Oklahoma Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed January 13, 2023
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
The statutes of limitations are time limits imposed by state law for initiating a lawsuit or some other type of civil action. The time begins "tolling" at the point an injury or some other disputed event has occurred in most cases, but there are exceptions. For example, someone in Oklahoma who is exposed to asbestos may not know about it until many years later, when they are diagnosed with asbestosis. But under the "discovery rule," the clock doesn't toll until the point at which the injury is discovered. If a potential defendant leaves the state or is otherwise evasive, the statute of limitations is put on hold.
Time limits imposed by statutes of limitations are important for a couple of reasons. First, they prevent potential plaintiffs from threatening someone with a lawsuit indefinitely. Also, they ensure greater integrity of the evidence and a more efficient case.
This article provides a brief overview of the civil statute of limitations laws in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Civil Statute of Limitations: At a Glance
In most instances, Oklahoma plaintiffs have a two-year limit from the date of the incident in which to file a lawsuit. Exceptions include defamation (libel or slander) at one year, five years for rent and debt collection or written contracts, and three years for judgments and oral contracts.
The main provisions of Oklahoma's civil statute of limitations are listed in the table below. See FindLaw's Injury Law Basics section for more information about filing a lawsuit.
Injury to Person |
Two years (Okla. Stat. tit. 12 § 95(3)) |
|---|---|
Defamation (Libel/Slander) |
One year (Okla. Stat. tit. 12 § 95(4)) |
Fraud |
Two years (Okla. Stat. tit. 12 § 95(3)) |
Injury to Personal Property |
Two years (Okla. Stat. tit. 12 § 95(3)) |
Professional Malpractice |
Two years (Okla. Stat. tit. 12 § 95(3)) |
Trespass |
Two years (Okla. Stat. tit. 12 § 95(3)) |
Collection of Rents |
|
Contracts |
|
Collection of Debt on Account |
|
Judgments |
Three years for foreign judgment (Okla. Stat. tit. 12 § 95(2)) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (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 law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
- Official State Codes -- Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
- Lawsuits: A Practical Guide
- Time Limits to Bring a Case: The Statute of Limitations
- Time Limits for Filing Product Liability Cases: State Guide
Oklahoma Civil Statute of Limitations: Related Resources
Learn More About Oklahoma Civil Statute of Limitations Laws from a Lawyer
The statute of limitations in Oklahoma civil cases can vary. Whether you are filing a premises liability case in Tulsa or a product defect claim in Oklahoma City, time is of the essence when deciding whether to file your case. If you want to know if you have a valid legal claim and ensure that it's filed in a timely manner, you should contact a litigation attorney in Oklahoma today.
Was this helpful?
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.