FirmTimerFirmTimerCalculate accurate filing deadlines for various causes of action in California. This tool provides statute citations, legal notes, and important deadline information for your case.
Statute may be tolled until age of majority
Statute may be tolled due to disability
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July 2, 2027
A 2-year SOL applies to actions for injury or death caused by another’s wrongful act or neglect. The “delayed discovery” rule is available by case law for latent injuries (the SOL begins when plaintiff suspects or should suspect wrongdoing). If plaintiff is a minor or lacking legal capacity, the period is tolled until majority or capacity (unless a healthcare defendant, see med-mal).
Last reviewed 6/12/2025
Firm Timer helps you track every minute of your workday, ensuring you never miss a billable hour again. Our intuitive time tracking software is designed for law firms, making it easy to capture time on the go.
| Cause of Action | Statute of Limitations | Discovery Rule | Statute of Repose | Legal Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | No | — | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | No | — | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1 |
| Property Damage | 3 years | Yes | — | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 338(c)(1) |
| Written Contract | 4 years | No | — | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 337(1) (written contracts) |
| Oral Contract | 2 years | No | — | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 339(1) (oral contracts) |
| Defamation | 1 year | No | — | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 340(c) |
| Medical Malpractice | 1 year | Yes | 3 years | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 340.5 |
| Consumer Debt | 4 years | No | — | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 337(1) |
Common questions about California statutes of limitations
The shortest deadline in California is 1 years for defamation (libel/slander) claims, while the longest is 4 years for consumer debt disputes. Missing these cut-offs—even by a day—can permanently bar recovery.
Note: California also enforces statutes of repose, which create an absolute bar after a set number of years, regardless of when the injury is discovered. Our calculator flags these where applicable.
A statute of limitations sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. In California, these time limits vary by the type of claim or offense.
Missing a filing deadline can permanently bar your claim, regardless of its merit. This calculator helps you determine the deadline for your specific case, but always consult with a qualified attorney for legal advice.
For more information about California law, visit the official California courts or legislature website.