Statute of Limitations Calculator — All 50 States & DC
This calculator covers 10 civil claim types across all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), with 2 defendant types and 3 special circumstances — including when the claimant is a minor at the time of injury and delayed discovery of harm. Each deadline is derived from verified state statutes (e.g. Cal. Code Civ. Proc., N.Y. CPLR, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code) and accounts for tolling rules, government entity notice requirements, and absolute repose periods where applicable. Select your state to open the calculator for that jurisdiction — state-specific statute citations, exceptions, and warnings appear with your result.
3. Incident Details
4. Special Circumstances
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a statute of limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once that period expires, courts will generally dismiss the claim regardless of its merits, even if the underlying facts are true.
What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
If you file after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can raise the expiration as a defense, and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case before it reaches trial — regardless of how strong your evidence is.
Can the statute of limitations be paused or extended?
Yes, this is called tolling. Common tolling triggers include the plaintiff being a minor, the defendant leaving the state, fraud or concealment by the defendant, or the plaintiff being legally incapacitated. Tolling rules vary significantly by state and case type.
Does the clock start on the date of injury or the date I discovered the harm?
It depends on the state and case type. Most states use the discovery rule for cases like medical malpractice, where the clock starts when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the harm. Other case types use the occurrence rule, where the clock starts on the date the incident happened.
Are deadlines different when suing a government entity?
Yes. Claims against government agencies or employees typically require a Notice of Claim filed within a much shorter window — often 60 to 180 days — before a lawsuit can even be filed, regardless of the underlying statute of limitations.
RELATED LEGAL CALCULATORS
This tool is for informational and educational reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes of limitations vary by jurisdiction and can be affected by tolling, government claim notice requirements, and other exceptions. Always consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.