You got rear-ended on Route 175 over a year ago, and your neck is still sore. And it turns out the repair shop didn’t replace the bumper properly. Could you have a case for damages against the other driver or the auto shop? And even if you do, is there a deadline for filing your case in court? This is a quick introduction to civil statutes of limitation in Maryland.
Civil Statutes of Limitation
Every state has statutes of limitations which set a timeline for filing lawsuits and other civil actions. Maryland's statute of limitations laws range from one to twelve years depending on the type of case. The proverbial “statutory clock†starts ticking on either the date of the incident or the discovery of the harm.
Statutes of Limitation in Maryland
Civil statutes of limitations in Maryland are highlighted in the chart below.
| Injury to Person | 3 yrs. Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-105 |
| Libel/Slander | 1 yr. Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-105 |
| Fraud | 3 yr. general limit Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-101 |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 yrs. generally Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-101 |
| Professional Malpractice | Medical: 5 yrs. from injury or 3 yrs. from discovery, whichever is shorter (max. 7) Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-109 |
| Trespass | 3 yr. general limit Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-101 |
| Collection of Rents | 3 yrs. general limit Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-101 |
| Contracts | Written: 3 yrs.; 12 yrs. if under seal Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-101; 5-102(a)(5) |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 3 yrs. Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-101 |
| Judgments | 12 yrs. Cts. & Jud. Proc. §5-102(a)(3) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
The idea behind statute of limitations laws is to create general fairness and practicability when filing lawsuits so that someone doesn’t have an unfinished legal matter hanging over head indefinitely. The injured party, on the other hand, is given a limited amount of time to decide whether or not to file a legal claim in order to recover damages. Therefore, statutes of limitations are the legal system’s attempt to create a distinct deadline for each legal conflict so that each party involved can plan accordingly.
Related Resources for Maryland Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
Being aware of the legal limits on filing lawsuits can be difficult. You can visit FindLaw’s statute of limitations section for more articles and resources on this topic.
Don't Miss Your Filing Deadlines: Get Help From an Attorney
You don't want to lose out on the chance to file your civil lawsuit simply because you missed a deadline. In Maryland, the statute of limitations can be different depending on the claim involved. If you have an injury or related business matter that needs legal attention, you should contact a Maryland litigation attorney as soon as possible.
