{"id":375816,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/oklahoma-law\/oklahoma-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2024-11-22T09:51:54","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T14:51:54","slug":"oklahoma-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/oklahoma-law\/oklahoma-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"Oklahoma Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Oklahoma 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 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

Oklahoma’s statutes of limitations limit the time for filing a civil complaint<\/a> (lawsuit) or criminal charge<\/a>. These limits help ensure evidence (including witness testimony) does not deteriorate and prevent people from threatening lawsuits or criminal charges indefinitely.<\/p>\r\n

The statutes of limitations differ by type of civil claim or criminal charge. For instance, murder<\/a> and other serious charges typically have no statute of limitations in Oklahoma or other states. Oklahoma’s civil statute of limitations range from two to five years for most causes of action and one year for defamation<\/a> claims.<\/p>\r\n

Oklahoma’s Civil Statutes of Limitations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Oklahoma’s civil statutes of limitations establish the time frames for filing a legal action in cases such as personal injury claims<\/a>, medical malpractice<\/a>, car accidents, wrongful death<\/a>, and worker’s compensation<\/a> disputes. These laws vary based on the type of case. For example, personal injury claims and car accident lawsuits typically have a two-year statute of limitations. But, medical malpractice and wrongful death cases may have different time limits. The state of Oklahoma also follows the "discovery rule." This rule allows the statute of limitations to begin when the injury or harm is discovered rather than when the incident happened.<\/p>\r\n

Filing outside of these timeframes can prevent a plaintiff from pursuing their cause of action. For detailed information about the deadlines for different civil actions in Oklahoma, visit FindLaw’s page on Oklahoma Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Oklahoma’s Criminal Statutes of Limitations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Oklahoma’s criminal statute of limitations establishes the limitations period within which law enforcement must file formal criminal charges after a crime has been committed. The length of this period varies depending on the nature of the offense. Serious crimes, such as murder and certain sexual offenses<\/a>, have no limitations period. This means charges for these crimes can get filed at any time. For misdemeanors<\/a> and lesser felonies, the state typically has a few years to start legal action. In some cases, the limitations period can be tolled or extended. This can happen when the accused evades law enforcement, or the victim is under a certain age.<\/p>\r\n

For more information on specific time limits and tolling requirements for certain crimes, visit FindLaw’s page on Oklahoma Criminal Statute of Limitations<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n