Maine Statute of Limitations
Time limits for filing civil lawsuits in Maine. 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 (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752).
- Oral Contracts: 6 years (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752).
- Personal Injury: 6 years (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752).
- Property Damage: 6 years (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752).
Maine Statute of Limitations by Claim Type
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Statute | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts | 6 years | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 | Accrues on the date of breach. |
| Oral Contracts | 6 years | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 | Same period as written contracts. |
| Personal Injury | 6 years | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 | One of the longest personal injury periods in the nation. |
| Property Damage | 6 years | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 | Accrues when damage occurs. |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 24, § 2902 | 3 years from the date of the act or omission. Discovery rule applies. |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 | 6 years for all debt types. |
| Fraud | 6 years | Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 14, § 752 | 6 years from discovery of the fraud. |
General Notes for Maine
Maine has a uniform 6-year statute of limitations for most civil claims, making it one of the most plaintiff-friendly states in terms of time to file. Medical malpractice is an exception at 3 years. The discovery rule applies to medical malpractice claims.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the general statute of limitations in Maine?
Maine applies a 6-year statute of limitations for most civil claims, including contracts, personal injury, property damage, and fraud.
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Is Maine's personal injury deadline really 6 years?
Yes. Maine has one of the longest personal injury statutes of limitations in the nation at 6 years from the date of injury.
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How does Maine handle medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice claims in Maine have a shorter 3-year statute of limitations from the date of the act, with a discovery rule for injuries not immediately apparent.