Almost every legal claim has a filing deadline — the 'statute of limitations.' Miss it and you can lose the right to sue no matter how strong your case is. Choose your claim type and state to see the general statutory window, with a citation to the law and a link to official resources. Because the real deadline depends on the exact facts, this tool shows the general window only — it does not calculate a date for your specific situation.
A statute of limitations is the legal clock on a claim. It sets how long after an event you have to file a lawsuit — often counted from the date of injury, breach, or discovery. Different kinds of claims (injury, written contracts, property damage, debt) carry different windows, and they vary from state to state.
Deadlines can be shorter than people expect, and certain facts can shorten or pause the clock in ways only a lawyer can confirm. If your window might be closing, treat it as urgent: gather your records and talk to an attorney promptly rather than assuming you have plenty of time.
Disclaimer: NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. Using a tool does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws change and vary by situation — verify anything important with the official source or a licensed attorney in your state.