North Carolina Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed November 14, 2024

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Under North Carolina civil procedure, plaintiffs must file their lawsuits within a specific period of time, usually starting from the date of the injury. These time limits, the civil statutes of limitations, are meant to help preserve the integrity of evidence and witness testimony.

North Carolina's civil statute of limitations laws give a three-year time limit for personal injuries, fraud, and many other causes of action but only a one-year limit for defamation.

Some people believe that if you caused someone else harm, you should always be accountable for that harm, regardless of the amount of time passed. But statutes of limitations are not designed to let people off the hook. Instead, their goal is efficiency and preserving evidence. The more time passes, the more witnesses forget, and the more likely important documents get lost or destroyed.

This article provides a brief overview of the civil statute of limitations in North Carolina.

North Carolina Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: At a Glance

The following table lists North Carolina's civil statute of limitations laws and limitations periods. For more information, see Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Claims.

Injury to person

Three years (N.C.G.S. § 1-52(16))
Collection of rent

Three years (N.C.G.S. § 1-52)
Libel/slander

One year (N.C.G.S. § 1-54(3))
Fraud

Three years (N.C.G.S. § 1-52(9))
Injury to personal property

Three years (N.C.G.S. § 1-52(4))
Professional malpractice
  • Two years or more after the last act of the defendant, maximum four years
  • A foreign object left in body; one year upon discovery, maximum 10 years (N.C.G.S. § 1-15)
Trespass of real property

Three years (N.C.G.S. § 1-52(3))
Contracts
Collection of debt on account
Judgments

10 years (N.C.G.S. § 1-47)

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 laws you are researching.

Get Help Understanding North Carolina Civil Statute of Limitations

Under North Carolina law, the statute of limitations restricts the time a claimant has to file a civil lawsuit. If you're uncertain about how the law affects your legal claim or if you need help determining whether you can still take legal action, it's essential to seek a case evaluation from a North Carolina personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can provide the legal advice you need to understand your rights and guide you on the best course of action for your personal injury claim.

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