{"id":372139,"date":"2016-04-11T01:21:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:21:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-statute-of-limitations-for-product-defects.html"},"modified":"2025-05-29T15:40:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T20:40:55","slug":"connecticut-statute-of-limitations-for-product-defects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-statute-of-limitations-for-product-defects.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Statute of Limitations for Product Defects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Connecticut Statute of Limitations for Product Defects<\/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

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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

If you’re hurt by a product, you have a limited time to file a civil lawsuit. Statutes of limitations on civil cases, such as product defects,<\/a> create general fairness and reliability when it comes to filing lawsuits<\/a>. Plaintiffs must decide whether to file a lawsuit or not in a timely matter.<\/p>\r\n

It works the other way as well. Potential defendants should receive notice that they may have caused harm to another party. The limitation ensures they will not have a legal matter hanging over their head indefinitely.<\/p>\r\n

Statute of Repose<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

A statute of repose and a statute of limitations both set time constraints on bringing a legal action. However, they function in different ways.<\/p>\r\n

A statute of limitations starts counting down from the date of injury or harm. It is the period within which you must file a lawsuit after discovering your injury. In Connecticut, you typically have three years from the date of your injury to commence legal action for product liability claims<\/a>. This rule applies as long as the product was bought or entered the stream of commerce within the last ten years.<\/p>\r\n

In contrast, a statute of repose takes effect from a different triggering event. Instead of the date of the injury, it might start with the manufacture, sale, or delivery date. This means that even if you discover an injury later, you may be barred from bringing a lawsuit if the repose period has expired. Statutes of repose set a final deadline after which you cannot make a claim, regardless of when the injury occurred.<\/p>\r\n

Connecticut Product Defect Statutes of Limitations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In the state of Connecticut, a product liability lawsuit<\/a> must be filed with the court within three years. The statute of repose is 10 years after the manufacturer or seller has parted with the product. The time limit can be extended if there is an express written warranty stating that the product may be used for a period longer than 10 years.<\/p>\r\n

Statutes of limitations and statutes of repose, however, apply in many types of lawsuits, including:<\/p>\r\n