Legal Deadline Calculator

It is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Miss it, and your claim is almost always permanently barred regardless of merit. Periods vary widely: personal injury is commonly 2-3 years, written contracts 4-6 years, fraud 3-6 years, medical malpractice 1-3 years, and wrongful death 1-3 years. Each state sets its own limits.

Usually on the date of injury or breach, but the "discovery rule" can delay the start until you knew or should have known of the harm (common in fraud, malpractice, and toxic exposure). Tolling can also pause the clock for minors, mental incapacity, or a defendant who leaves the state.

Yes, and they are easy to miss. Many states require a written notice of claim within 60-180 days of the incident, well before any lawsuit is filed. Federal Tort Claims Act claims must be presented within 2 years. Always investigate notice-of-claim requirements immediately if a government entity is involved.

As soon as possible. An attorney can identify the correct statute, applicable tolling rules, and notice deadlines. Even if a claim looks time-barred, exceptions may apply. Do not rely on a calculator alone for any matter where the deadline is approaching.