Colorado Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Colorado. The statute of limitations varies by claim type. Once the deadline passes, you generally cannot file suit.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Written Contracts: 6 years (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-103.5).
- Oral Contracts: 6 years (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-103.5).
- Personal Injury: 2 years (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102).
- Property Damage: 2 years (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102).
Colorado Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 6 years | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-103.5 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 6 years | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-103.5 | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 2 years | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102 | Accrues on the date of injury. Discovery rule may apply. |
| Property Damage | 2 years | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102 | Accrues when damage occurs or is discovered. |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102.5 | 2 years from the date the cause of action is known or should have been known, with a 3-year statute of repose. |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-103.5 | 6 years for all types of debt. |
| Fraud | 3 years | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101 | 3 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Colorado
Colorado uses a two-tier system: shorter periods (2 years) for tort claims and longer periods (6 years) for contract claims. The discovery rule applies broadly to medical malpractice and fraud claims. Colorado also has a general tolling provision for minors and persons under disability.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the statute of limitations for debt in Colorado?
Colorado allows 6 years for creditors to sue on debts, whether written or oral, measured from the date of default or last payment.
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Does Colorado have a discovery rule for medical malpractice?
Yes. The 2-year period runs from when the patient knew or should have known about the injury, but there is a hard 3-year statute of repose from the date of the act.
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Can the statute of limitations be tolled in Colorado?
Yes, the statute is tolled for minors and persons under legal disability. The absence of the defendant from Colorado may also toll the statute.