State laws dictate how long a potential plaintiff has to file a civil lawsuit, called the "statute of limitations." These time limits often vary by type of claim, with libel and slander typically the shortest. The purpose of placing limits on filing legal claims is to make sure would-be plaintiffs don't use the threat of a lawsuit as leverage indefinitely, while ensuring the integrity of evidence and testimony. Similar limits are placed on prosecutors for the filing of criminal charges, although certain serious crimes (such as murder) do not have any limits for charges.
Michigan's civil statute of limitations allows two years for personal injuries; up to six years for fraud, trespassing, collection of rent, contracts, and debt collection; and 10 years for judgments. Libel and slander (defamation) claims are the only civil action with a one-year limit.
The following chart lists Michigan's civil statutes of limitations, including statute citations and links to related resources. See Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Claims for additional information.
| Injury to Person | 3 yrs. §600.5805(2) |
| Libel/Slander | 1 yr. §600.5805(7) |
| Fraud | 6 yrs. §600.5813 |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 yrs. §600.5805(8) |
| Professional Malpractice | 2 yrs. §600.5805(4) |
| Trespass | 6 yrs. §600.5813 |
| Collection of Rents | 6 yrs. §600.5813 |
| Contracts | Written: 6 yrs. §600.5807(8); Oral: 6 yrs. §600.5807(8) |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 6 yrs. §600.5813 |
| Judgments | 10 yrs. ct. of record; 6 yrs. ct. not of record §600.5809(3) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of these pages, it is best to contact a Michigan personal injury attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Michigan Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources
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Michigan's civil statute of limitations varies depending on the circumstances of the case and the type of claim involved. If you'd like to learn more about Michigan civil statute of limitations laws or need help with your legal matter, you may want to consult with an experienced litigation attorney near you.
