{"id":374030,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2025-05-30T12:45:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T17:45:59","slug":"massachusetts-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Massachusetts Statutes of Limitations\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, 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

The statute of limitations<\/a> plays a vital role in civil and criminal cases. It sets a time limit for a party to start legal action. Understanding this limitation period is crucial for those seeking justice or facing legal challenges.<\/p>\r\n

This article will provide an overview of Massachusetts’s statute of limitations.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding Massachusetts Statute of Limitations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Statutes of limitations are laws establishing when someone can file a legal action<\/a>. They serve various purposes. For instance, they ensure the timely prosecution of civil and criminal cases. They also help secure the integrity and reliability of the evidence and are crucial for witnesses whose memories could fade and evidence that could deteriorate. The statute of limitations also protects defendants from facing outdated criminal charges.<\/p>\r\n

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

Massachusetts state laws have specific statutes of limitations<\/a> for different types of civil actions. The following are some of the common civil actions and their statutes of limitations as reflected in Massachusetts state laws:<\/p>\r\n

Three years statute of limitations from the accrual of the cause of action for the following <\/b>civil cases<\/b><\/a>:<\/b><\/p>\r\n