Statute of Limitations Calculator

Enter the date the incident occurred, select your state and claim type to see whether the claim is likely still within the statute of limitations.

Not legal advice This is a general estimate only, not legal advice. Statutes of limitations vary by state, claim type and circumstances, and can be tolled or extended. Missing a deadline can bar your claim โ€” consult an attorney promptly.

Statute of Limitations Calculator

Check if your claim is within the time limit

Eligibility depends on the state's time limit for the claim type and the date of the incident. Results are general guidance โ€” statutes vary and can be tolled or extended.

โš ๏ธ Double-check important results. This is an educational estimate, not professional advice โ€” and where it uses a rate, bracket or fee, those change over time. Verify anything you'll rely on, especially in legal, financial, tax or medical matters, and read our full disclaimer. Think a result is wrong? Tell us so we can fix it.

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What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Once it expires, the claim is usually barred forever. Deadlines vary by:

- **State**: Each state sets its own limits - **Claim type**: Personal injury, contract, property damage and fraud often have different limits - **Circumstances**: The clock may start at the incident date, or when the harm was discovered (discovery rule) - **Tolling**: The clock can pause (tolled) for minors, out-of-state defendants, fraud concealment and more

This calculator shows typical limits for common claim types in selected states. Always verify with an attorney โ€” missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim.

  • Deadline varies by state and claim type
  • Discovery rule may delay the start date
  • Tolling can pause the clock
  • Missing the deadline can bar the claim

Worked Example

Example: Car accident on January 1, 2024 in California, personal injury claim.

- California personal injury limit: 2 years - Deadline: January 1, 2026 - If today is before January 1, 2026: likely still within the limit - If today is after January 1, 2026: likely expired (unless tolled)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a legal determination?

No. This is general guidance only. Statutes of limitations are complex and fact-specific. Consult an attorney as soon as possible โ€” deadlines are strictly enforced.

Can the time limit be extended?

Sometimes, through tolling (e.g., for minors, defendants out of state, or fraudulent concealment). An attorney can evaluate whether any exception applies.

Looking for a different calculator?

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