FirmTimerFirmTimerCalculate accurate filing deadlines for various causes of action in Rhode Island. 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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June 16, 2028
Rhode Island requires that actions for "injuries to the person" be commenced within three years. This includes negligence claims for personal injuries. A judicially created discovery rule may toll accrual until the injury and its cause were discoverable (particularly in med mal or latent injury cases). Minority tolling: by statute (RIGL 9-1-19), if the person is a minor or mentally incompetent at the time of accrual, the statute is tolled until the disability is removed (i.e., age 18 or regained competence), but RI law **does not** permit tolling beyond 7 years after the act in medical malpractice cases (minors have special rules in med mal – see med mal note).
Last reviewed 6/9/2025
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 | 3 years | Yes | — | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b) |
| Wrongful Death | 3 years | No | — | R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-2 |
| Property Damage | 10 years | Yes | — | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) |
| Breach Of Written Contract | 10 years | No | — | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) |
| Breach Of Oral Contract | 10 years | No | — | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) |
| Defamation | 1 year | No | — | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(a) |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | Yes | 7 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14.1(1) |
| Consumer Debt | 4 years | No | — | R.I. Gen. Laws § 6A-2-725(1) |
| Written Contract | 10 years | Yes | 10 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) |
| Oral Contract | 10 years | Yes | 10 years | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a) |
Common questions about Rhode Island statutes of limitations
The shortest deadline in Rhode Island is 1 years for defamation (libel/slander) claims, while the longest is 10 years for oral contract disputes. Missing these cut-offs—even by a day—can permanently bar recovery.
Note: Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island law, visit the official Rhode Island courts or legislature website.