Kentucky Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Kentucky. 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: 10 years (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.160).
- Oral Contracts: 5 years (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.120).
- Personal Injury: 1 year (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140(1)(a)).
- Property Damage: 5 years (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.120).
Kentucky Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 10 years | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.160 | Accrues on the date of breach. 15 years for sealed instruments. |
| Oral Contracts | 5 years | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.120 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Personal Injury | 1 year | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140(1)(a) | Accrues on the date of injury. One of the shortest in the nation. |
| Property Damage | 5 years | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.120 | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 1 year | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.140(1)(e) | 1 year from the act, with a discovery rule extending to 1 year from discovery. 5-year statute of repose. |
| Debt Collection | 10 years | Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 413.120, 413.160 | Written debts: 10 (or 15 for sealed instruments). Oral debts: 5 years. |
| Fraud | 5 years | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.120(12) | 5 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Kentucky
Kentucky has one of the shortest personal injury statutes of limitations in the nation at just 1 year. Written contract claims benefit from a long 10-year period. The discovery rule applies to medical malpractice and fraud claims.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is Kentucky's personal injury statute so short?
Kentucky allows only 1 year from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, one of the shortest periods in the country. This makes it critical to consult an attorney promptly after an injury.
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What is the statute of limitations for debt in Kentucky?
Written debts have a 10-year statute of limitations (15 years for sealed instruments). Oral debts have a 5-year limit.
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Does Kentucky have a discovery rule for medical malpractice?
Yes. The 1-year period may be extended to 1 year from discovery, but a 5-year statute of repose applies as an outer limit.