Indiana Civil Statute of Limitations
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed February 13, 2023
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Every state has time limits, called "statutes of limitations," for filing lawsuits and other civil actions. Indiana's civil statute of limitations laws are generally similar to those of other states. Depending on the particular type of case or procedure, Indiana's statutes of limitations range from two to 20 years. The point at which the proverbial clock starts ticking is typically either the date of the incident or discovery of the harm.
These statutes of limitation are an attempt to create general fairness and predictability when it comes to filing lawsuits. Potential defendants should not have a legal matter hanging over their heads indefinitely and be put on notice that they might have committed some harm against another party. Plaintiffs, on the other hand, must decide whether or not to press a lawsuit in a timely matter.
This article provides a brief overview of the civil statute of limitations in Indiana.
Civil Statutes of Limitation in Indiana: At a Glance
The chart below highlights some civil statutes of limitations in Indiana. See Details on State Civil Statute of Limitations and Time Limits to Bring a Case: The Statute of Limitations for more general information.
Injury to Person |
Two years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4(1)) |
|---|---|
Libel/Slander |
Two years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4(1)) |
Fraud |
Six years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-7(4)) |
Injury to Personal Property |
Two years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4(2)) |
Professional Malpractice |
Two years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-3) |
Trespass |
Two years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4) |
Contracts |
|
Collection of Debt on Account |
Six years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-7) |
Judgments |
20 years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-12) |
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.
Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources
- Lawsuits: A Practical Guide
- Time Limits to Bring a Case: The Statute of Limitations
- Time Limits for Bringing Product Liability Cases: State by State
- Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Cases
- Official State Codes -- Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
Make Sure You Don't Miss Filing Deadlines: Contact an Injury Attorney Today
Indiana's civil statute of limitations depends on the type of case being filed, whether a personal injury claim, contract dispute, or other non-criminal case. Remember, time is truly of the essence when dealing with filing deadlines. If you are dealing with an civil case in Indiana, it's in your best interests to contact an Indiana litigation attorney today.
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