Statute of Limitations Calculator 2025 – Check Your Legal Deadline by State
Missing a legal deadline can end your chance to seek justice, even with a strong case. Our free Statute of Limitations Calculator instantly calculates your deadline to file a lawsuit for claims like personal injury, medical malpractice, or contracts across all 50 states.
Enter your state, claim type, and incident date to get your deadline in seconds—no lawyer needed. Always verify with an attorney, as tolling rules may extend your time.
Calculate Your Filing Deadline
Select your state, claim type, and incident date. Optionally, indicate if tolling applies (e.g., delayed discovery or fraud). Get your estimated deadline instantly.
Statute of Limitations by State – Key Details for 2025
Each state sets unique deadlines for filing lawsuits, known as statutes of limitations. These vary by claim type, such as personal injury or contracts. Below, we detail deadlines for key states and explain tolling rules. For precise advice, consult an attorney or visit trusted resources like Nolo.
California
- Personal Injury: 2 years from injury date.
- Medical Malpractice: 3 years from injury or 1 year from discovery.
- Property Damage: 3 years from damage.
- Breach of Contract: 4 years (written), 2 years (oral).
- Defamation: 1 year from publication.
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from death.
- Tolling: Delayed discovery rule applies if injury wasn’t immediately known.
Texas
- Personal Injury: 2 years from injury.
- Medical Malpractice: 2 years, with a 10-year repose limit.
- Property Damage: 2 years from damage.
- Breach of Contract: 4 years (written or oral).
- Defamation: 1 year from publication.
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from death.
- Tolling: Minors under 18 get 2 years post-majority.
New York
- Personal Injury: 3 years from injury.
- Medical Malpractice: 2.5 years from act or end of treatment.
- Property Damage: 3 years from damage.
- Breach of Contract: 6 years (written or oral).
- Defamation: 1 year from publication.
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from death.
- Tolling: Extended for child victims under the Child Victims Act until age 55.
Florida
- Personal Injury: 2 years from injury (changed from 4 years in 2023).
- Medical Malpractice: 2 years from discovery, max 7 years.
- Property Damage: 4 years from damage.
- Breach of Contract: 5 years (written), 4 years (oral).
- Defamation: 2 years from publication.
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from death.
- Tolling: Fraudulent concealment extends deadlines.
Illinois
- Personal Injury: 2 years from injury.
- Medical Malpractice: 2 years from discovery, max 4 years.
- Property Damage: 5 years from damage.
- Breach of Contract: 10 years (written), 5 years (oral).
- Defamation: 1 year from publication.
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from death.
- Tolling: Delayed discovery applies for hidden injuries.
For other states, use our calculator above or check state-specific laws at Justia. Tolling rules, like delayed discovery or fraudulent concealment, may extend deadlines if the injury was hidden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a statute of limitations mean for lawsuits?
A statute of limitations sets the time limit for filing a lawsuit after an incident occurs. This varies by state and claim type, such as personal injury or breach of contract. Missing this deadline can prevent your case from proceeding, regardless of its validity.
Which lawsuits are affected by statutes of limitations?
These laws apply to civil claims, including personal injury, medical malpractice, property damage, breach of contract, defamation, and wrongful death. Criminal cases often follow different rules, and certain claims like fraud may have specific exceptions.
Is it possible to extend a lawsuit filing deadline?
Yes, tolling rules, such as delayed discovery (when the injury wasn’t immediately known) or fraudulent concealment (when the defendant hid the wrong), can extend deadlines. Use our calculator’s tolling options for an estimate, but consult an attorney for confirmation.
How can I protect myself from legal deadline scams?
Stick to trusted resources like ClaimRadarUSA and verify deadlines with licensed attorneys. Avoid websites that demand upfront fees or sensitive information without clear legitimacy. Check official state resources or Nolo for reliable information.