complexity of these tolling rules makes consulting with an attorney advisable whenever limitation periods are a concern — missing a deadline by even one day can permanently extinguish an otherwise valid claim.
Protecting your legal rights requires awareness of applicable limitation periods and prompt action. Document potential claims immediately — photograph damage, preserve communications, keep medical records, and note witness contact information while events are fresh. Consult an attorney early when you suspect a legal claim exists, particularly for personal injury and medical malpractice cases where limitation periods are relatively short. Be aware that different claims arising from the same incident may have different limitation periods — a car accident might generate personal injury claims (2-3 years), property damage claims (2-3 years), and insurance bad faith claims (3-6 years), each with separate deadlines. Never assume that a limitation period is longer than it actually is — states have different rules, and some categories of claims have surprisingly short windows. This calculator provides general educational guidance, but specific legal advice about limitation periods in your jurisdiction should always come from a licensed attorney familiar with your state's laws. For related financial planning, see our Trademark Cost Calculator and Child Support Calculator.
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See also: Debt Collection SOL Calculator · Small Claims Court Calculator · Lawsuit Settlement Calculator