FirmTimerFirmTimerCalculate accurate filing deadlines for various causes of action in North Carolina. 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
General personal injury or negligence claims have a three-year statute of limitations in North Carolina (running from the date the injury becomes apparent). The "discovery rule" may delay the start until the injury is or should be discovered, but an absolute repose of 10 years from the wrongful act applies in most cases. The statute is tolled during a plaintiff’s minority or legal insanity (but not indefinitely – see medical malpractice for minor limits).
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 | 10 years | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(5) |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | No | — | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-53(4) |
| Property Damage | 3 years | Yes | 10 years | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1), (5) |
| Breach Of Written Contract | 3 years | No | — | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1) |
| Breach Of Oral Contract | 3 years | No | — | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1), ( verbal contracts not under seal ) |
| Defamation | 1 year | No | — | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-54(3) |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | Yes | 4 years | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-15(c); § 1-17(b) |
| Consumer Debt | 3 years | No | — | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1) |
| Written Contract | 3 years | Yes | 6 years | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1):contentReference[oaicite:76]{index=76} |
| Oral Contract | 3 years | Yes | 6 years | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(1):contentReference[oaicite:90]{index=90} |
Common questions about North Carolina statutes of limitations
The shortest deadline in North Carolina is 1 years for defamation (libel/slander) claims, while the longest is 3 years for oral contract disputes. Missing these cut-offs—even by a day—can permanently bar recovery.
Note: North Carolina 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina law, visit the official North Carolina courts or legislature website.