A statute of limitations is a law that sets the time period for filing a lawsuit. If a lawsuit is not filed by the deadline, a court may dismiss the case, and any rights arising from the underlying claim may be lost.

How long is the statute of limitations period?

The answer depends on the jurisdiction and the type of case. Each state’s laws vary. Different types of cases have different time periods too. There may be factors that can pause or extend the time period as well. This makes it important to consult with an attorney on your specific case as soon as possible so that the attorney can determine the correct statute of limitations that applies to your case.

What is the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania Personal Injury Cases?

In Pennsylvania, most personal injury actions, including motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall cases, wrongful death, dog bites, and other negligence claims, generally have a two-year statute of limitations. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. This means that a suit must be commenced within two-years of the date the underlying cause of action accrued.

Other rights can have different time periods. For example, in Pennsylvania, actions for libel, slander, or invasion of privacy have a one-year statute of limitations. See 42 Pa.C.S. §5523. Actions for breach of contract have a four-year statute of limitations in Pennsylvania. See 42 Pa.C.S. §5525.

For minor children, the statute of limitations is “tolled” or paused, until they turn 18 years old. Once the child turns 18 years old, the statute of limitations starts, and they then have until their 20th birthday to file suit.

There may be other factors that could affect the statute of limitations in your case. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible about you’re the facts of your case.

Here is a simple example:

Suppose that a person is injured in a motor vehicle accident that occurred in Pennsylvania on January 1, 2026. That person generally has two years from the date of the accident, until January 1, 2028, to file a lawsuit against any responsible parties. If the person does not reach a settlement or file a lawsuit by the two-year time frame, they may lose their right to be compensated for any injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage or other losses that resulted from the crash.

Why is it important to know the statute of limitations for your case?

Knowing the statute of limitations means that you know the deadline to file your case in court. If you miss the deadline your case may be barred by a court - even if you have a strong case and even if you have a good excuse. If you miss the statute of limitations your rights may be lost – this includes your right to receive compensation for your injuries, medical, expenses, lost wages, and other losses due to an injury.

The statute of limitations encourages you to act on your rights and bring your claim in a timely manner. As time passes, evidence may disappear, documents may be lost, and witnesses’ memories may fade. Defendants may die, move, or become hard to find to be served with the suit. These factors may make it more difficult for you to bring your case in court by the deadline. This is why you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible if you believe you have a case. Do not wait, your rights are at stake!

The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Accessing this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.