STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

(DEADLINES)

Before filing your case, be sure that the Statute of Limitations (time limit) has not expired. You cannot file your case after the time limit has expired. Generally the time limit begins for a contract case when the contract is broken and for a personal injury or property damage case when the injury or damage occurs. Some of the most common Statutes of Limitations are listed:

1. Two Years

A. Personal injury (that is, injury to a person as opposed to damage to property).

B. Damage to personal property.

2. Four Years—Contract for the sale of goods (whether written or oral).

3. Six Years

A. Accounts.

B. Contracts not in writing (other than a contract for sale of goods).

C. Rents and use of real estate (landlord-tenant disputes)

D. Damage to real estate.

E. Recovery of personal property.

F. Promissory notes and/or contracts for the payment of money.

4. Ten Years--Written contracts other than for the payment of money.

If you are not sure whether the statute of limitations has expired or whether it falls under one of these categories, you should consult with an attorney.