Statute of Limitations Calculator
Why Limitation Periods Matter
Statutes of limitations define how long you have to initiate a lawsuit. Missing the deadline often means a court will dismiss the claim, even if the facts are in your favor. This calculator offers a quick way to gauge when the clock runs out so you can schedule consultations, gather documents, and file before time expires.
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.
Common Limitation Periods
Always verify rules for your jurisdiction, but the table below shows typical windows for several civil matters in the United States.
| Claim type | Typical limitation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury | 2 years | Some states use discovery rules for latent injuries. |
| Property damage | 3 years | Check shorter periods when suing government entities. |
| Written contract | 4 to 6 years | Uniform Commercial Code claims may follow a 4-year limit. |
| Fraud | 3 years | Often tolled until the fraud is discovered. |
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 vary widely, and additional requirements—such as notice letters or administrative filings—may shorten the effective deadline. Consult a licensed attorney to confirm timelines specific to your situation.