{"id":371757,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-04-11T11:58:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T16:58:59","slug":"california-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Civil Statute of Limitations Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Civil Statute of Limitations Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In every state, there are time limits<\/a> for filing lawsuits and other civil actions, known as statutes of limitations. Under California law, these statutes of limitations vary depending on the type of case and can range from one to 10 years. The period of time typically begins from the date of the incident or the discovery of the wrong.<\/p>\r\n

For civil cases in California, statutes of limitations ensure that an offending party is aware they either committed or may be accused of committing a wrong. The wronged party must then decide whether to pursue legal action<\/a> to seek recovery for their injuries or damages. This includes personal injury claims<\/a>, property damage claims<\/a>, and wrongful death<\/a> cases.<\/p>\r\n

The following article briefly overviews California’s statute of limitations and how they apply to different civil claims. If you need to file a lawsuit, contact an attorney<\/a> soon.<\/p>\r\n

Civil Statutes of Limitations in California: At a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Each state has its own statutes of limitations<\/a>. In California courts, the statute of limitations period can vary depending on the cause of action. Certain factors, such as tolling, can affect the duration of this period, potentially extending the amount of time available to file a claim. Below is a summary of civil statutes of limitations in California.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Injury to person<\/th>\r\n
Libel\/slander<\/th>\r\n

One year (Civ. Proc. \u00a7 340(c)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Fraud<\/th>\r\n

Three years (Civ. Proc. \u00a7 338(d)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Injury to personal property<\/th>\r\n

Three years (Civ. Proc. \u00a7 338(b)-(c)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Professional malpractice<\/th>\r\n
Trespass<\/th>\r\n

Three years (Civ. Proc. \u00a7 338(b)<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Collection of rents<\/th>\r\n

Four years (Civ. Proc. \u00a7 337.2<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Breach of contract<\/th>\r\n
Collection of debt on account<\/th>\r\n

Four years (book and stated accounts) (Civ. Proc. \u00a7 337<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Judgments<\/th>\r\n

10 years (Civ. Proc. \u00a7 337.5<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time, usually through the enactment of newly passed legislation but sometimes through higher court decisions and other means. You may want to contact a California personal injury attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Learn More About California’s Civil Statute of Limitations from an Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

California’s civil statute of limitations varies depending on the circumstances of the case. If you’re dealing with a personal injury matter or any other civil legal claim, seek legal advice from an experienced California litigation attorney<\/a>. An attorney will be able to discuss the facts and legal aspects of your case with you and offer guidance on applicable filing deadlines.<\/p>\r\n

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