Statute of Limitations Calculator
Get a basic estimate of the potential deadline to file a legal claim. This tool is for informational purposes only.
Statute of Limitations Estimator
Select your state, claim type, and incident date.
Legal Disclaimer: For Educational Use Only
This calculator provides a simplified estimate and is NOT a substitute for professional legal advice. Statutes of limitations are complex, vary significantly by jurisdiction, and are subject to numerous exceptions and changes. DO NOT rely on this tool to make any legal decisions. Missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim. You MUST consult with a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.
Learn More About Legal Timelines
What is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that prescribes the time limit for bringing a legal action. Once the deadline has passed, the claim is 'time-barred,' and the defendant can have the lawsuit dismissed, regardless of its merits. These laws exist to ensure fairness and prevent the litigation of stale claims where evidence may be lost and memories have faded.
Our estimator uses general timeframes for a few common claim types in a sample of states to demonstrate how these deadlines work. The actual deadline for your case could be different.
Common Factors That Can Change the Deadline
The simple calculation of "Date of Incident + Time Period" is often complicated by various legal doctrines. Our calculator does NOT account for these. They include:
The Discovery Rule
In many cases, the clock doesn't start until the injury or harm is actually discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered).
Tolling for Minors
For minors, the statute of limitations is often paused ('tolled') until they reach the age of 18.
Claims Against Government
Filing a claim against a government entity often involves much shorter notice periods and different procedures not covered here.
Specific State Nuances
Every state has its own unique rules and exceptions for different types of claims.