California Statute of Limitations (CA)
California has a 4-year limit for written contracts, 2 years for oral contracts and personal injury, and 3 years for property damage and fraud. Medical malpractice has a 3-year discovery/1-year knowledge rule. California applies the discovery rule, which means the statute of limitations clock may not start until the plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the cause of action.
Civil Statute of Limitations in California
The table below shows the statute of limitations for all civil claim types in California. The "urgency" column indicates whether the period is short (red/orange -- act quickly) or long (green -- more time available) relative to other states. The national average for each category is provided for comparison.
| Claim Type | Time Limit | National Average | vs. Average | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contract | 4 years | 6.2 years | -2.2 yr | Moderate |
| Oral Contract | 2 years | 4.9 years | -2.9 yr | Short |
| Personal Injury | 2 years | 2.7 years | -0.7 yr | Short |
| Property Damage | 3 years | 3.7 years | -0.7 yr | Moderate |
| Fraud | 3 years | 3.8 years | -0.8 yr | Moderate |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | 2.3 years | +0.7 yr | Moderate |
| Debt Collection | 4 years | 6.2 years | -2.2 yr | Moderate |
Criminal Statute of Limitations in California
Criminal statutes of limitations determine how long prosecutors have to file charges after a crime is committed.
| Crime Type | Time Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | No limit | Can be prosecuted at any time |
| Felonies (general) | No limit | No statute of limitations for most felonies |
| Misdemeanors | 1 year | Prosecution must begin within 1 year |
Discovery Rule in California
California applies the discovery rule. Under this doctrine, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered the cause of action. This is particularly important for medical malpractice, fraud, and latent injury claims where the harm may not be immediately apparent. However, most states also impose an outer "statute of repose" that sets an absolute deadline regardless of when discovery occurs.
Tolling Provisions
Tolling provisions pause or extend the statute of limitations under certain circumstances. In California:
Tolled for defendant's absence from state, minor's disability (until age 18), and insanity. Discovery rule delays start for fraud and medical malpractice.
Key Considerations for California
- Written vs. oral contracts: California allows 4 years for written contracts and 2 years for oral contracts. The 2-year difference reflects the stronger evidence provided by written agreements.
- Personal injury urgency: At 2 years, California's personal injury SOL is short compared to other states (national average: 2.7 years). This is a short window -- injured parties should consult an attorney promptly.
- Debt collection: Creditors have 4 years to sue for unpaid debts in California. After this period, the debt becomes "time-barred" and cannot be collected through the courts (though it may still appear on credit reports).
- Medical malpractice: California allows 3 years for medical malpractice claims. The discovery rule applies, which can extend this period if the injury was not immediately apparent.
Major Cities in California
Statutes of limitations in California are set at the state level and apply uniformly across all cities and counties. However, court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules may vary by jurisdiction.
Los Angeles
Largest city in California. State SOL applies; high volume of personal injury claims.
San Francisco
Major metro area. State statute of limitations governs all civil claims.
San Diego
Second-largest city. State SOL periods apply uniformly.
How California Compares to Other States
The table below compares California with five states that have similar statute of limitations periods. This can help you understand whether your state's time limits are relatively generous or restrictive.
| State | Written | Oral | Personal Injury | Fraud | Med Mal | Discovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California (CA) | 4yr | 2yr | 2yr | 3yr | 3yr | Yes |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | 4yr | 4yr | 2yr | 2yr | 2yr | Yes |
| Texas (TX) | 4yr | 4yr | 2yr | 4yr | 2yr | Yes |
| Alaska (AK) | 3yr | 3yr | 2yr | 3yr | 2yr | Yes |
| Delaware (DE) | 3yr | 3yr | 2yr | 3yr | 2yr | Yes |
| Idaho (ID) | 5yr | 4yr | 2yr | 3yr | 2yr | Yes |
Need More Information?
Use our statute of limitations lookup tool to compare time limits across all states, or browse all 50 states and DC for the complete comparison table. Remember: this information is for general educational purposes only. Statutes of limitations involve complex rules about tolling, discovery, and accrual that can significantly affect your filing deadline. If you have a potential legal claim, consult with a licensed attorney in California as soon as possible -- especially if the deadline may be approaching.