Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed May 23, 2025

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.

Whether you’re filing a medical malpractice lawsuit or a personal injury claim, Vermont law limits how long you have to file your civil action. These time limits are called statutes of limitations, and they vary depending on the type of legal action you wish to pursue.

Vermont civil statutes of limitations ensure the integrity of physical evidence and witness testimony. They also prevent the indefinite threat of a lawsuit, which the plaintiff could use to blackmail the defendant without these time limits.

This article explains Vermont’s civil statutes of limitations and what happens if you don’t file your claim in time. It also provides information about the statutes of limitations for specific causes of action. If you still have questions about your case, consider seeking legal advice from a Vermont attorney.

What Happens if You Miss the Statute of Limitations in Vermont?

Vermont superior courts are strict when it comes to enforcing the statute of limitations. If you miss the statute of limitations period, one of two things will likely happen. Either the defendant will file a motion to dismiss, or the judge will dismiss the case on their own.

Once the judge dismisses the case, the legal claim is lost forever. This is why meeting with a Vermont personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury is a good idea. This way, they can ensure that the claim gets filed on time.

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: Summary

Below is a recap of the statutes of limitations in the State of Vermont as dictated by the Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.).

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for Libel/Slander

Libel/Slander - Three years (12 V.S.A. §512(3))

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for Fraud

Six years (12 V.S.A. §511)

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for Personal Property Damage

Three years (12 V.S.A. §512(5))

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for Professional Malpractice

Three years from the incident or two from reasonable discovery (max. seven years) (12 V.S.A. §521)

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for Trespass

Three years (12 V.S.A. §512(5))

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for Contracts (Including Rent and Debt Collection)

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for Judgments

Eight years (12 V.S.A. §506)

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for Product Liability

Three years (12 V.S.A. §512(4))

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations for False Imprisonment

Three years (12 V.S.A. §512(2))

Note: 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 a Vermont personal injury attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.

Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations: Related Resources

Questions About Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations Laws? Ask a Lawyer

You don't want to lose the chance to file your Vermont personal injury case because you missed the statute of limitations period. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer in Vermont sooner rather than later.

Was this helpful?

Helpful Links

Popular Directory Searches