Statute of Limitations Calculator
Estimate the deadline to file a lawsuit based on your jurisdiction and claim type.
Why Limitation Periods Matter
A Statute of Limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, regardless of its merit. This calculator helps you estimate that critical date.
Key Concepts
- Accrual Date: The date the clock starts ticking. Usually, this is the date of the incident (e.g., the car accident).
- Discovery Rule: In some cases, the clock doesn't start until the injury or harm is discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered). Checking the "Apply Discovery Rule" box above updates the label to reflect this.
- Tolling: Certain events can "pause" the clock. Common reasons include the plaintiff being a minor, the defendant being out of state, or active military service.
- Statute of Repose: A harder deadline that cuts off the right to sue after a certain time, regardless of discovery or tolling. This calculator focuses on the statute of limitations.
Common Limitation Periods by State
Laws vary significantly by jurisdiction. Here are some general guidelines for major US states (always verify with a lawyer):
| State | Personal Injury | Written Contract | Property Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2 years | 4 years | 3 years |
| New York | 3 years | 6 years | 3 years |
| Texas | 2 years | 4 years | 2 years |
| Florida | 2 years (formerly 4) | 5 years | 4 years |
| Illinois | 2 years | 10 years | 5 years |
How the Deadline Is Calculated
In the simplest scenario, the filing deadline equals the incident date plus the limitation period. We express the relationship using MathML to highlight each component:
where is the incident date, is the limitation period in years converted to days, and represents any tolling days when the clock pauses. The calculator converts the year count to days, subtracts tolling, and outputs an ISO formatted date you can copy into calendars or client portals.
Plan Next Steps
Use the copied deadline to set reminders or share with a legal team. For broader planning, explore the court deadline tracker, the court filing fee calculator, and the legal name change cost planner to coordinate paperwork, budgets, and timelines.
Limitations and Disclaimer
This tool provides educational estimates and is NOT legal advice. Laws are subject to change and may have exceptions not covered here. Always consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction to confirm the exact deadline for your specific case.