Louisiana Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed December 21, 2022
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There are time limits for filing a lawsuit or some other civil action called statutes of limitations, which differ from state to state. States also impose time limits for the state in regard to the filing of formal criminal charges, also referred to as the statute of limitations. States typically have different time limits for different kinds of civil actions, although the "clock" doesn't start ticking until the injury is discovered.
For instance, someone may not realize they have been the victim of fraud until several years after the incident, but they may file a claim after discovering the injury. The reasons for these limits are to prevent individuals from using the threat of a lawsuit indefinitely and to ensure the integrity of the evidence (including witness testimony, physical evidence, and other forms of discovery).
This article provides a brief overview of the civil statute of limitations laws in Louisiana.
Louisiana Civil Statutes of Limitation: At a Glance
The state of Louisiana is unique in that nearly all civil actions have a one-year statute of limitations (most states range from two to five years for more claims). The exceptions are the three-year limits on collections of rent and debts and a 10-year statute of limitations for contracts and judgments.
The main provisions of Louisiana's civil statute of limitations are detailed below. See FindLaw's Injury Law Basics section for more information about filing a lawsuit.
Injury to Person |
One year (L.A. Civ. Code § 3492) |
|---|---|
Libel/Slander |
One year (L.A. Civ. Code § 3492) |
Fraud |
One year (L.A. Civ. Code § 3492) |
Injury to Personal Property |
One year (L.A. Civ. Code § 3492) |
Professional Malpractice |
One year for medical (L.A. Civ. Code § 3492); one year for legal (La. Stat. Ann § 9:5605) |
Trespass |
One year (L.A. Civ. Code § 3492) |
Collection of Rents |
Three years (L.A. Civ. Code § 3494(2)) |
Contracts |
Written: 10 years (L.A. Civ. Code § 3499); Oral: 10 years (L.A. Civ. Code § 3499) |
Collection of Debt on Account |
Three years (L.A. Civ. Code § 3494(4)) |
Judgments |
Monetary judgments: 10 years (L.A. Civ. Code § 3501) |
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.
Research the Law
- Official State Codes -- Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
- Time Limits to Bring a Case: The Statute of Limitations
- Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Cases
- Lawsuits: A Practical Guide
Louisiana Civil Statute of Limitations Law: Related Resources
Don't Miss Your Filing Deadlines: Contact a Louisiana Attorney
Trying to understand Louisiana's different civil lawsuit filing deadlines can be overwhelming. Louisiana's civil statute of limitations varies depending on the circumstances of the case and the type of claim involved. If you are dealing with a personal injury or business-related injury, it's in your best interests to contact a local litigation attorney as soon as possible.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.
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