{"id":374089,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-04-04T16:07:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T21:07:49","slug":"michigan-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Civil Statute of Limitations Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Michigan Civil Statute of Limitations Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\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

Michigan’s civil statutes of limitations determine how long a plaintiff has to file a civil lawsuit. Statutes of limitations<\/a> ensure that plaintiffs file cases on time and that defendants don’t have the threat of lawsuits hanging over their heads. Plaintiffs should file civil cases soon after an incident happens when evidence and witnesses are readily available.<\/p>\r\n

The state of Michigan also has a limitations period for criminal cases. The criminal statute of limitations<\/a> gives prosecutors a time limit on how long they have to bring criminal charges for felonies and misdemeanors.<\/p>\r\n

The Michigan statutes of limitations<\/a> for civil causes of action depend on the type of claim. Most claims have a filing deadline of six years after the incident. Personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations.<\/p>\r\n

Statutes of limitation put strict deadlines on the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a civil action with a Michigan court. If you miss the deadline, the court dismisses the case. You can’t refile it. If you believe you have a personal injury case and may be running out of time, you should contact an attorney at once<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan Civil Statutes of Limitations Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Code Sections<\/b><\/h3>\r\n