{"id":372140,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2025-05-30T10:16:26","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T15:16:26","slug":"connecticut-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Connecticut Statutes of Limitations\n <\/h1>\n \n The legal system has time limits dictating when a case can be filed in court.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\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

Whether it\u2019s a county prosecutor enforcing a robbery charge or someone who was rear-ended suing over a sore neck, the legal system has time limits dictating how long you have to file a case in court. These time limits are determined by state laws under statutes of limitations<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

These limitations prohibit cases from being filed after a certain amount of time. For example, Connecticut has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This includes wrongful death and product liability claims.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Connecticut\u2019s statutory \u201cclock\u201d starts ticking when the crime is committed, or, in civil cases, when the harm occurs or is discovered. The length of time to file a case varies depending on the type of lawsuit or the nature of the crime. This article provides details and resources on the statutes of limitations in Connecticut.<\/p>\r\n

How Do Statutes of Limitations Work?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Statutes of limitations set a limitations period, within which a person must file a legal action after a cause of action arises. Under Connecticut law, this period varies depending on the type of case.<\/p>\r\n

If the limitation period expires before you file the lawsuit, the claim becomes time-barred. This means you cannot pursue it in court. Certain crimes, like murder<\/a>, have no statute of limitations and allow legal action at any time. Understanding these time limits is crucial to protecting your legal rights.<\/p>\r\n

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

Under the Connecticut General Statutes<\/a>, civil actions have specific time limits for filing. For example, personal injury cases, such as those resulting from a car accident, and medical malpractice claims<\/a> must generally be filed within two years. Tort claims<\/a> involving personal property damage also have a two-year limit.<\/p>\r\n

Breach of contract claims<\/a> allow up to six years if it is a written contract. These statutes ensure that people pursue civil actions within a reasonable time frame, preserving the integrity of evidence and fairness for all parties involved.<\/p>\r\n

Learn more about how these limits work via FindLaw\u2019s overview of Connecticut Civil Statute of Limitations Laws<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

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

Connecticut criminal statutes of limitations establish the time frames within which charges must be filed for various offenses. In general, misdemeanors must be prosecuted within one year.<\/p>\r\n

Most felonies have a five-year limitation period. Serious crimes like sexual assault<\/a> and class A felonies have no statute of limitations. This allows prosecution to occur at any time, such as when new DNA evidence<\/a> emerges.<\/p>\r\n

To learn more about time limits for charging against specific crimes, take a look at FindLaw\u2019s overview of Connecticut Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Get Legal Advice From a Connecticut Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Understanding Connecticut’s statutes of limitations can be confusing. If you have questions, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer who knows the law. A personal injury attorney<\/a> can explain the deadlines for filing claims related to accidents, medical issues, and property damage.<\/p>\r\n

A criminal defense attorney<\/a> can help you understand how long you have to face charges for different types of crimes. Whatever your legal issue might be, speaking with a qualified Connecticut lawyer<\/a> will help protect your rights and ensure you take the right steps within the necessary time frames.<\/p>\r\n\n

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Learn About Connecticut Statutes of Limitations<\/h2>\n \n
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