New Hampshire Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed November 22, 2024

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Civil statutes of limitations set the maximum period of time that a plaintiff has to start a legal proceeding from the date of an alleged offense. These time limits ensure the integrity and "freshness" of physical evidence and witness testimony. They also discourage the indefinite threat of lawsuits. In personal injury claims, this period of time is crucial to consider.

The discovery rule is the main exception to the time limits on civil lawsuits. According to this rule, the statute of limitations does not begin to run at the time of the injury. Instead, it starts when the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered the injury.

Criminal law also has statutes of limitations. In that case, the prosecutor must file criminal charges within a specific time for most crimes.

New Hampshire Civil Statute of Limitations at a Glance

Statutes of limitations vary by state and the types of civil action, and they generally range from one to five years. In the state of New Hampshire, the limitations period for most civil actions is three years. The clock starts ticking at the time of the incident in most cases, but certain circumstances can toll the limitations period, extending the amount of time you have to file a claim.

The following chart lists the time limits for various civil actions in New Hampshire. See FindLaw's Injury Law Basics section for more information.

Injury to person

Three years §508:4
Libel/slander

Three years §508:4
Fraud

Three years §508:4
Injury to personal property

Three years §508:4
Professional malpractice

Three years §508:4
Trespass

Two years §539:8
Collection of rents

Four years §382-A:2A-506
Contracts

Written: 20 years under seal §508:5; oral: three years §508:4
Collection of debt on account

Written: 20 years under seal §508:5; oral: three years §508:4
Judgments

20 years §508:5

Disclaimer: State laws are subject to change at any time through the enactment of newly signed legislation, decisions from higher courts, and other means. We strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages. But you should contact a New Hampshire personal injury attorney or do further research to verify that this article's information is accurate.

New Hampshire Civil Statute of Limitations: Related Resources

Get Legal Help With Your Civil Claim From a New Hampshire Attorney

If you are dealing with a legal issue, it's important to understand that New Hampshire statutes of limitations often depend on the nature of the claim. Seeking legal advice from an attorney can help you identify the correct cause of action and ensure you file suit before the deadline. Consult a New Hampshire litigation attorney if you have suffered an injury to address your legal issue within the state's statutes of limitations.

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