Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed December 03, 2024

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.

Georgia civil statute of limitations laws impose a two-year statute of limitations for personal injuries and fraud, with a four-year statute of limitations period for trespassing, debt collection, and injuries to personal property.

This article gives a brief overview of the state of Georgia's civil statute of limitations.

Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations: Chart

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.

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 of the statute, effectively pausing the time for filing. It's important to note that these statutes differ from those applicable in criminal cases.

Injury to person	Two years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
Libel/slander	One year (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
Fraud	Two years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
Injury to personal property	Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32)
Professional malpractice	Two years, maximum of five years from the act (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71)
Trespass	Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-30)
Collection of rents	Four years (O.C.G.A. § 11-2A-506)
Contracts	Written: Six years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24) Oral: Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26)
Collection of debt on account	Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-25)
Judgments	Five years foreign judgment (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-20)

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.