Pennsylvania Civil Statute of Limitations
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed January 17, 2023
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That fender bender on the Schuylkill Expressway was 2 weeks ago and that soreness in your neck still isn't gone. Or maybe, almost a year later, you realize the repair shop didn't properly fix your car. Do you have a civil lawsuit? And is it too late to file? There are limits on how long after an incident you may sue someone.
Here is a brief summary of the civil statute of limitation laws in Pennsylvania.
Civil Statutes of Limitation
There are time limits for filing a civil lawsuit, which are referred to as the statute of limitations. These limits are meant to ensure that potential plaintiffs can't threaten lawsuits indefinitely and to protect the integrity of evidence (including eyewitness testimony). Similar to other states' statute of limitations laws, Pennsylvania imposes a two-year limit on personal injury, trespass, and fraud claims. Generally, the clock will start ticking on the date of the incident or discovery of the wrong.
Statute of limitations laws are intended to create general practicality and fairness when filing lawsuits. It is never fair to have an unfinished legal matter hanging over one's head indefinitely. Therefore, limitations laws try to create a definite end to a legal conflict so both parties involved may move on with their lives. Statutes of limitation ensure an offending party in a legal dispute is made aware that they committed or may be accused of committing some wrong against another party. On the other hand, the wronged party must choose whether or not to press a lawsuit in order to recover for the wrong.
Civil Statutes of Limitations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's civil statute of limitations laws are explained in the following chart.
Injury to Person |
Two years (Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5524(1)) |
|---|---|
Libel/Slander |
One year (Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5523(1)) |
Fraud |
Two years (Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5524(7)) |
Injury to Personal Property |
Two years (Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5524(3)) |
Professional Malpractice |
Two years (Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5524(7)) |
Trespass |
Two years (Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5524(4)) |
Collection of Rents |
21 years (Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5530(2)) |
Contracts |
|
Collection of Debt on Account |
Four years (Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5525) |
Judgments |
Four years (Pa. C.S. Tit. 42 § 5525(5)) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Resources for Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
Even if you have a valid legal claim, if you don't file on time, it may not matter. If you'd like to continue your legal research in this area of law, you can visit FindLaw's statute of limitations section. You can also contact a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney if you would like legal assistance with your case.
Learn More About Pennsylvania Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
Pennsylvania's civil statute of limitations often depends on the nature of the claim being filed. Whether it's a contract dispute, collection of back rent, a personal injury, or medical malpractice, time is of the essence. If you've been injured or have questions about a legal matter, you should contact an experienced litigation attorney in Pennsylvania to discuss your situation and receive personalized legal advice.
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