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 is a statute of limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law setting the maximum time to file a lawsuit after an incident. Deadlines vary by state and claim type, such as personal injury or contracts. Missing the deadline can bar your case, regardless of its merits.
What types of claims are covered by statutes of limitations?
Statutes of limitations apply to civil claims like personal injury, medical malpractice, property damage, breach of contract, defamation, and wrongful death. Criminal cases often have different rules, and some claims, like fraud, may have unique exceptions.
Can the statute of limitations be extended?
Yes, tolling rules like the delayed discovery rule (when you didn’t know about the injury) or fraudulent concealment (when the defendant hid the wrong) can extend deadlines. Select tolling options in our calculator for an estimate, but verify with an attorney.
How do I avoid legal deadline scams?
Use trusted tools like ClaimRadarUSA and verify deadlines with licensed attorneys. Avoid sites charging upfront fees or requesting sensitive data without clear legitimacy. Check official state resources or Nolo for accurate information.