FirmTimerFirmTimerCalculate accurate filing deadlines for various causes of action in Pennsylvania. 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
Found missing, incorrect, or outdated information? Please let us know so we can improve our database for everyone.
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.
June 16, 2027
The standard limitations period for personal injury in Pennsylvania is two years from accrual. Pennsylvania’s courts recognize a broad discovery rule: if a plaintiff does not immediately realize they are injured or its cause, the statute is tolled until a reasonable person would know (the “occurrence rule” is tempered by discovery in latent injury cases). Minority tolling: if an individual is under 18, the statute is tolled until they reach age 18 (then the full 2 years runs). Incompetence tolling exists for plaintiffs who are adjudicated insane (the statute is tolled during insanity, up to 90 days after recovery of sanity). Pennsylvania has no general statute of repose for personal injury, except specific ones (e.g., construction and medical malpractice – see med mal below).
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 | 2 years | Yes | — | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2) |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | No | — | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2) |
| Property Damage | 2 years | Yes | — | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(3) |
| Breach Of Written Contract | 4 years | No | — | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5525(a)(8) |
| Breach Of Oral Contract | 4 years | No | — | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5525(a)(8) |
| Defamation | 1 year | No | — | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5523(1) |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years | Yes | 7 years | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2); 40 Pa. Stat. § 1303.513 |
| Consumer Debt | 4 years | No | — | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5525(a)(8) |
| Written Contract | 4 years | Yes | 12 years | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5525(a)(8):contentReference[oaicite:240]{index=240} |
| Oral Contract | 4 years | Yes | 12 years | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5525(a)(3):contentReference[oaicite:254]{index=254} |
Common questions about Pennsylvania statutes of limitations
The shortest deadline in Pennsylvania is 1 years for defamation (libel/slander) claims, while the longest is 4 years for oral contract disputes. Missing these cut-offs—even by a day—can permanently bar recovery.
Note: Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania law, visit the official Pennsylvania courts or legislature website.