When did the injury occur or breach happen?
Select your claim type and incident date to see your filing deadline
California Statute of Limitations Reference
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | CCP 335.1 |
| Medical Malpractice | 1 year* | CCP 340.5 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | CCP 335.1 |
| Written Contract | 4 years | CCP 337 |
| Oral Contract | 2 years | CCP 339 |
| Unpaid Wages | 3 years | CCP 338(a) |
| FEHA Discrimination | 3 years** | Gov. Code 12960 |
| Property Damage | 3 years | CCP 338(c) |
| Fraud | 3 years*** | CCP 338(d) |
| Defamation | 1 year | CCP 340(c) |
| UCL/FAL | 4 years | B&P 17208 |
| Lemon Law | 4 years | Civ. Code 1793.2 |
* Medical malpractice: 1 year from discovery OR 3 years from injury, whichever is earlier.
** FEHA: Must file with CRD (formerly DFEH) within 3 years, then have 1 year to file lawsuit.
*** Fraud: 3 years from discovery of facts constituting fraud.
Important: Tolling & Discovery Rules
The statute of limitations may be extended (tolled) in certain situations: if the plaintiff was a minor or incapacitated, if the defendant was out of state, or if the wrongdoing was fraudulently concealed. The "discovery rule" may also delay the start of the limitations period for claims where the injury wasn't immediately apparent. Consult an attorney to determine your exact deadline.