New Jersey Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last updated January 18, 2023
State "statutes of limitations" set time limits for plaintiffs to file a civil lawsuit. These time limits preserve the integrity of physical evidence and witness testimony. They also prevent the indefinite threat of lawsuits. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years. Injury to personal property has a six-year statute of limitations.
Sometimes it's impossible to know what caused an injury until much later. It may take time even to know there is an injury, like when environmental pollution causes terminal illness decades after the exposure. In such cases, the "discovery rule" allows a plaintiff to file suit within a particular time after discovering the injury or its cause.
Also, the civil statute of limitation may be paused ("tolled") in particular situations. For example, if the plaintiff was a minor or mentally incompetent at the time of the injury. Also, parties may agree by contract to shorten the statute of limitations. This agreement may be nothing more than a simple "click" of an online user agreement.
Many factors determine the statute of limitations for a given civil action. It can get confusing, so it's usually a good idea to work with an attorney when filing a lawsuit. Most injury lawyers will work on a contingency basis, which means you won't have to pay until you collect for your injuries.
To learn more about New Jersey's civil statute of limitations laws, reference the following chart. See Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Claims for related information.
Libel/Slander |
1 yr. §2A:14-3 |
|---|---|
Fraud |
6 yrs. §2A:14-1 |
Personal Injury |
2 yrs. §2A:14-2 |
Injury to Personal Property |
6 yrs. §2A:14-1 |
Professional Malpractice |
2 yrs. §2A:14-2 |
Trespass |
6 yrs. §2A:14-1 |
Collection of Rents |
16 yrs. §2A:14-4 |
Contracts |
Written: 6 yrs. §2A:14-1; Oral: 6 yrs. §2A:14-1 |
Collection of Debt on Account |
6 yrs. §2A:14-1 |
Judgments |
20 yrs. from court of record §2A:14-5 |
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, please consult an attorney or research the laws independently.
Research the Law
- Lawsuits: A Practical Guide
- Time Limits to Bring a Case: The Statute of Limitations
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
New Jersey Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources
Get Help Understanding New Jersey Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
You've suffered harm and believe you deserve compensation for your injuries. Let a legal expert guide the way for you. A great first step in making sure you are meeting New Jersey's filing deadline for civil suits is to speak with a New Jersey litigation attorney.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.