Rhode Island Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 04, 2025

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Every state has laws dictating how long you have to file a legal action. These laws are statutes of limitation. These statutes limit how long you have to file a personal injury claim, car accident lawsuit, and other types of legal action.

Rhode Island's civil statute of limitations requires prospective plaintiffs to file suit within a specific period of time. For instance, if you want to file a slip-and-fall claim, the Rhode Island Statute of Limitations gives you three years to do so. The same is true if you suffer a personal injury in a motor vehicle accident.

Here, we will explain Rhode Island's civil statute of limitations and specify the time frames for filing specific types of legal action. If you want to file that action, find a Rhode Island lawyer.

Why Do the Courts Limit How Long You Have to File Your Claim?

Legislators impose filing deadlines to ensure that juries determine liability based on reliable evidence. It doesn't seem fair that a person (or entity) would have to wait years to find out if someone will sue them. It also doesn't make sense for juries to make legal findings based on stale or missing evidence.

These time limits vary from state to state and among different types of civil actions. If you miss the statute of limitations deadline, the court will dismiss your claim.

Even if the court clerk doesn't notice that your claim is out of time, the defendant certainly will. The defendant will file a motion to dismiss due to an untimely filing. The judge will have no choice but to grant their motion. Once this happens, you'll have no chance to sue for damages due to a wrongful act or negligence.

Are There Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations?

The courts rarely extend the statute of limitations period. Legally, the judge must strictly apply the filing deadline.

Rhode Island General Laws §9-1-14.1, et. seq. dictates when the courts can toll the statute of limitations. These situations include the following:

  • Discovery rule — There are times when the statute of limitations period does not start until the plaintiff discovers their injury. As you can imagine, these cases are few and far between. For example, the court will toll the statute of limitations in asbestos cases where the plaintiff did not get a medical diagnosis for years after exposure.
  • Minors — If the would-be plaintiff is a minor, they have until their 21st birthday to file their claim.
  • Defendant out-of-state — If the defendant leaves Rhode Island, the clock doesn't start until they return.
  • Intentional concealment — If the responsible party intentionally hides the injury (actual misrepresentation), the statute of limitations period begins when the plaintiff discovers the harm.
  • Mental incompetence or legal disability — The statute of limitations tolls until the plaintiff is no longer disabled.

Rhode Island Civil Statute of Limitations: At a Glance

The chart below summarizes Rhode Island's statutes of limitations.

Personal injury

Three years (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14)
Libel/slander

Slander: One year (R.I. Gen. L. § 9-1-14)
Fraud

10 years (R.I. Gen. L. § 12-12-17)
Personal property damage

10 years (R.I. Gen. L. § 9-1-13)
Professional malpractice

(Medical malpractice, legal malpractice, etc.)

Three years (R.I. Gen. L. § 9-1-14.1 and § 9-1-14.3)
Product liability

10 years (R.I. Gen. L. § 9-1-13)
Collection of rents

10 years (R.I. Gen. L. § 9-1-13)
Contracts
Judgments

20 years (R.I. Gen. L. § 9-1-17)
Wrongful death

Three years (R.I. Gen. L. § 9-1-14)
False imprisonment

Three years (R.I. Gen. L. § 9-1-17)
Product liability

Three years (R.I. Gen. L. § 9-1-13)

Disclaimer: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult an attorney with injury law experience or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.

Contact a Rhode Island Attorney Before You File Your Claim

If you don't file your civil lawsuit before the statute of limitations period expires, you'll lose your chance to pursue damages. If you believe you have a valid personal injury claim, don't hesitate to contact a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer.

Contact a Rhode Island attorney who handles personal injury cases if you're dealing with any civil cause of action.

Rhode Island Civil Statute of Limitations: Related Resources

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