HomeClaimTimeline

Filing deadlines by state

How long you generally have to file a lawsuit in each US state and DC. Deadlines can start later, pause or be shortened depending on the facts, so open your state for details and the official law.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Missing a deadline can end a claim. If a deadline may be close, speak with a lawyer licensed in your state now.

StateProperty damage
Alabama2 years Under review
Alaska2 years
Arizona2 years
Arkansas3 years
California3 years
Colorado2 years
Connecticut2 years
Delaware2 years
District of Columbia3 years
Florida2 years if based on negligence; 4 years for other property claims Under review
Georgia4 years
Hawaii2 years
Idaho3 years
Illinois5 years
Indiana2 years
Iowa5 years
Kansas2 years
Kentucky2 years Under review
Louisiana2 years (incidents on or after July 1, 2024)
Maine6 years
Maryland3 years
Massachusetts3 years
Michigan3 years
Minnesota6 years
Mississippi3 years
Missouri5 years
Montana2 years Under review
Nebraska4 years
Nevada3 years
New Hampshire3 years
New Jersey6 years
New Mexico4 years
New York3 years
North Carolina3 years
North Dakota6 years
Ohio2 years
Oklahoma2 years
Oregon6 years
Pennsylvania2 years
Rhode Island10 years Under review
South Carolina3 years
South Dakota6 years Under review
Tennessee3 years
Texas2 years
Utah3 years Under review
Vermont3 years
Virginia5 years
Washington3 years
West Virginia2 years
Wisconsin6 years
Wyoming4 years

How we check these deadlines

Each period was compared across three independent 50-state surveys of state law. Where they disagreed, we checked the state's official code and corrected the figure. Every entry links to the official statute so you can read it yourself. Last checked: November 12, 2026.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official code confirmed directly on the state's code site   Under review the rule depends on the type of claim or is being re-checked; read the linked statute.