Statutes of limitation are the amount of time during which you are allowed to file a civil lawsuit against another party for damages resulting from an incident. The limits vary by state and type of case. It is important to understand these limits to preserve your right to sue for damages. Here’s a look at the different Massachusetts statutes of limitation for civil cases.

Statutes of Limitation for Civil Cases – by Case Type

  • Contract Disputes – 6-20 Years (Depending on the type of contract)
  • Debt Collections – 6 Years
  • Fraud – 3 Years
  • Judgements – 6 Years
  • Malpractice – 3 Years (With Exceptions for Latent Injuries)
  • Personal Injury – 3 Years (With Exceptions for Latent Injuries)
  • Rent Collection – 3 Years
  • Slander/Libel – 3 Years
  • Trespassing – 3 Years

Reasons for Limitations

There are several reasons why Massachusetts statutes of limitation for civil cases exist. First and foremost, with the passage of time, evidence and memories of incidents can be lost. Prompt initiation of lawsuits is therefore preferred and can lead to more fair outcomes. Additionally, parties who may be sued have a right to know that they are being sued rather than living in constant worry and fear of a future lawsuit. Exceptions exist for things like latent injuries (as noted above) because sometimes injuries are not known for a certain number of years. In that case, the timeframe is calculated from when the injury became known.

Assistance with Massachusetts Civil Cases

If you are unsure whether to file a lawsuit for a civil case, speak to a local attorney. Your attorney can evaluate your case and determine whether you have just cause and a right to compensation for damages. It is important to act before the statute of limitation expires for your case. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our team.