Statute of Limitations Calculator — All 50 States (Free) | Legience
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Statute of Limitations
Calculator.

Instantly calculate filing deadlines for any claim type across all 50 states and DC.

Calculate Your Deadline

Results appear instantly as you fill in each field

Data

SOL Distribution Across States

1 year
3 states
2 years
25 states
3 years
17 states
4 years
3 states
5 years
1 state
6 years
2 states
Shortest
1 year
Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee
Most Common
2 years
25 states
Longest
6 years
Maine, North Dakota
Reference

All States at a Glance

Click any state to load it in the calculator above.

Understanding SOL

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

The Basics

A statute of limitations sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once expired, the claim is permanently barred regardless of merit. Every state sets its own periods, varying by claim type — personal injury typically allows 1 to 6 years, while breach of contract often allows 3 to 10 years.

The clock generally starts on the date of injury, though many states apply a "discovery rule" that delays the start until the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury.

Common Exceptions

Discovery Rule

Clock starts when plaintiff discovers the injury. Common in med mal.

Minors

Most states pause until the plaintiff turns 18.

Defendant Absence

Tolled while defendant is outside the state.

Mental Incapacity

Paused while plaintiff is incapacitated.

Fraudulent Concealment

Tolled when defendant hides wrongdoing.

Government Claims

Often shorter deadlines and require notice of claim.

Why This Matters

Missing an SOL deadline is one of the most common causes of legal malpractice claims. The ABA ranks "failure to know or apply the statute of limitations" among the top reasons for malpractice suits. Systematic deadline tracking through practice management software is a professional responsibility.

FAQ

Common Questions

The court will dismiss your case. For attorneys, missing an SOL deadline is one of the most common grounds for malpractice claims.
It depends on the state. Most use the injury date, but many apply the "discovery rule" — the clock starts when you knew or should have known about the injury.
Yes — through tolling. Common reasons: plaintiff was a minor, mental incapacity, defendant left the state, or defendant concealed the wrongdoing.
A doctrine that delays the SOL start until the plaintiff discovers the injury and its cause. Common in medical malpractice and fraud.
Most states pause the clock for minors until they turn 18. Some cap the total tolling period. Rules vary by state.
Never Miss a Deadline

Automated SOL Tracking Built Into Your Practice

Legience automatically tracks statute of limitations deadlines for every case. Calendar alerts, dashboard warnings, and team notifications.