{"id":372718,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-03T17:43:26","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T22:43:26","slug":"georgia-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Georgia 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

Plaintiffs have time limits to file a civil claim, collectively called statutes of limitations. These laws ensure claims are made while evidence is still fresh and prevent the constant "threat" of a lawsuit long after the disputed event has happened.<\/p>\r\n

Georgia civil statute of limitations laws impose a two-year statute of limitations for personal injuries<\/a> and fraud, with a four-year statute of limitations period for trespassing, debt collection, and injuries to personal property.<\/p>\r\n

This article gives a brief overview of the state of Georgia’s civil statute of limitations<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations: Chart<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The table below offers a complete list of Georgia’s civil statutes of limitations laws. These laws specify the time within which a legal action must be filed.<\/p>\r\n

The time period varies depending on the type of case, such as personal injury claims or other types of civil cases. Certain circumstances can lead to tolling<\/a> of the statute, effectively pausing the time for filing. It’s important to note that these statutes differ from those applicable in criminal cases.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Injury to person<\/th>\r\n

Two years (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-33<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Libel\/slander<\/th>\r\n

One year (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-33<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Fraud<\/th>\r\n

Two years (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-33<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

Four years (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-32<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Professional malpractice<\/th>\r\n

Two years, maximum of five years from the act (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-71<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Trespass<\/th>\r\n

Four years (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-30<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

Four years (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 11-2A-506<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

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

Four years (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-25<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Judgments<\/th>\r\n

Five years foreign judgment (O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-20<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

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 legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n