North Dakota Civil Statute of Limitations

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed February 25, 2025

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If you suffered an injury through another person's negligence and plan to sue for damages, you must file your lawsuit within the time limits established by the civil statute of limitations. All civil actions and processes have a time limit, including judgments and collection on debt or rents. Different legal claims have different time limits but generally range from one to six years.

This article gives a brief overview of the state of North Dakota's civil statute of limitations laws.

When Does the Civil Statute of Limitations Start in North Dakota?

The time frame for filing a lawsuit under North Dakota's statute of limitations generally starts tolling when the incident happens. But certain exceptions can extend this limitations period. One such exception is the "discovery rule," which allows plaintiffs to bring legal action even after the standard deadline has passed if they can demonstrate that the injury or legal issue was not discovered until recently. This rule is particularly significant in cases involving torts, such as personal injury or wage discrimination, where the harm may not be immediately apparent — for instance, a woman discovering years later that she was paid less than her male counterparts.

North Dakota Civil Statute of Limitations: At a Glance

Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in North Dakota range from two to 10 years, with a six-year statute of limitations for most civil actions. Personal injury and injury to personal property lawsuits each have a six-year limit, while actions for defamation and professional malpractice have a two-year limit.

The following chart lists more time limits for various civil actions in North Dakota. For more information, see FindLaw's Injury Law Basics section.

Injury to person

Six years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16)
Wrongful death

Two years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18)
Libel/slander

Two years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18)
Fraud

Six years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(6))
Injury to personal property

Six years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(4))
Professional malpractice

Two years; (medical: maximum six years) (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18)
Trespass

Six years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(3))
Contracts

Written: six years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(1)); Oral: six years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(1))
Collection of debt on account

Six years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16(1))
Judgments

10 years (N.D.C.C. § 28-01-15)

Disclaimer: State laws tend to change quite regularly, usually when signed legislation is enacted but sometimes through the decisions of higher courts and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you also may want to contact a North Dakota personal injury attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

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North Dakota Civil Statute of Limitations: Related Resources

Filing a Civil Claim? Get Help From a North Dakota Attorney

The North Dakota statute of limitations sets a firm deadline for filing legal claims, making it crucial to act promptly. If you're considering a personal injury claim, consulting an experienced attorney can help ensure your case is filed within the required time frame. A skilled lawyer can provide legal advice tailored to your situation, conduct a thorough case evaluation, and determine the appropriate cause of action. Don't risk missing your opportunity to seek justice — reach out to a North Dakota personal injury attorney today.

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