The time limit for filing a civil suit or prosecuting a criminal case is called the "statute of limitations." In fact, states have several different statutes of limitations for different types of claims. When filing a civil case, it is important to note the statute of limitations for the claim you intend to file. If the statute of limitations has expired, you may not be able to pursue your claim in court -- even if you have a valid case.
In Texas, civil statute of limitations laws are anywhere from one to five years, depending on the severity of the claim. While Texas plaintiffs have one year in which to file a claim for defamation, the time limit is five years for sex crimes.
Learn about the main provisions of Texas civil statute of limitations laws in the table below. See Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Claims for related information.
| Injury to Person | 2 yrs. Civ. Prac. & Rem. §16.003(a); 5 yrs. for sex crimes 16.0045 |
| Libel/Slander | 1 yr. Civ. Prac. & Rem. §16.002(a) |
| Fraud | 4 yrs. Civ. Prac. & Rem. §16.004(a)(4) |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 yrs. Civ. Prac. & Rem. §16.003(a) |
| Professional Malpractice | - |
| Trespass | 2 yrs. Civ. Prac. & Rem. §16.003(a) |
| Collection of Rents | - |
| Contracts | Written: 4 yrs. real property Civ. Prac. §16.004(a)(3) |
| Collection of Debt on Account | 4 yrs. Civ. Prac. & Rem. §16.004(a) (3) |
| Judgments | - |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a Texas personal injury attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
More Information
If you’d like to read up on more information related to Texas’s statute of limitations laws, feel free to check out the links to related resources provided below. In addition, you can also learn more about the statute of limitations, in general, by reading FindLaw’s overview on Time Limits to Bring a Case. Finally, keep in mind that it is generally in your best interests to consult with an attorney (product liability, personal injury, medical malpractice, or otherwise) as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner and your legal rights are protected.
Research the Law
Texas Civil Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources
Get Help with Your Questions About Civil Statute of Limitations Laws in Texas
When deciding if you should file a civil lawsuit, one of the most important considerations is timing. Be sure you're aware of the important time limits for your Texas civil case or you could be barred from recovery. A great way to ensure that you're meeting the filing deadline is to discuss your case with an experienced litigation attorney in your area.
