Mississippi Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed December 20, 2022
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Maybe you didn't think about a lawsuit after your fender bender, but it's been six months and your back still hurts. Or maybe the auto body shop didn't fix your truck properly the first time around. Can you sue the other driver for your hospital bills or rehab? What if the auto shop doesn't agree to do the repair work for free? And if you can file a lawsuit, how long do you have to file it? It turns out that even the best cases have a deadline for filing in court.
Here is a brief overview of civil statutes of limitation in Mississippi.
Civil Statutes of Limitation
State statutes of limitations set the time limit for filing lawsuits and other civil actions. The Magnolia State's statute of limitations laws vary depending on what type of case you have and can range from one to seven years. The “clock" will begin ticking for a case on either the date of the incident or the date you discover the harm.
Courts have statutes of limitations in order to create as much fairness and predictability as possible when people file civil lawsuits. An injured party is given a specified amount of time in which to decide whether or not to file a legal claim to recover damages. At the same time, statutes of limitations guarantee that a person doesn't have an unfinished legal matter hanging over their head indefinitely. These laws are the legal system's attempt to create a deadline for legal conflicts so that all the parties involved can plan and prepare accordingly.
Statutes of Limitations in Mississippi
Mississippi's civil statutes of limitations are listed in the table below.
Injury to Person |
Three years (Miss. Code § 15-1-49) |
|---|---|
Libel/Slander |
One year (Miss. Code § 15-1-35) |
Fraud |
Three years (Miss. Code § 15-1-49(1)) |
Injury to Personal Property |
Three years (Miss. Code § 15-1-49(1)) |
Professional Malpractice |
|
Trespass |
Three years (Miss. Code § 15-1-49(1)) |
Collection of Rents |
Four years (Miss. Code § 75-2A-506) |
Contracts |
|
Collection of Debt on Account |
Three years (Miss. Code § 15-1-29 and Miss. Code § 15-1-31) |
Judgments |
Seven years for domestic and foreign judgments (Miss. Code § 15-1-43) |
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
As noted above, even if you have a good case, the court may dismiss it if it is filed past the statutory deadline. You can also find more resources and information on this topic by visiting FindLaw's Statute of Limitations section.
Talk to an Attorney to Learn More About the Mississippi Civil Statute of Limitations
In the Magnolia State, even if you have a valid claim for civil damages, your case may be barred if you don't file your lawsuit within the required statutory limit. Don't be shut out of the Mississippi legal system because you missed a deadline. If you've been physically or emotionally injured, or have a claim involving a business matter, you should contact a litigation attorney in Mississippi who can review your case to see if you have a valid legal claim and make sure it's filed within the required time frame.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.