How long do you have to file?
Statutes of limitations vary by claim type and by state. Pick yours below for a starting estimate. Sources for each state are linked in the references section at the bottom of the page. This is a general educational reference; for an answer you can rely on for your specific situation, consult an attorney licensed in your state.
This is an educational reference, not legal advice
This calculator returns the typical statutory limitation for major civil claim types in each state, based on publicly available statutes. Real-world deadlines can be shorter (e.g., notice-of-claim requirements against government entities, commonly far shorter than the general statute of limitations) or longer (e.g., the "discovery rule" can extend the deadline when the harm wasn't immediately apparent; tolling rules for minors and incapacitated persons). For an authoritative answer specific to your situation, consult an attorney licensed in your state.
Where the numbers come from
Each state's statute of limitations is set by state statute. Authoritative sources include:
- Cornell Legal Information Institute — State statutes index — free, current text of state statutes
- Each state's official legislative website (e.g., California Legislative Information, Texas Statutes)
- State bar association consumer resources, where published
For unusual claim types not listed in this calculator (defamation per se vs. per quod, product liability vs. negligence, employer wage-claim limits, statutory consumer-protection claims), consult Cornell LII or a state-licensed attorney.