Nebraska Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
By Susan Buckner, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed March 05, 2025
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Every state has laws limiting the time people file civil actions. These laws are called “statutes of limitations,” and the courts are very strict about plaintiffs meeting these filing deadlines. Nebraska is no different.
Federal and state laws also limit the time the prosecutor has to file charges in a criminal case. Criminal statutes of limitations help ensure that criminal cases reach a judge (or jury) in a timely manner. Limitation periods also guarantee that juries hear cases while the evidence and witness memories remain fresh.
With civil statutes of limitation, plaintiffs must file their lawsuits within a specific time period after the alleged injury or harm. This prevents plaintiffs from “surprising” defendants with lawsuits decades after an event occurred.
For example, victims only have four years to file a personal injury claim. If they don’t file their lawsuit within the time limits, the court will dismiss their case, and they’ll lose their chance to pursue damages.
Nebraska Civil Statutes of Limitations
The Nebraska Revised Statutes contain the civil statutes of limitation, beginning with §25-201. Most civil actions in Nebraska have a four-year statute of limitations. Below, we list the specific statutes that apply to county and state court civil claims.
| One year | Libel/Slander/Defamation (Neb. Rev. Stat §25-208) |
|---|---|
| Two years | |
| Four years |
|
| Five years | |
| 10 years | Recovery of Real Estate § 25-202 |
Note: State laws are subject to change at any time through the enactment of new legislation, court rulings, or other means. FindLaw strives to provide the most current information available. However, it's best to consult an attorney to learn how these rules apply to your unique situation.
Will the Civil Courts Extend the Statute of Limitations Period in Nebraska?
In the state of Nebraska, plaintiffs can pause or “toll” the statute under the discovery rule. Under this rule, the statute does not begin to run until the plaintiff is aware of (or could reasonably have discovered) an injury.
A prime example of when the statute of limitations period may toll is in a toxic tort case. It can take years or decades for a plaintiff to realize harmful exposure has made them sick.
Tolling the statute lets the plaintiff file their claim when they discover they have a health issue. Otherwise, toxic tort victims would most likely lose their chance to pursue the defendant.
Do Statutes of Limitations Apply to Counterclaims?
When you sue someone in civil court, they can file a response. In some civil cases, the defendant believes they have a potential claim against the plaintiff. When this happens, the defendant can file something called a counterclaim.
A counterclaim works like any other personal injury claim. The only difference is that the alleged victim files their claim in response to the original plaintiff’s claim.
With this in mind, it makes sense that the civil statute of limitations also applies to counterclaims. The statute of limitations for counterclaims is the same as for ordinary personal injury cases.
Get Legal Advice from a Nebraska Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re hurt in an accident or need to file a civil claim against another party, don’t wait too long to contact a local attorney. If you miss the statute of limitations filing deadline, the judge will dismiss your case, and you’ll walk away with nothing.
If you aren’t sure if you have a valid cause of action and worry that time is running out, seek legal advice from an experienced Nebraska personal injury attorney.
You can also use FindLaw's attorney directory to find a lawyer who can handle other types of civil claims, such as:
If you're not sure what type of claim you have, a general litigation attorney can assist with a wide variety of civil cases.
Related Resources
The following links contain more information about laws and legal issues related to civil statutes of limitations:
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