Texas Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed December 29, 2022
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The time limit for filing a civil suit or prosecuting a criminal case is called the "statute of limitations." In fact, states have several different statutes of limitations for different types of claims. When filing a civil case, it is important to note the statute of limitations for the claim you intend to file. If the statute of limitations has expired you may not be able to pursue your claim in court, even if you have a valid case.
In Texas, civil statute of limitations laws are anywhere from one to five years, depending on the severity of the claim. While Texas plaintiffs have one year in which to file a claim for defamation, the time limit is five years for sex crimes. Read on to learn more about Texas's civil statutes of limitation laws.
Texas Civil Statutes of Limitation Laws: At a Glance
Learn about the main provisions of Texas civil statute of limitations laws in the table below. See Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Claims for related information.
Injury to Person |
Two years (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.003(a)); 30 years for most child sexual abuse cases and five years for sex crimes (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.0045) |
|---|---|
Libel/Slander |
One year (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.002) |
Fraud |
Four years (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.004(a)(4)) |
Injury to Personal Property |
Two years (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.003(a)) |
Professional Malpractice |
Two years from the date of the occurrence of the breach/tort and a maximum of 10 years (T.C.P.R.C. § 74.251) |
Trespass |
Two years (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.003(a)) |
Collection of Rents |
Four years (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.004(a)(3)) |
Contracts |
Written: four years for real property (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.004(a)(3)) |
Collection of Debt on Account |
Four years (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.004(a)(3)) |
Judgments |
10 years (T.C.P.R.C. § 16.066) |
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 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
Texas Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources
Get Help with Your Questions About Civil Statute of Limitations Laws in Texas
When deciding if you should file a civil lawsuit, one of the most important considerations is timing. Be sure you're aware of the important time limits for your Texas civil case or you could be barred from recovery. A great way to ensure that you're meeting the filing deadline is to discuss your case with an experienced litigation attorney in your area.
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