Oklahoma Statutes of Limitations
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By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed November 22, 2024
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Oklahoma's statutes of limitations limit the time for filing a civil complaint (lawsuit) or criminal charge. These limits help ensure evidence (including witness testimony) does not deteriorate and prevent people from threatening lawsuits or criminal charges indefinitely.
The statutes of limitations differ by type of civil claim or criminal charge. For instance, murder and other serious charges typically have no statute of limitations in Oklahoma or other states. Oklahoma's civil statute of limitations range from two to five years for most causes of action and one year for defamation claims.
Oklahoma's Civil Statutes of Limitations
Oklahoma's civil statutes of limitations establish the time frames for filing a legal action in cases such as personal injury claims, medical malpractice, car accidents, wrongful death, and worker's compensation disputes. These laws vary based on the type of case. For example, personal injury claims and car accident lawsuits typically have a two-year statute of limitations. But, medical malpractice and wrongful death cases may have different time limits. The state of Oklahoma also follows the "discovery rule." This rule allows the statute of limitations to begin when the injury or harm is discovered rather than when the incident happened.
Filing outside of these timeframes can prevent a plaintiff from pursuing their cause of action. For detailed information about the deadlines for different civil actions in Oklahoma, visit FindLaw's page on Oklahoma Civil Statute of Limitations.
Oklahoma's Criminal Statutes of Limitations
Oklahoma's criminal statute of limitations establishes the limitations period within which law enforcement must file formal criminal charges after a crime has been committed. The length of this period varies depending on the nature of the offense. Serious crimes, such as murder and certain sexual offenses, have no limitations period. This means charges for these crimes can get filed at any time. For misdemeanors and lesser felonies, the state typically has a few years to start legal action. In some cases, the limitations period can be tolled or extended. This can happen when the accused evades law enforcement, or the victim is under a certain age.
For more information on specific time limits and tolling requirements for certain crimes, visit FindLaw's page on Oklahoma Criminal Statute of Limitations.
Related Resources
- Tulsa Laws
- Oklahoma Accident and Injury Law
- Oklahoma City Laws
- Oklahoma Criminal Laws
- Oklahoma Civil Rights Laws
Get Legal Advice on Oklahoma's Statutes of Limitations Laws
Oklahoma law establishes specific statutes of limitations that determine how long you have to file legal action in civil and criminal cases. State law varies depending on the type of case. You may lose the right to pursue legal action if you miss these deadlines. Consult an Oklahoma attorney today who can help you navigate these rules and protect your rights.